History of Clonmel

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

1. Penal Laws persecution of Catholics in Clonmel

   Clonmel · town · Tipperary

   Under the Penal Laws, popish bishops, Jesuits and friars were ordered to quit the kingdom, laity were persecuted and disarmed, traders deprived of freedom, and Catholics denied education, with spies operating in Clonmel.

   Read the passage

   PENAL LAWS — Popish bishops, Jesuits, friars, &c., to quit kingdom, 136; all persons exercising popish jurisdiction to be registered, 137; registered persons to take oath of abjuration, 137; spies in Clonmel, 138-9; proceedings of magistrates, 140-1; laity persecuted, 142; disarmed, 143; dispute relative to taxation, 144; traders deprived of freedom, 146; intrusion money and quarterage, 146-7; denial of education, 148; free school, 149; charter school, 150; Catholic servility, 151.

   PERRY FAMILY— Origin of, 91; John of Kilmalogo, 110, 125; William of Woodroff, 127 (note).

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 52

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead is Clonmel, the Tipperary town the road carries you through. Under the Penal Laws, Catholic bishops, Jesuits, and friars were ordered to quit the kingdom, and those exercising Catholic jurisdiction had to register and take an oath of abjuration. Spies operated in Clonmel while magistrates pursued their proceedings. The laity were persecuted and disarmed, traders were deprived of their freedom, and Catholics were denied education.

2. Proclamation of 1604 Banishing Priests from Munster

   Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1604

   On 14th August 1604 Sir Henry Brouncker, president of Munster, issued a proclamation ordering all Jesuits, seminary and massing priests to leave the province by the end of September, with fines and rewards offered for their capture.

   Read the passage

   What took place in Clonmel is only an example of the proceedings in the towns generally. From the beginning of the reign of James I. the open and ostentatious Catholicism of the people was a subject of sore complaint. Sir Henry Brouncker a few months after his appointment to the presidency of Munster, reported to Cecil that the towns in his province were swarming with priests, mass being said almost publicly in the best houses even in the hearing of all men (00). Saxey, chief justice of the presidency court, was equally distressed by the presence of Jesuits who, he said, numerous as locusts were everywhere harboured by the noblemen and chief gentry of the country but especially by the cities and walled towns (pp). But how to deal with the evil was the difficulty. For as yet there was no statute of the Irish parliament by which the Catholic clergy might be banished ; there was indeed the English statute, 27 Elizabeth, but the crown lawyers construed it in vain. No one had ever contended that an act of the parliament of England bound Ireland unless expressly named. The matter however was urgent, and Justice Saxey advised the Privy Council to seize on the persons of the priests and deport them to England where there was enough law to deal with them. Besides, he argued, did not the "queen's dominions" in Act 27 Elizabeth include Ireland (qq). Sir John Davis, the attorney-general, took a more hopeful view. "The priests," he wrote, "would with all their hearts leave this miserable country and would be glad to hear of a proclamation of banishment that they might have a good excuse to depart ; they that go up and down the [county of the] Cross of Tipperary get nothing but bacon and oatmeal, the people are so poor " (rr). The experiment was tried. On 14th August, 1604, Brouncker issued a proclamation that all Jesuits, seminaries [seminary priests], and massing priests depart the province before the last day of September, any person receiving or relieving them to be imprisoned during his majesty's pleasure and fined in the sum of £40. Further, a reward of ^40 was offered for the body of every Jesuit brought unto the lord president, £6 3s, 4d. for every seminary and £s for every massing priest (ss). But no priests were taken and none departed. Some months later a spy returned a list of the priests still in Munster which included among others Richard White priest in Clonmel, Fathers Mulroney and Leinagh Jesuits in the same, Redmond Nash priest in Fethard, Thomas Geflferay priest in Kilcash, Walter Wall Jesuit in Carrick-on-Suir (tt). The royal authority was now invoked ; a proclamation was made in which the King declared his high displeasure at the report that he purposed to grant

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 5

   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Clonmel now, a town at the centre of a crackdown on Catholic clergy in 1604. Sir Henry Brouncker, president of Munster, had reported that the towns were swarming with priests, with mass said almost publicly in the best houses. The chief justice of the presidency court, Saxey, complained that Jesuits were as numerous as locusts, harboured everywhere by noblemen and gentry, especially in the walled towns. The difficulty was that there was no Irish statute to banish the clergy, and the English statute of 27 Elizabeth did not clearly bind Ireland. Justice Saxey advised the Privy Council to seize the priests and deport them to England, where the law could deal with them. The attorney-general, Sir John Davis, took a different view, writing that the priests would gladly leave of their own accord, since those going about the county of the Cross of Tipperary got nothing but bacon and oatmeal, the people being so poor. On 14th August 1604 Brouncker issued his proclamation, ordering all Jesuits, seminary priests, and massing priests to depart the province before the last day of September. Anyone receiving or relieving them was to be imprisoned during his majesty's pleasure and fined 40 pounds. A reward was offered for the body of every Jesuit brought to the lord president, with lesser sums for seminary and massing priests. But no priests were taken and none departed. Some months later a spy returned a list of clergy still in Munster, including Richard White, a priest in Clonmel, and Fathers Mulroney and Leinagh, Jesuits in the same town.

3. Sheehy surrenders to Cornelius O'Callaghan at Shanbally

   Shanbally · townland · Tipperary · 1765

   Fearing an unfair trial in Clonmel, Sheehy negotiated to surrender in Dublin instead, and was directed to give himself up to Cornelius O'Callaghan of Shanbally. O'Callaghan sympathised with the priest and even offered him money to flee, but Sheehy refused and was escorted to Dublin under guard.

   Read the passage

   Sheehy, on receipt of the letter, waited on Cornelius O'Callaghan, of Shanbally, in accordance with Waite's instructions. O'Callaghan, whose father and grandfather were Catholics, sympathising with the unhappy priest, offered him a hundred guineas, and told him to make his way out of the country at once. O'Callaghan knew the feeling of the Tipperary gentlemen, and that the secretary's letter would not protect him from their vengeance (m). The head-strong priest conscious of his innocence, declined the offer, and an escort of the light-horse was provided by the friendly magistrate. The Dublin Gazette of l6th March, 1765, states : — "About 8 o'clock on Wednesday night, Nicholas Sheehy, a popish priest, charged with being concerned in several treasonable practices to raise a rebellion in this kingdom, for the apprehending of whom Grovernment offered a reward of £300, was brought to town guarded by a party of light horse and lodged by the Provost in the Lower Castle Yard."

   Whilst in Dublin, Father Sheehy was under the charge of Joseph Sirr, Town-Major. It would appear that he underwent an examination by the members of the Privy Council, for he certainly made the acquaintance,

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 37

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, in 1765, the priest Nicholas Sheehy gave himself up to Cornelius O'Callaghan of Shanbally. Sheehy had feared an unfair trial in Clonmel and negotiated to surrender in Dublin instead, and Waite's instructions directed him here. O'Callaghan, whose father and grandfather were Catholics, sympathised with the unhappy priest. He offered him a hundred guineas and told him to make his way out of the country at once, knowing the Tipperary gentlemen's feeling and that the secretary's letter would not protect him from their vengeance. Sheehy, conscious of his innocence, refused. A light-horse escort was provided, and the Dublin Gazette of 16th March 1765 reported that he was brought to town guarded by a party of light horse and lodged by the Provost in the Lower Castle Yard. He had been charged with treasonable practices to raise a rebellion, and the government had offered 300 pounds for his apprehension. While in Dublin he was under the charge of Joseph Sirr, the Town-Major, and underwent examination by members of the Privy Council.

4. Sir Richard Jones's brief knighthood won by buffoonery on the Clonmel quay

   Clonmel · town · Tipperary

   Sir Richard Jones, who lived in a large house on the quay near the present brewery, obtained a knighthood through wild buffoonery at a saturnalia honouring a visiting lord lieutenant, though the honour was recalled the following day, too late as Lady Jones had already told her friends.

   Read the passage

   foo) Sir Richard Jones, who long lived in a large house on the quay near the present brewery. The honour, however, was recalled the following day, but it was too late, for Lady Jones had already communicated with her friends.

   fPp) " The agreeable company of your nephew. Will Newman and some other friends to drink the Old Glorious prevented my acknowledging your letter."— W. G. Carleton, 13 Feb. 1760. "Six bottles of right good french clarett and a rump of beef as a renewal fine on the fall of each life." — Lease of Burgagery, Bagwell to Domville, i8th Oct., 1755. But it must not be supposed that the Irish squirearchy sinned alone. The great Pitt and his pot companion, Viscount Melville, often edified parliament ; a wag of the time wrote —

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

   As the companion tells it

   Clonmel is the town you're passing through, and it holds the story of Sir Richard Jones, who lived in a large house on the quay near the present brewery. He obtained a knighthood through wild buffoonery at a saturnalia honouring a visiting lord lieutenant. The honour was recalled the following day, but it was too late, for Lady Jones had already told her friends.

5. Slattery's tomb at Kilgrant church

   Kilgrant · parish · Tipperary · 1726

   The ruined church of Kilgrant contains the tomb of John Slattery, Counsellor at Law and Member of Parliament, killed by Stephen Moore in 1726 following their political duel.

   Read the passage

   Here Lyes y^ Body of John Slatterie Co[unsellor1 AT Law, a Member of Parliament who was Killed by Stephen Moor y^ 13 N"* 1726.

   Daring and unscrupulous, Moore by interest or menace, obtained a majority in the town council by means of which he set about converting Clonmel into a pocket borough for the advantage of his family. It had been customary for the mayor on entering office to summon the D'Ouir Hundred Jury to take cognizance of the corporate estate and present persons for freedom. No jury was called, and in vain were petitions presented reminding the mayor of the by-law : —

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

6. Strangman v. Hackett libel case over drowning insinuation

   Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1835

   During the 1835 Clonmel election, the Free Press published sketches vilifying supporters of Conservative candidate John Bagwell; one sketch was seen to implicate William Strangman in the earlier drowning of Close and Grubb. Strangman successfully sued Hackett for libel at the Kilkenny Summer Assizes, winning £750 damages.

   Read the passage

   the Emancipation movement, the tithe-war, corporate reform, repeal of the Union, the tenant-right agitation, followed one another in rapid succession. The Free Press voiced the popular feelings in burning language. More than once Hackett, the proprietor, found himself in the law courts for libel. During the Clonmel election of 1835 a series of sketches appeared in the paper caricaturing and occasionally vilifying the principal supporters of John Bagwell, the Conservative candidate. In one of these sketches a man was described with a drooped figure, a haggard brow and an unearthly excitement of the eye. And the article went on to connect him with the drowning of Lieutenant Close and Miss Grubb in 1826 (ii). William Strangman, the person probably aimed at, sued Hackett for libel. The case was heard at the Kilkenny Summer Assizes, 1835, and resulted in a verdict for Strangman with damages £750 and costs. Another action by John Labarte, town clerk, also ended in heavy damages. In later years the tone of the Free Press was softened, and its politics during the last two decades of its existence were Catholic- Whig. Its influence to a large extent passed away with its founder, John Hackett. His sons, who succeeded him, had neither his ability nor his courage, and soon after the death of Henry O'Connell Hackett in 1880, the paper ceased to exist.

   Founded at a time when, in the words of the historian Leckey, the British Constitution did not exist in Ireland, the task which the Free Press undertook was no light one. The prospectus may read to us blatant if not grotesque, but the petty oppression there set forth in detail, is the literal truth. The common people were glad to be permitted even to breath the air, and any man who spoke for their rights or criticized their oppressors, found himself by process of law sooner or later pauperized or imprisoned (jj). If, as in the case of Strangman, the privileges of journalism were sometimes abused, Hackett in the main nobly vindicated its rights ; and the freedom of the press was bought by him and such as him by many a bitter sacrifice.

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 34

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Clonmel, this is the ground where a bitter election fight played out in 1835. John Bagwell stood as the Conservative candidate, and the local newspaper, the Free Press, run by John Hackett, published a series of sketches caricaturing his principal supporters. One sketch described a man with "a drooped figure, a haggard brow and an unearthly excitement of the eye" and connected him to the drowning of Lieutenant Close and Miss Grubb in 1826. William Strangman, the man probably aimed at, sued Hackett for libel. The case came to the Kilkenny Summer Assizes in 1835, and Strangman won, with damages of £750 and costs. Another action by John Labarte, the town clerk, also ended in heavy damages against Hackett. The Free Press had more than once landed its proprietor in the courts. In later years its tone softened, and its politics turned Catholic-Whig. The paper's influence faded with John Hackett's death, and it ceased to exist soon after the death of his son Henry O'Connell Hackett in 1880. The historian Leckey wrote that when the Free Press was founded, the British Constitution did not exist in Ireland. Hackett, for all his excesses, was seen as having vindicated the rights of journalism at a time when any man who spoke for the common people found himself pauperised or imprisoned.

7. The Battle of Newmarket denied by condemned men

   Newmarket · street · Dublin · 1766

   Edmund Sheehy, James Buxton, and James Farrell all denied in their dying declarations having been present at or having any knowledge of the 'battle of Newmarket,' for which they were tried and condemned to die.

   Read the passage

   " 3rdly. The battle of Newmarket, for which I was tried — I declare I never was at Newmarket, nor do I know there was a rescue intended ; nor do I believe did any man in the county of Tipperary.

   "4thly. I declare that I never meant or intended rebellion, high treason, or massacre, or ever heard any such wicked scheme mentioned or proposed, nor do I believe there was any such matters in view, and if there was, that I am wholly ignorant of them.

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 40

   As the companion tells it

   On this street, what was called the battle of Newmarket gave its name to the charges against Edmund Sheehy, James Buxton, and James Farrell in 1766. All three were tried and condemned to die for it. In their dying declarations, each denied having been present or having any knowledge of it. Sheehy declared he "never was at Newmarket," did not know any rescue was intended, and never meant rebellion, high treason, or massacre, nor believed any such scheme existed in the county of Tipperary.

8. The Irishtown suburb and exclusion of native Irish

   Irishtown · street · Tipperary

   Celtic Irish attached to English masters could not live within Clonmel's walls but dwelt in a suburb outside, which to this day preserves the name 'the Irish town'. They had no legal status and the law took no cognizance of their lives or property.

   Read the passage

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

   C

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 3

   As the companion tells it

   Along here is the suburb still called the Irish town. It grew from a simple rule: the franchises and freedoms granted to the burghers of Clonmel were only for those of Norman or English blood. The Celtic Irish belonged to a different nation and had no legal status. The law took no cognizance of them and gave no protection to their lives or their property. Those who attached themselves to the English as dependents or servants could not live within the walls. They dwelt in a suburb outside, which to this day preserves the name of the Irish town. If an Irish person was murdered, the only question that arose was compensation to their master, just as for the loss of horses or cattle. In the Pipe roll of 1276, the sheriff returns that David Toerny of Clonmele owed 78 shillings on account of the wrongful death of an Irishman belonging to the Lord Edward, to be paid to the said lord. At rare intervals an Irish family obtained letters of naturalization, enabling them to inhabit and trade. Such a family were the Moroneys, who for 300 years played a prominent part in the town and only disappeared in the first quarter of the 18th century.

9. Thornhill Tried at Clonmel Assizes, Acquitted but Bound to Peace

   Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1664

   Robert Thornhill was brought to trial at Clonmel in 1664 for the church robbery and was found Not Guilty by the jury, but the court bound him to keep the peace due to his reputation as a man of evil fame.

   Read the passage

   The sequel of these proceedings is curious. The jury returned a verdict of " Not Guilty," but the Court " upon the oath of several persons worthy of credit that Robert Thornhill is for a long time of evil fame," bound him to the peace (yy).

   But by far the greater part of the criminal business of the courts for many years was the prosecution and conviction of "Tories." At the Restoration in 1660, many of the old Tipperary gentlemen returned, some from Connaught, some from beyond the seas, in the hope of getting back their estates. Through Ormonde's influence several were restored. Among

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 43

   As the companion tells it

   You are coming into Clonmel, the Tipperary town where in 1664 a man named Robert Thornhill stood trial for a church robbery. The jury found him not guilty, but that was not the end of it. Several people swore on oath that Thornhill was, in the words of the court, a man

10. Wakefield describes Clonmel's bacon pickling establishment (1808)

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1808

    Wakefield, visiting Clonmel in December 1808, described an immense establishment for pickling bacon where 12,000 hogs were slaughtered per annum, using Liverpool salt in a large paved warehouse with channels to convey pickle into a central cistern.

    Read the passage

    There is here an immense establishment for the pickling of bacon. 12,000 hogs are slaughtered per annum. Liverpool salt is used. The warehouse in which it is pickled will hold 100 tons. It is paved with flags and has channels to convey the pickle into a cistern in the centre. The introduction of the English breed has been found very advantageous, there being much less oflfal which brings only a guinea per cwt. The bacon is not dried here but sent to England in a pickled state, packed up in cloths. The pork merchants are chiefly quakers (yy).

    The principal merchants were Henry Joyce, Irishtown ; Robert Banfield, New Quay ; Murphy & White, Dowd's Lane ; Henry Price, Irishtown ; Patrick Fennelly, Johnson Street ; Robert Grubb, Suir Island. Apart from what was manufactured for home consumption, in the year ending April 30th, 1832, the number of flitches of bacon exported was 63,751, and of lard 2,769 cwts.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Clonmel, this town had an immense bacon pickling trade. Wakefield visited in December 1808 and found 12,000 hogs slaughtered here every year. The warehouse held 100 tons, paved with flags, with channels running pickle into a central cistern. Liverpool salt was used, and the English breed of pig had proved advantageous, producing less offal. The bacon was sent to England in a pickled state, packed in cloths. The pork merchants were chiefly Quakers, men like Henry Joyce of Irishtown and Robert Grubb of Suir Island. By the year ending April 30th, 1832, exports reached 63,751 flitches of bacon and 2,769 cwts of lard.

11. Witness Toohy dies of leprosy after perjuring himself against Sheehy

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary

    John Toohy, the chief perjured witness against Sheehy, survived him only a few years and died of a disease that spread over his whole body, seen by contemporaries as divine judgement for his false testimony.

    Read the passage

    time, and then suffered to walk about the streets, with a lock on one of his legs. In a few days after, this lock was taken off and he got an elegant suit of new cloathes from head to foot, which were bought for him at a Mr. George Lloyds in West Street [West Gate Street] I remember the coat was a superfine blue cloth and the waist coat and breeches black silk. His company was sought after and his lesson often repeated. In short he was for some time before the trial as much venerated as Mr. Titus Oates was. In the course of the trial he was asked who gave him the new cloathes ? He answered his uncle, who being in court was examined and denied it. I must do justice to his employers, to say they religiously kept their word with him, for he was never brought to trial for the horses he had stolen in the county Kilkenny, but suffered to go when he pleased after he performed the dirty work. He survived Mr. Sheehy but a few years, and died of a leprosy which spread all over his body. Before he was afflicted with this disorder, his good friends had the mortification to hear a judge on the bench (Mr. Prime Serjeant) pronounce him perjured and desire the jury to give no credit to his evidence. In consequence of this laudable conduct of the judge, Roger Sheehy, who stood indicted for high treason was acquitted (s).

    The next to be mentioned in order was a common prostitute, Mary Dunlea, alias Brady, a woman of a most infamous character. She was kept in the barracks of Qonmel for some time previous to the trial; where she was well attended. She got elegant cloaths and her table was furnished from the first tavern in the town — the Spread Eagle, kept at that time by the Widow Corbett While in the barracks one of the light horse men of the name of Brady, took up with her. It was said they were married; at least she went by his name. After the trial she took up with Toohy, but the vengeance of God pursued her for the perjuries she had been guilty of, and she actually died in a ditch near Kilkenny (t).

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 37

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, in Tipperary, this town holds the story of John Toohy, the chief witness against a man named Sheehy. Before the trial, Toohy was held for a time with a lock on one of his legs, then let walk the streets. The lock came off and he was given an elegant suit of new clothes, bought for him at a Mr. George Lloyd's in West Street. The coat was superfine blue cloth, the waistcoat and breeches black silk. His company was sought after and his lesson often repeated. For a time before the trial he was venerated as much as Titus Oates was. During the trial he was asked who gave him the new clothes. He said his uncle, who was in court, was examined, and denied it. His employers kept their word with him. He was never brought to trial for horses he had stolen in County Kilkenny, but allowed to go where he pleased after he performed what the record calls the dirty work. He survived Mr. Sheehy only a few years and died of a leprosy that spread all over his body. Before he was afflicted, his friends had the mortification of hearing a judge on the bench, Mr. Prime Serjeant, pronounce him perjured and tell the jury to give no credit to his evidence. Roger Sheehy, who stood indicted for high treason, was acquitted. After the trial, a woman named Mary Dunlea, alias Brady, described as a common prostitute of infamous character, took up with Toohy. She had been kept in the barracks of Clonmel before the trial, well attended, given elegant clothes, her table furnished from the Spread Eagle tavern, kept by the Widow Corbett. The vengeance of God pursued her for the perjuries she had been guilty of, and she died in a ditch near Kilkenny.

12. Wright imprisoned and tortured in Clonmel gaol

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1798

    After his flogging, Bernard Wright was kept in Clonmel gaol, where Major Riall saw him kneeling on his bed, unable to lie down due to his wounds, the day after the whipping.

    Read the passage

    " Major Riall being examined, deposed that the high sheriff produced two papers, one of which being in French he (the high sheriff) did not understand, but gave it to him to read as containing matter that furnished ground for the flogging. Witness read the paper, and returned it saying it was no wise treasonable ; that it was from a French gentleman, the Baron de Clues, making an excuse for not keeping an appointment, being obliged to wait on Sir Laurence Parsons. Wright however was flogged after witness had explained the nature of the letter to the high sherifif. Next day witness accompanied the high sheriff to see Wright in gaol. Saw him kneeling on his bed, while they were speaking to him, being unable to lie down with soreness. Witness further deposed that he knew of three innocent persons flogged one of whom was Wright.

    " The Rev. T. Prior, Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin, deposed that he had known Bernard Wright from his earliest youth, and that he had always conducted himself as an orderly, loyal, and moral man.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, this is the town where Bernard Wright was held in gaol in 1798 after being flogged. A letter in French from the Baron de Clues had been used as grounds for the whipping, but Major Riall read it and said it was no way treasonable. It was simply a French gentleman's excuse for not keeping an appointment, being obliged to wait on Sir Laurence Parsons. Wright was flogged anyway, and Major Riall himself named him as one of three innocent persons he knew of who were flogged. The next day Riall went with the high sheriff to see Wright in the gaol here. He found him kneeling on his bed, unable to lie down with the soreness of his wounds. The Reverend T. Prior, a Fellow of Trinity College Dublin, had known Wright from his earliest youth and told the inquiry he had always been an orderly, loyal, and moral man.

13. Blackened-face guest and foreclosed mortgage at Kilmore

    Kilmore · townland · Tipperary

    At Kilmore, a gentleman invited his mortgagee, Osborne, to dine and blacked the face of his drunken guest as a prank; the mortgagee had his revenge by foreclosing the mortgage and levelling the house.

    Read the passage

    mingles laughter with our reprobation, this did not render the influence less pestilent to the community of which the malice of destiny had made them the social chiefs. Fortunately their profligacy was sure in the end to work its own cure ; and in the background of their swinish and uproarious drinking bouts, the Encumbered Estates' Act rises to our view " (kk). And the gentry of Tipperary were not better than their class. The great mansions and parks which are scattered through the county, still witness to their extravagance if they do not always to their taste. They played the role of " fine old Irish gentlemen," and convinced the world that they were not avaricious by squandering, and that they were not cowards by fighting (II). Their drinking habits were best left to the charities of history. In the last generation stories were told how in a drunken frenzy, one gambled away an estate by the townland ; another having won a parliamentary election, celebrated the victory in a bacchanalian orgie with his supporters, the member himself dying of delirium tremens shortly after (mm). A third invited his mortgagee to dine and blacked the face of his drunken guest, but the mortgagee had his revenge by foreclosing the itiortgage and levelling the house (nft). Another obtained a knighthood by wild buff'oonery at a saturnalia in honour of the lord lieutenant, who visiting Tipperary did as Tipperary did (oo). Even the punctilious William Perry excused his neglect of correspondence on the ground he had been celebrating the " Old Glorious," while William Bagwell in his leases inserted as consideration for renewal " six bottles of right good f rench clarett " (pp).

    In the great Irish characteristic of fighting, the Tipperary gentry earned special distinction. " Tipperary and Galway," writes Sir Jonah Harrington, " were the ablest schools of the duelling science. Galway was most scientific

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

14. Bridge's declared intention to flee via Anglesborough and Mitchelstown

    Anglesborough · townland · Limerick · 1764

    John Bridge, allegedly murdered, was seen alive on 28 October 1764 at Anglesborough, County Limerick, telling a witness he was fleeing to avoid the light-horse and intended to reach Cork or Kinsale to find a ship, travelling on through Mitchelstown.

    Read the passage

    Knew John Bridge ; saw him at Anglesborough in the county of Limerick, 28th of October, 1764, about eleven miles from Clogheen ; was surprised at his knocking at his door three hours before day ; he said he was going to sea to avoid the light-horse ; went with him through Mitchelstown ; parted from him beyond the town ; he could read and write but he never wrote to him or to any one that he could hear ; told him he would go to Cork or Kinsale, to Cork for a ship; believes Mr. Beere is to be believed on his oath.

    Having convicted Meehan on this evidence, a new jury was impannelled for the trial of Father Sheehy. Toohy, Lonergan and " Mrs, Mary Brady " were again put forward to prosecute. While on the part of the defence several witnesses appeared, as before, in order to prove the incredibility of the story told by Toohy and his partners. Father Sheehy declined numerous offers made by others. His defence was a simple one, but it was effective. It was merely to account for his whole movements during the period when the murder was alleged to have taken place. It will be remembered that from the Spring Assizes of Clonmel in 1764, Father Sheehy "was upon his keeping." As the authorities could easily locate him in Tipperary, much of his time was spent with some kinsmen at Appletown, near Newcastle West Here, it would appear, he spent the week preceding the 28th October, 1764, returning to his priestly duties at Carrickvisteale, Sunday 28th. That evening he again left and passed the night at the house of Robert Keating of Knockagh, three miles east of Cahir. To establish these facts, he was able to produce witnesses of unexceptionable character.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 38

15. Burial of Archbishop Malmaire O'Brien at Innislounaght, 1236

    Inishlounaght · parish · Tipperary · 1236

    In 1236 Archbishop Malmaire O'Brien, who gave Cashel its corporate existence, came to Innislounaght to lay his bones among the Cistercians whose habit he had put on.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 40

16. Burning and shooting at Golden and Ardmayle

    Golden · town · Tipperary · 1641

    Captain Peisley, lieutenant to Sir William St. Leger, burnt houses wholesale and shot several persons at Golden and Ardmayle during the reprisal campaign following cattle raids, further inflaming local anger.

    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

17. Catholics expelled from within the walls of Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1679

    Following the Titus Oates affair, a proclamation from the Lord Lieutenant on 5 April 1679 ordered that Catholic inhabitants of Clonmel be removed outside the town walls, with only a few necessary merchants and artificers permitted to remain.

    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

    Up ahead is Clonmel, in Tipperary. In 1679 this town saw a harsh order carried out. After the Titus Oates affair, the Lord Lieutenant issued a proclamation on 5 April 1679 removing the Catholic inhabitants from within the town walls. Only a few necessary merchants and artificers were allowed to stay. It was a cruel measure, but worse followed. In 1681 the first trade guild was formed, that of the merchants, and within a few years the guilds of cordwainers and brewers joined it. Together these three covered all the commerce and handicrafts of the town. Being Protestant bodies, they could impose any terms they pleased on Catholics, or decide whether Catholics should be permitted to trade at all. The exclusion from the walls in 1679, then, was the beginning of a more lasting exclusion from the town's economic life. Earlier, in 1672, the Mayor and Corporation had gone to church to mark the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot and were mobbed on their return, the mayor receiving rough handling. The Cromwellian ascendancy here still did not feel secure. In 1682 the grand jury of the county palatine refused a loyal address to Charles the Second. Ormond, as lord of the palatinate and lord lieutenant, took notice and determined to bring Stephen Moore to account for moving the rejection. Nothing appears to have been done, but four years later Moore used seditious language towards the new king, was put on trial, and Tyrconnell came to Clonmel in person to secure conviction. The Cromwellian jury refused to convict, and the affair took on national importance.

18. Clonmel refuses Ormond's peace treaty

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1646

    When the 1646 treaty between Ormond and the Anglo-Irish was concluded, the heralds proclaiming peace were refused admission into Clonmel, and a month later the gates were shut against Ormond himself, showing the town's devotion to the nuncio's party.

    Read the passage

    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

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Clonmel in Tipperary, this was a town that held firm in 1646. When a peace treaty was concluded between Ormond and the Anglo-Irish, the heralds sent to proclaim it were refused admission here. A month later, the gates were shut against Ormond himself. Only two prominent citizens, John White fitz Bennet and Thomas White fitz Richard, spoke in favour of the treaty. The town stood with the nuncio's party, and the Ulstermen within its walls had more than once saved it from pillage and perhaps massacre. In May 1647, Inchiquin drew out 1500 horse and as many foot and took Dromana, Cappoquin, and Dungarvan. He planned to besiege the town but was forced back to Cork for want of victuals and carriages. Owen Roe O'Neill's secretary gives another account, saying the Council ordered Owen Roe to relieve the town, and he marched day and night over 24 miles to Ballinakelly, at which news Inchiquin withdrew. Months later, after the capture of Cahir Castle and the sack of Cashel, all Tipperary lay at Inchiquin's feet. But the town held, with a regiment of 1500 "red shanks" and its governor, the redoubtable Alexander McDonnell.

19. Death of Cavalryman Dragged into Nenagh

    Nenagh · town · Tipperary

    An assistant in the cavalry connected to the Sheehy jury affair was thrown by his horse and dragged dead into the town of Nenagh with his leg fastened in the stirrup, described as a spectacle of horror.

    Read the passage

    point out the many who fell victims to the Herodian distemper ? Recollect, Mr. Toler, the names of the petit jurors and the manner of their deaths. Jonathan Willington of Castle Willington, was one of them as well as I can recollect He was a particular acquaintance of yours ; do you remember he dropt dead in a necessary ? Sandy Hoops was another; he was drowned in a ford over which his servant passed with ease (g). Robert Going died suddenly {hh Edward Dawson was killed by his horse. An assistant in the cavalry (I forget his name) was thrown by his horse and dragged dead into the town of Nenagh with his leg fastened in the stirrup — a spectacle of horror. In short, Mr. Toler, all the jury are dead, and what is more extraordinary, they all got sudden deaths.

    To these strange particulars Dr. Madden has added several others.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 38

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Nenagh, there is a death tied to this place from the Sheehy jury affair. An assistant in the cavalry, whose name the record does not give, was thrown by his horse and dragged dead into the town with his leg fastened in the stirrup. The book calls it "a spectacle of horror." He was one of the petit jurors, or connected to them, and the writer notes that all the jury were dead and all met sudden ends. Others among them included Edward Dawson, killed by his horse, and Sandy Hoops, drowned in a ford his servant crossed with ease. The passage is part of an address to a Mr. Toler, asking him to recall the jurors and the manner of their deaths.

20. Disease and desertion ravage Clonmel garrison in winter 1690

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1690–1691

    During the winter of 1690-91, the Clonmel garrison suffered great distress, with 250 sick soldiers in two battalions and 25 dying within four days, leading many to begin deserting.

    Read the passage

    The Williamites nevertheless entered the town unmolested, the gates being open and the garrison fled. Davis supplies an unconscious climax to this sort of warfare. " 2lst I went to Clonmel to visit Mr. Thomas Moore with whom I dined and spent most of the day." But with the defeat before Limerick and the brilliant coup of Sarsfield, the campaign entered on a new phase. William was compelled to return to Clonmel on 30th August to arrange for winter quarters and a renewal of the war the following year. The command of the army was entrusted to Count Solmes and General Ginckle, and the civil government to Lords Justices Sydney and Conningsby. The defences of Clonmel had been neglected since the Cromwellian period. In 1666 Orrery reported — " In the town and citadel no guns mounted nor any scaff'olds to fire over the walls of the citadel.*' William, who left nothing to chance, gave instructions regarding them. " The fortification of such places as Cashel and Clonmel where the troops will be for the winter should above all things be advanced ; these places should be well provisioned both for horses and men " (0). Nor were these precautions needless, for a fortnight later Solmes wrote to the King : " The rapparees the day before yesterday attacked our provisions and artillery between Clonmel and Carrick and everything had to be sent back to the former place for safety " (p). During the winter there were other troubles. On December lOth, Ginckle wrote from Kilkenny : " The governor of Clonmells letter tells me that his garrison is in great distress ; in two batallions there are 250 sick and 25 died in four days, and they are beginning to desert " (q). The war continued to drag on for another year when the Irish gained a diplomatic victory by the treaty of Limerick, guaranteeing them such civil rights as they had enjoyed in the reign of Charles IL How the terms were kept in the case of Clonmel will appear in the following chapter.

    (n) Diary of Rev. Roland Davics, Camden Society-

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    The road is bringing you through Clonmel, in Tipperary, a town that became a Williamite military headquarters in the autumn of 1690. After the defeat before Limerick and Sarsfield's brilliant coup, William returned to Clonmel on 30th August to arrange winter quarters and a renewal of the war the following year. He entrusted the command of the army to Count Solmes and General Ginckle, and the civil government to Lords Justices Sydney and Conningsby. The defences of Clonmel had been neglected since the Cromwellian period. In 1666, Orrery had reported that in the town and citadel there were no guns mounted nor any scaffolds to fire over the walls. William, who left nothing to chance, gave instructions that the fortification of such places as Cashel and Clonmel should above all things be advanced, and that these places should be well provisioned both for horses and men. These precautions were not needless. A fortnight later, Solmes wrote to the King that the rapparees had attacked their provisions and artillery between Clonmel and Carrick, and everything had to be sent back to Clonmel for safety. During the winter there were other troubles. On 10th December, Ginckle wrote from Kilkenny that the governor of Clonmel's letter told him his garrison was in great distress. In two battalions there were 250 sick, and 25 died in four days, and they were beginning to desert.

21. Earl of Kildare's surprise attack on Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1516

    In 1516 the Earl of Kildare, lord deputy, having defeated the O'Carrolls, marched on Clonmel then controlled by Sir James Butler and took the town by surprise, forcing surrender.

    Read the passage

    At intervals war broke out between the Geraldines and the Butlers, and then indeed the combatants in the elegant phraseology of Cox " played the devils'* in the district. In 1516 the Earl of Kildare, lord deputy, having defeated the O'Carrolls marched on Clonmel, then controlled by Sir James Butler, natural son to the Earl of Ormond. He " attempted the town with so much celerity that the townsmen (being surprized) immediately surrendered upon conditions. The deputy returned loaden with hostages, prey and glory." (e). An end seemed to be put to the feud by the marriage of Joan, daughter of the eleventh Earl of Desmond, with James, heir to the earldom of Ormond, the manors of Clonmel, Kilsheelan and Kilfeacle being settled on Butler as her dowry. But as Ormond refused to acknowledge James Fitz John as next Earl of Desmond, the latter felt justified in repudiating the marriage settlement made by his kinsman the eleventh earl. In his attempt to recover these manors he was supported by the lord deputy Bellingham, whose policy was to keep the Irish divided. Ormond complained bitterly of Bellingham's action. "I am credably informed," he wrote, "the Lord Deputie hath counsailid James of Desmond to make werr upon mee for suche landes as my sonn James hath in his wife's right and have procurid Sir Thomas Butler [of Cahir] to be of the same mynde and to take his parte " (f). On the death of James, Earl of Ormond, his countess Joan married Gerald, Earl of Desmond, so that the rivals then stood towards one another in the relation of step-son and step-father. Yet peace was as far off as ever. For when the ownership of the manors was settled, the controversy about the regalities sprang up. In 1558 the question at issue was "the boundyng of the countie of Tipperary, how farre the liberties doo extend and whether the manors of Clomell, Kilfeakill and Kilsheelan being within the said countie ought to answer to the said lybertie. The erle of Ormonde clayming by his patente of graunte

    (c) Cox. Hibernia Anglicana, p. 206.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Clonmel, in Tipperary, you are passing through a town that was caught in the long feud between two of Ireland's great families, the Geraldines and the Butlers. War broke out between them at intervals, and in the words of the historian Cox, they played the devils in the district. In 1516 the Earl of Kildare, who held the office of lord deputy, had just defeated the O'Carrolls. He marched on Clonmel, which was then controlled by Sir James Butler, natural son to the Earl of Ormond. He attempted the town with so much celerity that the townsmen, being surprised, immediately surrendered upon conditions. The deputy returned, in the words of the source, loaden with hostages, prey and glory. An end seemed to be put to the feud by the marriage of Joan, daughter of the eleventh Earl of Desmond, with James, heir to the earldom of Ormond. The manors of Clonmel, Kilsheelan and Kilfeacle were settled on Butler as her dowry. But Ormond refused to acknowledge James Fitz John as next Earl of Desmond, and the latter felt justified in repudiating the marriage settlement made by his kinsman the eleventh earl. In his attempt to recover these manors he was supported by the lord deputy Bellingham, whose policy was to keep the Irish divided. Ormond complained bitterly. He wrote that he was credibly informed the Lord Deputy had counselled James of Desmond to make war upon him for such lands as his son James had in his wife's right, and had procured Sir Thomas Butler of Cahir to be of the same mind and to take his part.

22. Executions for murders at Silvermines and Cashel

    Silvermines · town · Tipperary · 1652

    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 murders committed at the Silvermines and Cashel in 1641.

    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

23. Guardian James White's 1669 letter on toleration in Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1669

    James White, guardian of the Franciscans, wrote in 1669 that persecution had not yet reached Clonmel, unlike other Munster towns, and that the friars enjoyed freedom to hold public Mass with two chapels, three altars, and large congregations.

    Read the passage

    Praised be to God the persecution has not reached me yet. In all the towns throughout Munster every chapel is closed, and mass can be offered up nowhere unless with the greatest secrecy. This place is the only exception. Up to now we have had ample freedom even in public. There are two chapels with three altars for sacrifice, large congregations, sermons on Sundays and Holidays. But I fear we shall soon lose these privileges. There are with me five novices, promising young men, well advanced in the Humanities, in fact they write Latin verse and composition very well. God give them the grace of perseverance, and quiet times (tt).

    This state of things, with a few interruptions, lasted until the Revolution. The friars had then to go into hiding ; if taken they were transported, and should they return, they were liable to the penalties of high treason. Throughout the penal days, though their presence in the town was often connived at, there could be no question of opening a public chapel again. They lived in a house in the Irishtown, and officiated at the parish chapel. Occasionally they occupied the attention of the authorities. The mayor in 1731, upon an inquiry made by a committee of the House of Lords, reported that " John Leo, Michael Dwyer and James Walsh are Fryars or reputed so. I do finde there is a Popish Fryery in the West Subburbs of the said Towne wherein the above Fryers live and cohabit" Rev. Joseph Moore, Protestant vicar, on 23rd April, 1766, certified to Parliament inter alia that in Clonmel there were " two reputed fryars," and in Innislounaght " one f ryar " (uu).

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 30

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Clonmel now, in Tipperary. In 1669, this town stood almost alone in Munster for one reason. James White, guardian of the Franciscan friars here, wrote that year that persecution had not yet reached him. In every other town throughout Munster, every chapel was closed, and Mass could be offered nowhere unless with the greatest secrecy. Clonmel was the only exception. The friars had ample freedom, even in public. There were two chapels with three altars, large congregations, sermons on Sundays and holy days. White feared they would soon lose these privileges. He wrote that there were five novices with him, promising young men, well advanced in the humanities, who wrote Latin verse and composition very well. He asked God to give them the grace of perseverance and quiet times. That state of things, with a few interruptions, lasted until the Revolution. Then the friars had to go into hiding. If taken, they were transported. Should they return, they were liable to the penalties of high treason. Through the penal days, their presence in the town was often connived at, but there could be no question of opening a public chapel again. They lived in a house in the Irishtown and officiated at the parish chapel. In 1731, the mayor, upon an inquiry by a committee of the House of Lords, reported that John Leo, Michael Dwyer and James Walsh

24. Jesuit Fr. Gorman describes clandestine ministry around Clonmel, 1725

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1725

    A Jesuit priest named Gorman, writing from Clonmel in 1725, described sharing pastoral duties with Father Hennessy across Clonmel and its neighbourhood, instructing congregations and administering sacraments despite the penal laws, noting eight Catholics to every Protestant in the district.

    Read the passage

    After the Jacobite collapse of 171 5, the priests for some years enjoyed comparative peace. One of the two in Clonmel, a Jesuit named Gorman, wrote in 1725 .— " Father Hennessy and I have charge of the whole of Clonmel and its neighbourhood for a league out. We have to attend sick calls constantly by day and often by night. We instruct, each of us, after the Gospel of his Mass on all Sundays and holidays, and we chant vespers in our own fashion, after which we expound the Christian doctrine ; and it does us good to see how eagerly the people attend. I can say with truth that as I write, there are eight Catholics in this district to one heretic. With all our labours and sufferings we have excellent health, thank Grod, and are not wanting in the necessaries of life. At the end of this month Parliament will meet and only God knows what will becorhe of us, but His holy will be done'V^A Sometimes however as when word went abroad that a Protestant had changed his religion and become Catholic, there was an outburst (h).

    County of Tipperary to wit. At a General Assizes and General Gaol Delivery held at Qonmel in and for the County of Tipperary the 16 day of March 1750.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Clonmel ahead was where a Jesuit priest named Gorman carried on his work in 1725. Writing from here, he described sharing pastoral duties with Father Hennessy across Clonmel and the surrounding countryside, attending sick calls by day and often by night, instructing congregations after the Gospel at Mass on Sundays and holidays, and chanting vespers in their own fashion before expounding Christian doctrine. He said it did them good to see how eagerly the people attended, and that there were eight Catholics to every one heretic in the district. Despite their labours and sufferings, he wrote, they had excellent health and were not wanting in the necessaries of life. He added that Parliament would meet at the end of the month and only God knew what would become of them, but His holy will be done. Sometimes there was trouble, as when word spread that a Protestant had changed his religion and become Catholic.

25. Nicholas White's petition over Garrangibbon rent

    Garrangibbon · townland · Tipperary · 1663

    Nicholas White petitioned the Lord Lieutenant for relief from rent on the farm of Garrangibbon, describing his destitution and the loss of his five milch cows, the sole support of his family.

    Read the passage

    Humbly sheweth. That your Grace on your petitioners severall former addresses was pleased to declare a tendemes of your petitioners condition in regaid that your petitioners Estate (formerly belonginge vnto him) in the towne of Clonmell and libertie thereof is conferred vpon your Grace, and your petitioner having no place to Hue in was forced to take the ferme of Garrangibbon att a greate Rent which your petitioner by the fale of stocke and scarcetie of monies is noe way able to pay (without takeing your petitioners five melsh Cowes being the onely reliefe of himselfe and his famelie). Your grace may be therefore pleased out of your greate pyetie and pittie to give orders to your Receiver to Remitt four and fortie pound Rent due for this last yeare and a halfe and this present year to your Grace out of the said ferme. Your petitioner being destitute of all meanes to pay the same or any way to subsist.

    And your petitioner will ever pray etc (k)

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 8

26. Ormond granted almost the entire town of Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1660–1665

    Following the Restoration, the Duke of Ormond was granted almost the entire town of Clonmel as lord of the manor, with all feudal tenures, fee farm grants and leaseholds declared forfeited to him at their full improved value.

    Read the passage

    While the restoration brought to his countymen but the extinction of their hopes, it raised Ormond to the pinnacle of wealth and honour. To his Irish dignities was added an English peerage and the stewardship of the royal household. Among the numerous grants made to him was one of almost the entire town of Clonmel. As lord of the manor he previously derived certain chief rents from the burgesses. Now all feudal tenures, fee farm grants and leaseholds were declared forfeited, and the town at its full improved value became his. The estate, for example, of John White was held by suit of court and a yearly rent of twenty-two shillings. Its value now may be estimated from the fact that it consisted of thirty-four houses within the walls, and twenty-one without; three corn mills, one tucking mill with several gardens and parks. When however there was question of adventurers' or soldiers' interests the Duke did not get so easy possession. The burgagery lands which lay in Co. Tipperary, containing 718 plantation acres, had been distributed to Hugh RadclifFe, Charles Alcock and others. Before they could be removed lands of equal value had to be found for them elsewhere. This presented such difficulties that Ormond after prolonged negociation advised his agent Walsh to compound for the chief rent of three pence an acre fooj.

    The Cromwellians -and Protestant royalists being now in peaceable possession and all fear of the Irish removed, religious differences began to assert themselves. Episcopalianism returned in full flood with the restoration, and crown and mitre became convertible terms. The Cromwellians who were independents, baptists, or presbyterians, had either to accept the new creed or lie under the suspicion of disloyalty. In Clonmel as elsewhere there was much vexation of spirit. On learning the King's intention to erect a new Protestant hierarchy Majors Stanley, Le Hunt and others in 1660 sent

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you're moving through a town that changed hands dramatically after the Restoration in 1660. The Duke of Ormond, already raised to an English peerage and the stewardship of the royal household, was granted almost the entire town. As lord of the manor he had previously drawn certain chief rents from the burgesses, but now all feudal tenures, fee farm grants and leaseholds were declared forfeited, and the town at its full improved value became his. The estate of John White gives a sense of the scale. It had been held by suit of court and a yearly rent of 22 shillings. It consisted of 34 houses within the walls and 21 without, three corn mills, one tucking mill, and several gardens and parks. Ormond did not get easy possession everywhere. The burgagery lands in Tipperary, 718 plantation acres, had been distributed to Hugh Radcliffe, Charles Alcock and others, and lands of equal value had to be found for them before they could be removed. After prolonged negotiation Ormond advised his agent Walsh to compound for the chief rent of three pence an acre. With the Cromwellians and Protestant royalists now in peaceable possession, religious differences began to assert themselves. The Cromwellians, whether independents, baptists or presbyterians, had to accept the returned Episcopalian creed or fall under suspicion of disloyalty. In 1660 Majors Stanley and Le Hunt and others wrote on learning of the King's intention to erect a new Protestant hierarchy.

27. Palatinate of Tipperary Restored at the Restoration

    Tipperary · town · Tipperary · 1660–1662

    At the Restoration in 1660, the Palatinate of Tipperary was re-established with increased prestige as the fortunes of the Ormonds returned; the County Cross was merged into it, and the grant was confirmed by Act of Parliament in 1662.

    Read the passage

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

    In 171 5 on the attainder of the second Duke of Ormond and the suppression of the Palatinate, the records of the several courts were removed to Dublin. Though the Chancery and Common Pleas records for the second period of the Palatinate /'l 662-171 5) are tolerably complete, it is to be regretted that the Crown records so invaluable for Tipperary history during that momentous time, have almost entirely disappeared. From the Carte and Ormond collections, however, we obtain a few glimpses of the criminal jurisdiction.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 43

28. Priest Cormac O'Fergus celebrates secret Mass in Clonmel and is captured

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1571

    Cormac O'Fergus, a priest who arrived from Lisbon in 1571, was found in Clonmel where he celebrated Mass in secret and preached twice before being captured a few days later.

    Read the passage

    The position of the priests was especially difficult. Educated abroad owing to the destruction of the monastic schools, they were regarded by principle and training " traitors " and " rebels " in the pay of Spain. They were watched for at every port, and the commander of the Queen's forces or the president of the province " upon vehement suspicion " might put them to torture or hang them by martial law. Still they came. Cormac O'Fergus reached Cork from Lisbon Easter Sunday, 1 571. After several adventures we find him in Clonmel where he celebrated Mass in secret and preached twice. A few days later he was captured (s). Sir William Drury had

    fr) O'Daly's Geraldines, p. 118.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, the Tipperary town the road passes through. In 1571 a priest named Cormac O'Fergus arrived here, having reached Cork from Lisbon on Easter Sunday of that year. Priests educated abroad were regarded as traitors and rebels in the pay of Spain, watched at every port, and could be put to torture or hanged by martial law on what the authorities called vehement suspicion. Still they came. O'Fergus celebrated Mass in secret in Clonmel and preached twice. A few days later he was captured. Sir William Drury was involved in what followed.

29. Rector Richard Moore's tithe dispute with Lord Arran settled at assizes

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1717–1729

    Richard Moore, rector of Clonmel and friend of Swift, was involved in a tithe dispute in which Lord Arran's agent renewed the Ormond family's claim to rectorial tithes. The trial at the assizes lasted six hours and Arran was non-suited, though Swift noted the parish was one of the poorest in the kingdom.

    Read the passage

    As the Moores were patrons of the town, the patronage was exercised liberally in favour of their own family. This Richard was a friend of Swift, who appealed to Lord Arran in his behalf. The rectorial tithes, Swift states, were granted to the church by patent of Chas. 11. But Lord Arran's present agent renewed the claim of the Ormond family to these tithes. The trial came off at last assizes and lasted six hours, Arran being non-suited. " The living of Clonmel is one of the largest yet poorest parishes in the kingdom, being upon the whole (including the valuation of the houses) scarce worth one hundred pounds a year, out of which to a curate assistant, being absolutely necessary on account of its extent, a salary of forty pounds must be paid. The tithes in and around Clonmel are very inconsiderable, never being let for above twenty-four pounds a year, made up of very small pittances collected from a great number of the poorest people so that the recovery of them by an expensive law suit, if it could be effected, would not be worth attempting " fmj.

    Joseph Moore. Admitted and instituted 3rd April, 1730, to vicarage vacant by death of Richard Moore fnj. But probably owing to the Corporation disputes the legality of the presentation was questioned. For the Corporate Minute Book records his further presentation to the living of Clonmel 8th April, 1745. His tomb affords a good example of l8th century mausolean composition.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 28

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you're in the town where Richard Moore served as rector and where a tithe dispute went to trial. Moore was a friend of Swift. The rectorial tithes here had been granted to the church by patent of Charles 2. But Lord Arran's agent renewed the Ormond family's claim to those tithes. The trial came off at the assizes and lasted six hours. Arran was non-suited. Swift had written that this was "one of the largest yet poorest parishes in the kingdom." The living was scarce worth one hundred pounds a year, and a curate assistant was absolutely necessary on account of its extent, at a salary of forty pounds. The tithes in and around the town were very inconsiderable, never let for above twenty-four pounds a year. They were made up of very small pittances collected from a great number of the poorest people. Swift noted that recovering them by an expensive lawsuit, even if it could be done, would not be worth attempting. Richard Moore died before 1730. Joseph Moore was admitted and instituted to the vicarage on the 3rd of April 1730. The legality of the presentation was questioned, probably owing to Corporation disputes. The Corporate Minute Book records his further presentation to the living on the 8th of April 1745.

30. Re-flogging of acquitted tenants at Cashel sessions

    Cashel · townland · Tipperary · 1798

    Three tenants of Lord Landaff were tried under the Insurrection Act at a sessions in Cashel and acquitted by a dozen yeomanry magistrates, but Fitzgerald ordered local gentlemen to bring them back under threat of flogging themselves, and the men were duly flogged.

    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

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in 1798, three tenants of Lord Landaff were tried under the Insurrection Act at a sessions in Cashel, and a dozen yeomanry magistrates acquitted them. But a man known as Fitzgerald, who lived at Lisheen near Cashel, arrived a few days later and ordered Mr. Smithwick and Mr. Butler of Ballycarron to bring the men back, threatening to flog the gentlemen themselves if they refused. The unhappy men were brought back and flogged. Fitzgerald's real name was Uniacke, his father and grandfather having adopted the names Judkin and Fitzgerald through marriages of convenience. He belonged to the half savage petty gentry denounced by Young and the writers of the time as the plague of the country. Week after week he and his Hessian troop scoured the country, and peasants suspected of being croppies were lodged in gaol. On market days a number were brought forth, stripped half naked, tied to a car, and drawn from the Main Guard to the West Gate and back, two soldiers flogging them alternately. Nor were his victims confined to the humble class. A well known trader in Carrick named Doyle was flogged to extract information about the croppies, but he had none to give. The same fate met Jeremiah McGrath, the innkeeper of Clogheen. The sheriff also imprisoned Mr. Denis O'Meagher of Kilmoyler, with his father and uncle, and Mr. Smithwick, a man of eighty, until the Hon. Francis Hutchinson procured their release.

31. Strafford visits Clonmel amid Ormond and Clare plantation

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1637

    In August 1637 the Lord Deputy Strafford came to Clonmel in connection with the plantation of Ormond and Clare, being met with loyal addresses, triumphal arches and orations, though the visit deepened local discontent among the dispossessed Irish.

    Read the passage

    "The business we came about is most happily ended and his Majesty now entitled to the two goodly countries of Ormond and Clare, and which beauties and seasons the work exceedingly, with all possible contentment and satisfaction of the people. In all my whole life did I never see or could possibly believe to have found men with so much alacrity divesting themselves of all property in their estates and waiting to see what the king will do for them. They have all along to the uttermost of their skill and breeding given me very great expressions of their esteem and affection. Oratory hath abundantly magnified itself through these excellent pieces we have heard, one at Carlow, three at Kilkenny, two very deadly long ones at Clonnmel. Architecture and invention not asleep as appeared in their arch triumphais with their ornaments and inscriptions " (q).

    But loyal addresses and triumphal arches had as little effect in staying the plantation as petitions for justice. Strafford's visit only deepened the discontent, and left to the people the sole hope of the sword (r).

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Coming near Clonmel in Tipperary, Strafford arrived in August 1637 as Lord Deputy to settle the plantation of Ormond and Clare. He reported that the business was most happily ended and his Majesty now entitled to the two countries of Ormond and Clare. He wrote that he had never seen men with so much alacrity divesting themselves of all property in their estates and waiting to see what the king would do for them. They gave him great expressions of their esteem and affection. Oratory abounded. One oration at Carlow, three at Kilkenny, and two very deadly long ones in this town. Architecture was not asleep, as appeared in their triumphal arches with ornaments and inscriptions. But loyal addresses and triumphal arches had as little effect in staying the plantation as petitions for justice. His visit only deepened the discontent and left the people the sole hope of the sword.

32. Thomas Hennessy's dangerous mission as hidden Jesuit priest in Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1712–1752

    Thomas Aloysius Hennessy, born in Clonmel in 1677 and a Jesuit, worked in Clonmel for forty years from 1712, during which he had to go into hiding more than once and was liable at any time to the penalties of high treason, passing under the alias 'Quades' to evade identification.

    Read the passage

    Thomas Aloysius Hennessy. He was bom in Clonmel, June lOth, 1677; entered the Jesuits February 13th, 1700; professed of the four vows August 15th, 1706; "came to Clonmel in 1712, and worked there to the great good of the flock, and great satisfaction of the Bishop who had given all faculties; he has converted some Protestants; is a learned man of sound judgment " (w). A friend of his wrote 1st January, 1713, that he had sailed for Ireland " ready to undergo every danger." The anticipation was fulfilled, for during the forty years of his life in Clonmel, he had more than once to go into hiding, and at any time was liable to the penalties of high treason. The report of a spy who noted him on his arrival has been already given, but he long received similar attentions. In the Jesuit correspondence, to evade identiiScation, he passed under the name of "Quades." He seems, however, to have impressed the Clonmel authorities as favourably as he did his own superiors. In 1727 the lease of the " Mass House " was renewed by the Corporation, while two years later he became provincial of the Irish

    (tt) Madam Jolly was wife to Robert Jolly of Kuockelly. Her daughter was married to Cornelius O'Callaghan " the Counsellor," ancestor of the Lords Lismore. (nu) Waterford Wills, P.R.O. (wj Catalogue of Irish Province by E. Hogan, S.J., p. 62.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 27

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Clonmel, this was the town where a Jesuit priest named Thomas Aloysius Hennessy spent forty years in constant danger. He was born here in 1677, entered the Jesuits in 1700, and came back to Clonmel in 1712. His own superiors described him as a learned man of sound judgment who converted some Protestants and worked to the great good of the flock. A friend wrote in January 1713 that Hennessy had sailed for Ireland, as the source puts it, "ready to undergo every danger." That was no flourish. For the forty years he lived in Clonmel he was liable at any time to the penalties of high treason, and more than once he had to go into hiding. A spy had noted him on his arrival, and he long received similar attentions. In the Jesuit correspondence, to evade identification, he passed under the name Quades. Yet the Clonmel authorities seem to have been impressed by him. In 1727 the Corporation renewed the lease of the Mass House, and two years later he became provincial of the Irish.

33. Trial notice: rescue of deserter at Cashel and other 1777 assize sentences

    Cashel · townland · Tipperary · 1777

    At the Clonmel assizes reported in 1777, Patrick Kielly was sentenced to be whipped at Cashel for rescuing a deserter, while Christopher Loughlin was to be executed for stealing candlesticks and John Listoon fined for concealing firearms as a papist.

    Read the passage

    (z) Hiberttian Magazine, May, 1777. The report of these assizes is instructive. " Christopher Loughlin for stealing a pair of candlesticks out of the dwellinghouse of Joseph Grubb of Clonmel, to be executed on Saturday, the third of May next. Patrick Kielly for rescuing a deserter at Cashel to be whipt at Cashel, on Saturday, the 19th of April next and the Wednesday following, being the two market days. John Listoon the elder, being a papist, for concealing fire arms, fined £$0 and to be confined twelve months," etc., etc.

    172 History of Clonmel.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in 1777, Patrick Kielly was sentenced to be whipped for rescuing a deserter. The Clonmel assizes ordered him whipped on two market days, Saturday the 19th of April and the Wednesday following. The same assizes condemned Christopher Loughlin to be executed for stealing candlesticks from Joseph Grubb of Clonmel, and fined John Listoon for concealing firearms as a papist.

34. Two orphan children die of starvation on the roadside near Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1828

    In County Waterford, near Clonmel, two orphan children died of starvation around 1828, perishing on the roadside in the middle of the day as they fainted while wayfaring. The account was given by James Smith, a boatman, who was uncertain whether an inquest had been held.

    Read the passage

    happens that they have recourse to begging. There are a vast number of respectable persons in great want who are ashamed to beg ; some live on a few dry potatoes for 24 hours. Many destitute persons die gradually from want of comfort and necessary food. Corrigan, a tradesman, knew a tradesman's family consisting of eight persons, to go two days without food ; the friends gave something the third day ; they would rather die than ask for it. In the county of Watefford, near Clonmel, two orphan children died of starvation about six years ago ; they perished on the road side, in the middle of the day ; they fainted away as they were wayfaring. James Smith, boatman, gives the story, and is not sure whether an inquest was held.

    Perhaps 100 people go out in a day from Clonmel gathering potatoes ; they consist chiefly of women and children. Sometimes farmers boil potatoes purposely for the beggars. They give in proportion to the number of the family applying, and give as long as they have to spare ; two handfuls to a family. It is very common for the farmers to give improvidently to beggars, so as to leave themselves in want at the end of the year ; many of the farmers were forced to anticipate their means this summer, to buy meal at a high rate. Farmers allow beggars to lie in the bams. The labourers generally give lodgings, and the farmers give them straw and potatoes ; very little milk except they have large dairies. Farmers sometimes, too, give a cast-off garment, particularly to the children if they are naked. Three in one family died in less than a week, within three miles of Clonmel, of fever caught from a beggar's family who slept in the house. If a wandering beggar is taken ill of the fever and cannot get admission into an hospital, the people build a hovel on the road side, or in a comer of a field, and leave the family there. The labouring people give them what few things they can spare and leave them at the door.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, the road carries a grim story from around 1828. Two orphan children died of starvation on the roadside near this town in County Waterford. They perished in the middle of the day, fainting away as they were wayfaring. James Smith, a boatman, gave the account, and he was not sure whether an inquest had ever been held. The poverty here was severe and widespread. Many respectable people lived on a few dry potatoes for 24 hours, too ashamed to beg. A tradesman's family of eight went two full days without food rather than ask for help; friends gave something on the third day. Perhaps 100 people went out from Clonmel each day gathering potatoes, chiefly women and children. Some farmers boiled potatoes purposely for the beggars and gave two handfuls to a family, sometimes so improvidently that they left themselves in want by year's end. Within three miles of Clonmel, three people in one family died in less than a week of fever caught from a beggar's family who had slept in the house. When a wandering beggar fell ill and could not get into a hospital, people built a hovel on the roadside and left the family there with whatever few things they could spare.

35. Witness Mary Dunlea dies destitute near Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

    Mary Dunlea, alias Brady, a prosecution witness of infamous character kept in Clonmel barracks before the trial, was said to have died in a ditch near Kilkenny, seen as divine vengeance for her perjury.

    Read the passage

    The next to be mentioned in order was a common prostitute, Mary Dunlea, alias Brady, a woman of a most infamous character. She was kept in the barracks of Qonmel for some time previous to the trial; where she was well attended. She got elegant cloaths and her table was furnished from the first tavern in the town — the Spread Eagle, kept at that time by the Widow Corbett While in the barracks one of the light horse men of the name of Brady, took up with her. It was said they were married; at least she went by his name. After the trial she took up with Toohy, but the vengeance of God pursued her for the perjuries she had been guilty of, and she actually died in a ditch near Kilkenny (t).

    The third evidence was a boy who went by the name of Lonergan; however I believe his real name was Guynan, as he was reputed to be the natural son, (by those who knew him in Clogheen) of a poor man of the name, who lived there. This young vagabond, from the first opening of his intellects seemed to be bom for the gallows. He was a fit person therefore for the present occasion. He was kept in the barracks with Mary Dunlea, and was genteely dressed up, preparatory to the trial. In some time after the trial this abandoned wretch came to Dublin. He took up his quarters in a cellar in Barrack Street where the arm of the Lord smote him and he was a mass of ulcers from the top of his head to the souls of his feet. Mr. Terence M'Mahon of Aungier street, apothecary, was employed to attend him. This gentleman has often declared he never visited such a miserable object in his life. He covered his body with plasters, to no purpose; the wretch died, and Mr. M'Mahon received for his trouble (I won't say from whom) twenty guineas (uj.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 37

36. 1606 Assizes and Prosecution of Clonmel Catholics

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1606

    In Lent 1606, judges Walsh, Davis and Brouncker held assizes at Clonmel, attempting to indict priest James Morice for a seditious bull and prosecuting 200 townspeople for recusancy, finding Clonmel's burgesses more obstinate than elsewhere due to the town's shelter of priests.

    Read the passage

    We came to Clonemell a well built and well kept town upon the river of Sure in the county of the liberty of Tipperary. In this county we gave in charge to the jury all matters not determinable by the Earl's charter viz., all treasons and all other offences which have been made capital or otherwise penal since 46 Ed. III. in which year the Earl's charter doth bear date .... my Lord President (whose zeal in matters of religion tempered with good moderation doeth merit very much consideration) was desirous that a priest one James Morice [the parish priest of Clonmel] who was lately before apprehended should have been indicted for publishing a slanderous and seditious bull though without all question it be a forged and counterfeit thing as you may perceive by the copy which I have presumed to send you herewith. Before we would conceive any indictment hereupon we thought meet to examine the evidence which we found not to be ripe enough because the parties that should make the direct proof were not present and therefore we deferred this business till another session. This town being in the liberty is more haunted with Jesuits and priests than any other town or city within this province which is the cause we found the burgesses more obstinate here than elsewhere. For whereas my Lord President did justly offer to the principal inhabitants that he would spare to proceed against them if they would yield to a conference [with the Protestant vicar] for a time and become bound in the meantime not to receive any Jesuit or priest into their houses, they peremptorily refused both, whereupon the chief of them were bound to appear at Cork before the Lord President and Council presently after Easter there to be censured with good round fines and imprisonment {a).

    A more summary process was adopted towards the mass of the people, viz., indictment under the Act 2 Elizabeth, for absence from the Protestant church on Sundays.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    You are passing through Clonmel, a well-built town on the River Suir in Tipperary, and in Lent of 1606 it was the scene of a sharp confrontation over religion. Judges Walsh, Davis and Brouncker came here to hold assizes, and among their business they tried to indict the parish priest, James Morice, for publishing what they called a slanderous and seditious bull, though they believed it was a forged and counterfeit thing. The evidence was not ripe enough, the witnesses not being present, so they deferred that charge to another session. The judges found Clonmel more haunted with Jesuits and priests than any other town in the province, and said this was the cause they found the burgesses more obstinate here than elsewhere. The Lord President offered the principal inhabitants a deal: a conference with the Protestant vicar for a time, and a bond not to receive any Jesuit or priest into their houses, in exchange for sparing proceedings against them. They peremptorily refused both. The chief of them were then bound to appear at Cork after Easter to be censured with fines and imprisonment. For the mass of the people, around 200 townspeople, a shorter process was used: indictment under the Act of 2 Elizabeth for absence from the Protestant church on Sundays.

37. 1660 poll money returns reveal population of Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1660

    The 1660 poll money returns show about 1000 people living in and around Clonmel, with the Irish still an overwhelming majority outside the walls despite Cromwellian efforts to exclude them, while new English settlers made up less than a fifth of the population.

    Read the passage

    Alone perhaps in the case of Clonmel, we are able to judge how far the "Cromwellian Settlement" was carried out in the towns of Ireland. The poll money returns for l66o, still existing, afford a detailed picture of the place in that year, the last of the Commonwealth. First, as to population ; the number of adult persons resident within the walls or town proper amounted to some 394. Outside were 476 of whom 204 were in Irishtown, 1 10 in the north suburbs, 86 in the east, and 76 beyond the bridge. As the total 870 included about 300 married women and widows the gross population would be approximately lOOO. If all these were God fearing, and proof against the corruption which the Lord had so eminently witnessed against in their predecessors (as General Fleetwood pointed out) the Cromwellian conception of a city of God might be ultimately realized. But judging from the names the new settlers did not constitute quite a fifth of the whole. The Irish were still in an overwhelming majority though reduced to utter impotence, social and municipal. All merchants, shopkeepers and artizans of the birth of Ireland, such as had escaped Connaught or the Barbadoes, were banished outside the walls. There were two exceptions, due probably to the character of their trade, one Edward Comerford of Bridge Street, who imported Spanish wines, the other Walter Brennock an apothecary in High Street (p). Servants, domestics, and unskilled labourers in the employment of Protestants were suffered to remain. Outside, the population was exclusively Irish, some remnants of the old burgher families, Whites, Wails and Barrons being still distinguishable in the common mass. Further, not only were the new settlers small in number but fewer still belonged to the mercantile class. There were Commonwealth officials, disbanded soldiers, younger sons of good families and mere adventurers. John Booker, the first name on the list, had been a drysalter in London, and joining the Parliament army eventually

    (n) Scobell's Acts and Ordinances, C. xii.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up on Clonmel, a town that gives us one of the clearest pictures of what the Cromwellian Settlement meant on the ground. The poll money returns for 1660 still survive, the last year of the Commonwealth, and they show roughly 1000 people living in and around the town. About 394 adults lived within the walls. Outside were 476 more: 204 in Irishtown, 110 in the north suburbs, 86 in the east, and 76 beyond the bridge. The 870 adults counted included about 300 married women and widows, bringing the total to near 1000. The names tell the real story. The new English settlers did not make up even a fifth of the whole. The Irish were still an overwhelming majority, though reduced to what the record calls utter impotence, social and municipal. Every Irish-born merchant, shopkeeper and artisan who had escaped Connaught or the Barbadoes was banished outside the walls. Two exceptions were made, probably because of the nature of their trades. Edward Comerford of Bridge Street imported Spanish wines. Walter Brennock was an apothecary on High Street. Servants, domestics and unskilled labourers in Protestant employment were allowed to remain. Outside the walls the population was exclusively Irish, and remnants of the old burgher families, the Whites, the Wails and the Barrons, were still distinguishable in the common mass. The new settlers were not only few but mostly not merchants. They were Commonwealth officials, disbanded soldiers, younger sons of good families and mere adventurers. John Booker, the first name on the list, had been a drysalter in London before joining the Parliament army.

38. 1835 Carrick meeting to form River Suir Navigation Company

    Carrick-on-Suir · town · Tipperary · 1835

    On 2nd November 1835 a meeting of gentry and merchants was held in Carrick to form a joint stock company for improving the Suir; boatmen threatened active hostility and a deputation of them was admitted to the meeting, chaired by Lord Duncannon.

    Read the passage

    More vital, however, to the town than any system of land carriage was the navigation of the Suir. Wakefield writing in l8o8 states, " The greater part of the goods imported into Waterford are only unloaded on the quays and sent forward to Clonmel, which has more internal commerce than any town in Ireland " (p). Various attempts, therefore, were made to improve the water-way, and to establish Clonmel as the centre of a canal system, a survey of the country between Tipperary and Clonmel, with locks, harbours, etc., being taken (q). When in l8l6 the Waterford merchants sought an act of parliament for incorporation as Harbour Commissioners, the support of Clonmel was obtained only on condition of obtaining a share of the dues and being represented on that body. But the Clonmel merchants discovered too late that no tolls could be levied on ships for the purpose of inland navigation (r). In 1821 a memorial was laid before Talbot, Lord Lieutenant, for a grant to deepen the river. John Killaly, engineer, reported that the rocks at Carrick, the chief obstacle to the navigation, might be removed at a cost of £1,200, but no help was given. Similarly in l83l,Lord Wellesley acknowledged the great utility of the proposed works but regretted that no funds were available. Four years later, November 2nd, 1835, a meeting of gentry, merchants and others concerned, was held in Carrick to form a joint stock company and obtain parliamentary powers. As the boatmen threatened active hostility, a deputation of them was admitted to the meeting. Lord Duncannon was in the chair, and the principal speaker was David Malcomson, who gave an interesting historical summary : —

    It is now sixty years since John Bagwell obtained a grant from parliament for improving the river Suir. At that time the people thought as they do now, that their interests would be injured by throwing them out of employment. A thousand pounds were expended by making a track-way, as they then drew up the boats by ropes on

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

39. Alibi claim: Father Sheehy at Keating's house in Knockagh

    Knockagh · townland · Tipperary · 1764

    The defence argued that on the night of the murder, Father Nicholas Sheehy had actually spent the night at Robert Keating's house in Knockagh, nine Irish miles from the alleged murder scene, undermining the prosecution's timeline.

    Read the passage

    This was the case presented by the prosecution. The defence proceeded on two lines. First, the untrustworthiness of the crown witnesses. Second, that on Sunday, 28th October, 1764, the date assigned by the crown witnesses for the murder. Father Sheehy had spent the night with Robert Keating, of Knockagh, nine Irish miles from the alleged scene of the murder. It will be observed that at this trial the defence was not able to locate Toohy (who was a stranger from Co. Limerick) on the night when he swore he was present at the murder. In the subsequent trial of Edmond Sheehy on 8th April, it was shown that Toohy spent the night of 28th October, 1764, at the house of a man named Griffith in Cullen, thirty miles from Shanbally. With the

    382 History of Clonmel.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 37

40. Attempted forcible suppression of begging in Clonmel streets

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary

    The mayor of Clonmel employed officers to arrest street beggars and send them to the House of Industry, but the practice was abandoned after public opinion turned against it. When officers arrested a man in the streets, the crowd rescued him, feeling it a hardship to confine a man for begging.

    Read the passage

    There are about 150 street beggars in the town. The mayor employed two officers to take up all beggars, and send them to the House of Industry ; it was given up because public opinion was against it When they arrested a man in the streets the crowd rescu^ him, the working people passing by thinking it a hardship to confine a man for begging (ee).

    From all this it is clear that the evil of the time was not pauperism, but poverty, and this poverty passed into famine, in seasons when the potato crop partly failed— i8oo-'lo-'l8-2i-'28-'30-'34-

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel in Tipperary, a town that once had about 150 street beggars. The mayor hired two officers to take up beggars and send them to the House of Industry, but he had to give it up because public opinion was against it. When officers arrested a man in the streets, the crowd rescued him. Working people passing by thought it a hardship to confine a man for begging.

41. Bagwell of Kilmore's fatal drinking bout after a parliamentary win

    Kilmore · townland · Tipperary

    A member of the Bagwell family of Kilmore, having won a parliamentary election, celebrated the victory in a drunken orgy with supporters and himself died of delirium tremens shortly afterward, according to a story related by John Bagwell, M.P.

    Read the passage

    mingles laughter with our reprobation, this did not render the influence less pestilent to the community of which the malice of destiny had made them the social chiefs. Fortunately their profligacy was sure in the end to work its own cure ; and in the background of their swinish and uproarious drinking bouts, the Encumbered Estates' Act rises to our view " (kk). And the gentry of Tipperary were not better than their class. The great mansions and parks which are scattered through the county, still witness to their extravagance if they do not always to their taste. They played the role of " fine old Irish gentlemen," and convinced the world that they were not avaricious by squandering, and that they were not cowards by fighting (II). Their drinking habits were best left to the charities of history. In the last generation stories were told how in a drunken frenzy, one gambled away an estate by the townland ; another having won a parliamentary election, celebrated the victory in a bacchanalian orgie with his supporters, the member himself dying of delirium tremens shortly after (mm). A third invited his mortgagee to dine and blacked the face of his drunken guest, but the mortgagee had his revenge by foreclosing the itiortgage and levelling the house (nft). Another obtained a knighthood by wild buff'oonery at a saturnalia in honour of the lord lieutenant, who visiting Tipperary did as Tipperary did (oo). Even the punctilious William Perry excused his neglect of correspondence on the ground he had been celebrating the " Old Glorious," while William Bagwell in his leases inserted as consideration for renewal " six bottles of right good f rench clarett " (pp).

    In the great Irish characteristic of fighting, the Tipperary gentry earned special distinction. " Tipperary and Galway," writes Sir Jonah Harrington, " were the ablest schools of the duelling science. Galway was most scientific

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

42. Boyne Anniversary Celebration in Clonmel, 1767

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1767

    On 1 July 1767, the Corporation of Clonmel celebrated the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne with ringing bells, displayed guild standards at the Tholsel, an Orange Cockade procession around the town liberties, and bonfires and illuminations in the evening.

    Read the passage

    " Clonmell July I. [1767.I This day being the Anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne fought by King William of ever glorious and immortal memory, the morning was ushered in with ringing of Bells, the Ensigns or Standards of the different Companies of this Corporation were displayed from the Tholsel, and the Mayor, Bailiffis, Burgesses, Freemen and Gentlemen of the different Corporations with Orange Cockades, proceeded at Six o'clock in the Morning to perambulate the Liberties and Franchises according to antient custom ; and the Evening concluded with Bonfires, Illuminations and other publick Demonstrations of Joy " (aa).

    For upwards of ten years the struggle against intrusion money and quarterage was carried on, sometimes in Clonmel, sometimes in the House of Commons (bb). Meanwhile a great change had come over parliament ;

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, this is a town that marked the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne with real ceremony. On 1 July 1767, the Corporation celebrated King William's victory. The morning began with ringing bells and the standards of the different companies displayed from the Tholsel. At six o'clock, the Mayor, Bailiffs, Burgesses, Freemen and gentlemen, all wearing orange cockades, walked the liberties and franchises of the town, as they put it, according to ancient custom. The evening ended with bonfires, illuminations, and other public demonstrations of joy. The record calls the day one of public rejoicing for the victory fought by King William of ever glorious and immortal memory.

43. Census of Protestant and Catholic families in Clonmel parish, 1766

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1766

    Following an outbreak of persecuting spirit, Parliament ordered a religious census in 1766; the vicar of St. Mary's reported 320 Protestant families and 1126 Popish families in the parish of Clonmel, plus two priests and two friars.

    Read the passage

    Number of Protestant Families 320 Number of Popish Families 1 1 26 2 Reputed Popish Priests. 2 Reputed Fryars (p).

    Taking a family average of five, and allowing for the country portions of the parish, the town population would be about 5,000. With the growth of population, wealth increased in fair proportion, and the town wore a tolerably decent aspect. Travellers who had passed through the congeries of hovels that most Irish towns then were, had nothing but praise for Clonmel. Clarendon, Lord Lieutenant, describes it in 1686 as " a very pretty town ; " a French authority in 1744 as " a fairly strong town, and passably goodlooking and prosperous" (gj. Smith, the historian of Waterford, was equally impressed though his language is somewhat equivocal. " The town has a handsome appearance from this side of the water." More enthusiastic by nature than the philosophic Smith was John Wesley, who came to preach in May, 1756. "The pleasantest town beyond all comparison, which I have yet seen in Ireland." Luckome, a tourist who visited Clonmel just before its expansion under the milling industry, gives interesting details. " It consists of four cross streets, formerly fortified with a square wall. The streets lead to each of the gates. The portcullises of some of the gates are remaining though useless. There is a very spacious bridge over the Suire, just out of the gate to the right, of twenty arches. The market house, the only uniform building I saw in the whole town, is indeed very neatly built mostly of marble in the best taste, but lessens the passage of the Main Street." De Burgo in 1762 is lavish of praise : " A beautiful and opulent town, a wellknown emporium of trade, whose two fairs on 5 May and 5 November are very largely attended."

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are in a town whose religious makeup was counted in 1766, when Parliament ordered a census after an outbreak of persecuting spirit. The vicar of St. Mary's reported 320 Protestant families and 1126 Catholic families in the parish, along with 2 priests and 2 friars. Taking a family average of 5, the town population would have been about 5,000. Travellers had long praised the place. Lord Lieutenant Clarendon called it "a very pretty town" in 1686. A French authority in 1744 found it "fairly strong, and passably good looking and prosperous." John Wesley, who came to preach in May 1756, was more effusive: "The pleasantest town beyond all comparison, which I have yet seen in Ireland." A tourist named Luckome described four cross streets, formerly fortified with a square wall, leading to gates where portcullises still hung though useless. He noted a spacious bridge of 20 arches over the Suir and a market house built mostly of marble. De Burgo in 1762 called it "a beautiful and opulent town, a well known emporium of trade," whose two fairs on 5 May and 5 November were very largely attended. The town's milling industry would soon expand it further.

44. Clandestine Catholic school in Clonmel under Derby McThomas

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary

    A school was kept in Clonmel by Derby McThomas, a firm Catholic hostile to the Queen's religion, through the connivance of the Protestant Bishop Miler M'Grath. McThomas was reported to be in close touch with the Catholic bishop of Cork who frequented the area.

    Read the passage

    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.

    Rev. E. Hogan, the Jesuit biographer of White, conjectured that the Stephen White, the third of the scholars named in the Foundation Charter of Trinity College, Dublin, was probably Stephen of Clonmel. He asks :

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 45

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Clonmel, there's a story from the time when a school was kept here in secret by Derby McThomas, a firm Catholic hostile to the Queen's religion. He ran it through the connivance of Miler M'Grath, the Protestant commendatory Bishop of Waterford, and was reported to be in close touch with Darby McGrath, the Catholic bishop of Cork, who haunted the neighbourhood. It is probable that Stephen White received his first education at this school. When White was in his eleventh year, an event occurred in Clonmel that must have left a lifelong impression on him: John Holing relates the arrest of Father Maurice Kinrechtan in the house of Victor White, and his execution at the Main Guard. Holing obtained the particulars from three eye-witnesses, two of them natives of the town, and a Jesuit biographer conjectured that the Stephen White named in the Foundation Charter of Trinity College Dublin was probably Stephen of Clonmel.

45. Clonmel Charter School's souperism scheme and eventual closure

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1747–1823

    The Clonmel Charter School was founded to instruct Catholic children in Protestant religion while providing diet and lodging, a scheme regarded as undisguised souperism. It dragged on in a wretched state until its closure in 1823, with its endowments transferred to the Protestant Parochial School.

    Read the passage

    them, bishops and country gentlemen, parliaments and lords lieutenant, vied with one another in founding schools and granting endowments. On 23rd April, 1747, Sir Charles Moore of Powerstown granted 39 acres a little to the east of the town, at a rent of £ll a-year. Subscriptions were collected, and a large school built at a cost of £900. A rent-charge of £75 on 711 acres, was subsequently bequeathed by John Dawson. For a time there was some success. In 1766 forty children of Catholic parents were instructed "in English and arithmetic, in husbandry and housewifery, in the Scriptures and the principles of the Protestant established religion," being provided with diet and lodging. But the enthusiasm died out ; the undisguised souperism of the scheme disgusted the more rational Protestants, and when Howard, the philanthropist, visited the Clonmel Charter School, it was already in extremis.

    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.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, this town once held one of the charter schools founded across Ireland to bring Catholic children into the Protestant faith. Sir Charles Moore of Powerstown granted 39 acres east of the town in 1747, and a large school went up at a cost of 900 pounds. John Dawson later bequeathed a rent-charge of 75 pounds on 711 acres. By 1766, forty Catholic children were being taught English, arithmetic, husbandry, housewifery, and the Scriptures, with diet and lodging, all while being instructed in the principles of the Protestant established religion. The enthusiasm did not last. The undisguised souperism of the scheme disgusted the more rational Protestants, and when the philanthropist Howard visited on June 12, 1787, he found 29 boys in a dirty house with no beds, an infirmary holding only two bedsteads and a little dirty straw, an empty pantry, and children half starved and almost naked. The master paid for an usher himself because he was too old to teach. The allowance for soap and candles was only 5 pounds. When the local committee was asked for help, the answer was that the Society was too poor to afford it. The school dragged on in that wretched state until its closure in 1823, when its endowments went to the Protestant Parochial School.

46. Cornwallis visits the Bagwells at Marlfield to negotiate Union support

    Marlfield · townland · Tipperary · 1799

    Viceroy Cornwallis visited Marlfield, home of the Bagwell family (three of whom were MPs), to negotiate support for the Union, but John Bagwell held out for higher terms and no bargain was struck.

    Read the passage

    The country was now prostrate, held down by a force of 140,000 men. One section of the Protestant national party had joined the insurgents ; the other section had united with government in crushing them. The opportune time, therefore, had arrived for the English minister to carry out his design of a legislative union. In June, 1799, Lord Castlereagh made urgent appeals to Dr. Bray to procure discreetly. Catholic signatures in favour of the Union in Tipperary and Waterford. But the archbishop was not so easily caught ; he assured his lordship that he, as a Catholic bishop, had little influence. The Union might prove to be a useful measure, but bishops injure their own character and the cause of religion by interfering against the wishes of the people (j), Cornwallis, the viceroy, came at the same time to Marlfield to visit the Bagwells, three of whom were members of parliament. He made John Bagwell, the father, some offers but the bargain was not struck, for Bagwell held out for higher terms (k). However, after much effort, some opinion in favour of the Union was manufactured. Lord Clare, through his notorious niece the baroness of Cahir, obtained a petition from that town for the Union. Hely-Hutchinson gave his support and influence on the promise of the Earldom of Donoughmore (I). Agar, Protestant archbishop of Cashel, secured his son-in-law, Hawarden, in consideration of further promotion, ecclesiastical and civil (m). But the overwhelming majority, Protestant and Catholic, were opposed to the measure. Tipperary County sent a strong petition, among the signatures being Lords Lismore, Clonbrock, Mountcashel and Maxwell, Sir Thomas Osborne, Hon. John Hussey, C. B. Ponsonby, William Bagwell, W. H. Armstrong. John Bagwell wrote to Cornwallis that " the principal part of the freeholders of the county of Tipperary have signed resolutions against the Union." Public opinion, therefore, had to be suppressed. What took place in Clonmel is instructive and characteristic.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 11

47. David Walsh of Powerstown slaughtered on Carrick road

    Powerstown · townland · Tipperary · 1651–1652

    David Walsh, whose ancestors had held Powerstown since the first conquest, was mercilessly slaughtered by Major Morgan on the road to Carrick.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 7

48. Disputed 1761 Clonmel election and the mayor's manipulation

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1761

    At the 1761 election the mayor, Theobald Lewis, refused to let the town clerk read the freemen's roll, instead reading his own list with the bailiffs, and later secretly returned the two Moores after Walsh's supporters had left the Court House.

    Read the passage

    Richard Moore was the eldest son of Stephen Moore, first Vicount Mountcashel. Bom 1725 ; he died 29 September, 1761. JefFry Walsh was nominated a candidate in opposition to the Moores. He claimed the second seat in a petition to the House of Commons. Some extraordinary allegations were made in the petition. The mayor, Theobald Lewis, would not, said Walsh, permit the town clerk to read the freemens roll, but with the bailiffs read a roll of his own. Eventually the mayor as returning officer closed the poll and declared Richard Moore and Jeffry Walsh elected. Some hours after Walsh and his supporters had left the Court House, the mayor signed a document purporting to return the two Moores, Walsh who was impecunious, withdrew the petition 26 November, 1761, probably for a consideration.

    1761, December 23rd — Colvill Moore, Esq., vice Richard Moore, deceased.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 31

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, the Tipperary town where the 1761 election turned into a scandal. The mayor, Theobald Lewis, refused to let the town clerk read the freemen's roll. Instead he and the bailiffs read a roll of his own. He closed the poll and declared Richard Moore and Jeffry Walsh elected, but hours after Walsh and his supporters had left the Court House, the mayor signed a document returning the two Moores instead. Walsh, who was impecunious, withdrew his petition to the House of Commons on 26 November 1761, probably for a consideration. Richard Moore had died on 29 September that year, and by 23 December Colvill Moore was returned in his place.

49. Flogging of Clogheen innkeeper Jeremiah McGrath

    Clogheen · town · Tipperary · 1798

    Jeremiah McGrath, the innkeeper of Clogheen, was similarly flogged during Fitzgerald's campaign of terror against suspected United Irish sympathisers.

    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

50. Geoffry Baron, member for Clonmel, expelled from Irish parliament

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1634

    Geoffry Baron, elected member of parliament for Clonmel, led Catholic opposition against Strafford's proselytizing measures in the Court of Wards during the 1634 parliament. He was expelled from the House on a charge of misinformation and committed to Dublin Castle for eight days.

    Read the passage

    for similar purposes had been summoned twenty-one years before, and the Catholics therefore with bitter experience looked forward with much misgiving to this. Of the new parliament half the members were nominated by the lord deputy himself who issued together with the writs, a hundred letters of recommendation. At the opening it was announced that two sessions should be held, one for the benefit of the king, the other for the people. In the confidence of obtaining various acts of toleration known as the " graces," the Catholic party cheerfully voted six subsidies in the first session. When however in the second session faith was broken with them, and they saw that the machinery of the Court of Wards, was to be made more effective for proselytizing the Catholic nobility and gentry, they offered a strenuous opposition. Their leader was GeofFry Baron, member for Clonmel, who two years previous having been admitted to practice, had already won a reputation at the bar. Strafford uncertain whether he could carry through his measure was at his wits end. But he overcame the difficulty by a characteristic coup. Writing to Secretary Coke, l6th December, 1634 he states : —

    The Popish party have been ill to please this session but after I had sent on 27 of last month an answer to their graces, they lost all temper and brake forth into such a froward sulleness as was strange, and had it continued two days I would have sought his majesty's judgment. The burgesses that served for the new Boroughs they questioned as not having the right to sit there. I was extreme loath so many good laws should be lost which might be of excellent use in the future reducement of this kingdom to civility. So necessity put me upon a bold Adventure to try our strength, and if we carried it not, then instantly to adjourn.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 45

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, this is the town that sent Geoffry Baron to the Irish parliament in 1634. Baron had been admitted to practice at the bar two years before and had already won a reputation. He was elected member for Clonmel, and when the parliament met, he led the Catholic opposition against Strafford's measures. The parliament of 1634 was one the Catholics approached with misgiving. A similar parliament had been summoned twenty-one years before, and the memory was bitter. Half the members were nominated by the lord deputy himself, who issued a hundred letters of recommendation alongside the writs. Two sessions were announced at the opening, one for the benefit of the king, the other for the people. In the hope of obtaining acts of toleration known as the graces, the Catholic party voted six subsidies in the first session. But in the second session, faith was broken with them. The machinery of the Court of Wards was to be made more effective for proselytizing the Catholic nobility and gentry. Baron and his party offered strenuous opposition. Strafford, uncertain whether he could carry his measure through, was at his wits end. He wrote to Secretary Coke on the 16th of December, 1634. He said the Popish party had been ill to please, and after he sent an answer to their graces on the 27th of the previous month, they lost all temper and broke forth into a froward sullenness. The burgesses serving for the new boroughs were questioned as not having the right to sit. Strafford called it necessity that put him upon a bold adventure to try their strength. Baron was expelled from the House on a charge of misinformation and committed to Dublin Castle for eight days.

51. Grand jury of Clonmel palatinate refuses loyal address to Charles II

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1682

    In 1682 the grand jury of the county palatine of Clonmel, led by Stephen Moore, refused to give a loyal address to Charles II, prompting Ormond to demand Moore make amends for his opposition.

    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

    Clonmel, here in Tipperary, has its share of Stuart-era turmoil. In 1682 the grand jury of the county palatine refused to present a loyal address to Charles the Second. Stephen Moore had moved the rejection, and Ormond, as lord of the palatinate and lord lieutenant, took sharp notice. He wrote that Moore must give some signal evidence that he repents the opposition he gave, and is ready to make amends, and he urged the Chief Justice of Tipperary to dispose Moore to it, lest he stand suspected of cajoling the party for fear or favour. Nothing appears to have been done. The times were uneasy all round. In 1672 the mayor and corporation had been mobbed on their way home from the Gunpowder Plot commemoration, and the mayor was roughly handled. In 1679 Catholic inhabitants were ordered outside the walls by proclamation of the lord lieutenant, save a few necessary merchants and artificers. Trade guilds formed from 1681, beginning with the merchants, gave Protestants the power to set any terms on Catholics or bar them from trading altogether. Four years after the address affair Moore used seditious language toward the new king and was put on trial. Tyrconnell, then lord lieutenant, came to Clonmel in person to secure conviction, but the Cromwellian jury refused to convict, and the matter took on national importance.

52. Inchiquin visits Clonmel to plan recovery of Carrick

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1649

    In November 1649, Inchiquin, known as 'Murrough the Incendiary', spent several days in Clonmel concerting measures with former enemies for the recovery of Carrick from the Puritans, illustrating the fragile royalist alliance.

    Read the passage

    During the years 1648-9 as the English Puritans gained the ascendency, and especially after the execution of the King, the sevisral royalist parties were driven to make common cause, and so we find Ormond received in Clonmel with the honour due to the King's representative. Stranger still in November 1649, Inchiquin " Murrough the Incendiary " spent several days in the town concerting measures for the recovery of Carrick from his former friends the puritans. But the differences between Protestant and Catholic royalists were too fundamental ; there was no loyal co-operation, and the subsequent campaign against Cromwell is a painful record of treachery and disaster. The one man of consummate military capacity who, trusted by Ormond and the Irish alike, might have led the forlorn hope, died as the campaign opened — Owen Roe O'Neill.

    The feeling in Clonmel during the months of September and October, 1649, as the reports of Cromwellian successes were brought in, must have

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    You are passing through Clonmel, the Tipperary town. In November 1649 a man called Inchiquin, known as "Murrough the Incendiary," spent several days here concerting measures for the recovery of Carrick from his former friends, the Puritans. It was a strange alliance — several royalist parties had been driven to make common cause after the execution of the King, and Ormond had been received in Clonmel with the honour due to the King's representative. But the differences between Protestant and Catholic royalists ran too deep. There was no loyal co-operation, and the campaign that followed against Cromwell became what the record calls a painful record of treachery and disaster. The one man who might have changed it, Owen Roe O'Neill, trusted by Ormond and the Irish alike, died as the campaign opened.

53. Marlfield mill built by Stephen Moore

    Marlfield · townland · Tipperary · 1769–1776

    Stephen Moore built a huge mill at Marlfield around 1769 costing £15,000, with capacity to hold 10,000 barrels of grain, growing production from 3,000 to 20,000 barrels annually by 1776, reflecting the rise of tillage in the region.

    Read the passage

    His mill was built seven years ago and cost £15000; the wages of the millers including candles, coals, soap tallow, etc £700 or £800 a year; it contains nine stones for wheat and four for oatmeal ; it has a very complete apparatus for sifting, cleaning etc. and granaries of uncommon magnitude holding lOOOO barrels ; began to be worked with only 3,000 barrels of wheat in a year, which has risen gradually to 20,000 barrels in 1776 a very strong proof of the great increase of tillage in the neighbourhood. Very much of it is between Clonmel and Cashel, in which tract there was formerly more sheep in one parish than now in three ; also much in the Cork road to Clogheen but no mountain heath ground improved. The change has been from sheep to bullocks. He has a prospect of doing yet more and at the same time other mills have been erected that grind much, perhaps the whole is not short of 40,000 barrels. The farmers do not bring their wheat from a greater distance than sixteen miles. Mr. Moore finds it necessary to kiln-dry all. I mentioned to him the bad colour of all the wheat in his own and every other mill in Ireland ; he attributed it only to wet harvests. He sends his flour to Dublin on the bounty, which rather more than pays the expense of carriage 6d. per cwt. Never exports on his own account but sends a little to Waterford. It goes to Dublin in cars which take each eight to ten cwt. that is from four to five bags. He used to pay 3s. a cwt. in winter and 3s. 6d. in summer for 84 miles but now the price is 2s. 6ci. in summer and 3s. in winter. Mr. Moore tried English broad wheeled wagons with high priced strong horses but they did not answer at all : he has found the cars to carry much greater loads.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

54. Marlfield mills built up by John Bagwell

    Marlfield · townland · Tipperary · 1781

    John Bagwell purchased the fee-farm of Marlfield around 1781 from the bankrupt assigns of Stephen Moore, and successfully ran corn and rape mills there, becoming a notable county figure.

    Read the passage

    This John, about 1781, purchased from the assigns of Stephen Moore, in bankruptcy, the fee-farm of Marlfield. He carried on the corn and rape mills there for several years with conspicuous success, and soon became one of the most notable figures in the county. The Nonconformist creed which his family had professed was an obstacle to his social progress, and he soon discarded it. Bagwell had, however, a better qualification for admission into the ranks of the Tipperary gentry, and that was he could stand fire. After three duels, he obtained a considerable measure of social recognition. Having taken an active part in the formation of the Tipperary Militia in I793> he was rewarded for his exertions by the position of colonel (gg), and subsequently was returned member for Tipperary in the Irish Parliament. Such was the man who now became lord of the manor of Clonmel.

    In 1800, also, Bagwell acquired a sort of property in the town — an " incorporeal hereditament " that will be sought for in vain in Blackstone, or the evidence of it, in the Registry of Deeds — namely, the ''patronage" of the borough. On the 31st December of that year, the following entry (one of several) appears in the corporation minute book.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

55. Martyr Lane named for capture of Father Kenrachtin

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary

    Market Street, originally called 'Moreton Street', was renamed 'Martyr Lane' following the capture of Father Kenrachtin in the house of Victor White there.

    Read the passage

    that time 3, cul de sac, was originally 'Moreton Street.' Subsequent to the capture of Father Kenrachtin in the house of Victor White it was termed ' Martyr Lane ' fx). In Lough Street on the east side lived the senior branch of the White family represented at this period by John White fitz Bennet. The narrow street leading to the East Gate was styled ' Sheelane Street/ a memorial probably of the old connexion of the town with Kilsheelan as the joint property of Lord Richard De Burgh. There is however a spelling of the name which suggests a different origin. On 4th May, 1602, Edmond Bray petitioned for the enrollment of a deed whereby Richard Bray, burgess, conveyed to Michael Bray eight tenements and a garden in 'Zilane ' Street 6^/ On the south side of High Street, the short wide street to the Water-gate was styled 'Boate Street' — a common appellation in old English towns; the lane parallel with it, subsequently called ' Blue Anchor Lane ' after a tavern there, was 'the Shambles lane.' Where Quay Street is now built was in the seventeenth century mere slobland and evil smelling at that ; for the town sewer — an open one, was carried into the river there. The section of Clonmel within the walls, cut off by Boat Street and Sheelan Street was originally the 'site, circuit, and precinct' of the Gray Friars. Having been granted at the dissolution to the Earl of Ormond and the Corporation in equal shares, the latter during the reign of James I. leased to the Pagans, Whites and Danills, several lots in Sheelan Street for building. The south side of that street does not appear to have been previously built upon.

    Sir John Davis, Attorney General for Ireland who spent some days in Clonmel in 1606 describes it as " a well built and well kept town " (z). Most of the houses were two storied and roofed with slate though at intervals might be seen thatched houses, survivors of an earlier period. Even in 1666 the

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, in Tipperary. One of its streets has a name that carries a story. The short cul de sac that time had numbered as number three was originally called Moreton Street. After the capture of Father Kenrachtin in the house of Victor White, it came to be called Martyr Lane. The name stuck to the place where a priest was taken. Victor White was one of that family in Clonmel. The senior branch of the Whites lived in Lough Street on the east side, represented at that period by John White fitz Bennet. The narrow street leading to the East Gate was called Sheelane Street, likely a memorial of the old connection between the town and Kilsheelan, both held as the joint property of Lord Richard De Burgh. There is another spelling of the name that suggests a different origin. On the 4th of May, 1602, Edmond Bray petitioned for the enrollment of a deed whereby Richard Bray, a burgess, conveyed to Michael Bray eight tenements and a garden in Zilane Street. On the south side of High Street, the short wide street to the Watergate was called Boate Street, a common name in old English towns. The lane parallel to it, later called Blue Anchor Lane after a tavern there, was the Shambles lane. Where Quay Street is now built was in the seventeenth century slobland, evil smelling, for the town sewer, an open one, was carried into the river there. Sir John Davis, Attorney General for Ireland, spent some days in Clonmel in 1606 and described it as a well built and well kept town. Most of the houses were two storied and roofed with slate, though at intervals you might see thatched houses, survivors of an earlier period.

56. Ministers' Money valuation dispute throws Clonmel into ferment

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1796–1800

    Rector Thomas May sought a revision of the Ministers' Money valuation in Clonmel, appointing commissioners in 1796 who raised the town's valuation from £38 to £178 a year. Petitions of protest were sent to the viceroy by parishioners, proprietors and Quakers of Clonmel objecting to the over-valuation.

    Read the passage

    Thomas May. Presented by the corporation (being a grandson of Thomas Moore of Marlfield) and instituted April 14th, 1795 (0), He immediately applied for a revision of the valuation under the " Ministers' Money " Act (17 & 18 Chas. 11.). William Moore, Thomas Delandre and John Roberts being appointed 4th January, 1796, commissioners for the purpose, the whole town was thrown into a ferment Petitions were sent to Lord Camden, viceroy, from the " Parishioners and Proprietors of Houses," from the " Proprietors and Inhabitants," from the " Quakers of Clonmel," objecting to the valuation on the grounds that houses already valued could not be revalued, that the Commissioners had subdivided houses, had over- valued them» had valued out-houses, factories, etc., that in fine the whole valuation had been raised from £38 to £178 a year. Neither party however was satisfied. May obtained on 4th August, 1800, a new commission, and this was met by a counter petition signed by John Bagwell, Richard Jones, Thomas and Samuel Morton, Phineas and Arthur Riall, and the other principal inhabitants (p). The victory eventually was with the rector, and a still higher assessment levied. May died in August, 1810.

    Daniel Wall, M.A. Presented by the corporation 4th January, 181 1, in the place of Rev. Thomas May ; he was instituted 29th January, and inducted 2nd February (q).

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 28

    As the companion tells it

    Clonmel, the town you're passing through, was thrown into a ferment in the 1790s over a church tax called Ministers' Money. The rector, Thomas May, had been presented by the corporation and instituted in April 1795, and he immediately applied for a revision of the valuation. Commissioners were appointed in January 1796, and they raised the whole town's valuation from £38 to £178 a year. The townsfolk were furious. Petitions went to Lord Camden, the viceroy, from the parishioners and proprietors of houses, from the proprietors and inhabitants, and from the Quakers of Clonmel, all objecting. They said houses already valued could not be revalued, that commissioners had subdivided houses, overvalued them, valued out-houses and factories. Neither party was satisfied. May got a new commission in August 1800, met by a counter petition signed by John Bagwell, Richard Jones, Thomas and Samuel Morton, Phineas and Arthur Riall, and other principal inhabitants. The victory was with the rector, and a still higher assessment was levied. May died in August 1810.

57. Municipal Corporation Inquiry sits in Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1833

    In October 1833 the Commissioners of Inquiry into Irish Municipal Corporations held a nine-day session in Clonmel, exposing the Bagwell family's total control of the corporation's mayoralty, council, and offices.

    Read the passage

    Yet though there was not a ripple on the surface of public opinion, Bagwell did not acquire a more absolute dominion of Marlfield than he did of the corporation — its privileges, parliamentary and municipal, its patronage, and in a sense, its revenues and estates. The sum paid to the Moores is not now discoverable, if it ever will be ; there can be no question, however, as to the value received by Bagwell. The Commissioners of Inquiry into Irish Municipal Corporations, held a nine days' session in Clonmel, October 1833. The evidence given, and the report of the Commissioners, form a memoir pour servir as instructive as it is unimpeachable. The corporate machinery is thus described by the Commissioners : —

    (hhj John Burke to Kingston Power, Kilworth. fii) Same to same.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, the Tipperary town where, in October 1833, the Commissioners of Inquiry into Irish Municipal Corporations held a nine-day session. What emerged from the evidence was the Bagwell family's grip on the corporation itself, its privileges, its patronage, and in a sense its revenues and estates. The commissioners' report described the corporate machinery in terms that left no doubt as to the value Bagwell received, even if the sum paid to the Moores was never discoverable. The report stands, as one writer put it, as instructive as it is unimpeachable.

58. Old Catholic burghers barred from returning to Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1660–1661

    After the Restoration, Catholic burghers who had returned from Connaught were still forbidden to trade or dwell within the walls of Clonmel, despite a royal letter of 1661 confirming their rights. Their petitions to Ormond to re-enter the town came to nothing.

    Read the passage

    Settlement of Ireland on the following 30th November helped to keep up the deception, for while it expressed great care for the interests of the Adventurers, Officers and others, the Irish were equally reassured in consideration of the treaty of 1648 and their services beyond the seas. As however the months wore on, the fact became more and more evident that, with the exception of the Protestant royalists, there was to be no restoration of the Irish to their homes. In Clonmel the Cromwellian authorities still ruled, Thomas Batty being mayor and Major Francis Foulkes governor, though to put themselves right they obtained an " Exemplification " of the charter. The old burghers who had returned from Connaught and elsewhere were neither permitted to trade nor dwell within the walls. In vain did the King's letter of 22nd May, 1661, authorize them to peaceably inhabit and trade, and confirm to them their former corporate privileges. In vain did they petition the Lord Lieutenant Ormond to re-enter the town. John Walsh of Kilmore, Ormond's agent, recommended certain of their number for favourable consideration, but to no purpose.

    Those who submitti^ and constantly adhered to the Peace of '48

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, this is a town with a bitter story from the years after the Restoration. By late 1660 the Cromwellian authorities still held power here, with Thomas Batty as mayor and Major Francis Foulkes as governor, and they had obtained an exemplification of the charter to keep themselves in place. The old Catholic burghers who had come back from Connaught and elsewhere were not allowed to trade or dwell within the walls. The King's letter of 22 May 1661 authorized them to peaceably inhabit and trade and confirmed their former corporate privileges, but it changed nothing on the ground. They petitioned the Lord Lieutenant Ormond to re-enter the town. John Walsh of Kilmore, Ormond's agent, recommended certain of their number for favourable consideration, but it came to no purpose.

59. Old native families confined to Irishtown and Old Bridge suburbs

    Irishtown · street · Tipperary · 1668–1672

    The old native families of Clonmel—Whites, Barrons, Stritches, Brennocks—were excluded from trade privileges by the Corporation despite their charter rights, and lived in the Irishtown, the Old Bridge and other suburbs while new Cromwellian settlers prospered.

    Read the passage

    All this time that the new settlers were acquiring riches, purchasing land and founding families, the old natives of the town Whites, Barrons, Stritches, Brennocks, looked on with hungry' eyes from their cabins in the Irishtown, the Old Bridge and the other suburbs. As their rights to trade freely in the town, and enjoy all other municipal franchises, were indisputable under the charter, the Corporation to exclude them adopted the illegal expedient of requiring all freemen to take the oath of supremacy.

    At a Doyer Hundred Court held at the TholselofClonmel 19 October 1668 .... John Rindon Butcher the same day took the Oath of supremacy and the Oath of a Freeman

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    Along here in Irishtown, the old native families of Clonmel lived while the new Cromwellian settlers prospered. The Whites, Barrons, Stritches and Brennocks had rights to trade freely under the charter, but the Corporation excluded them by requiring all freemen to take the oath of supremacy. A Doyer Hundred Court was held at the Tholsel of Clonmel on 19 October 1668, where John Rindon, a butcher, took that oath and was admitted a freeman.

60. Prendergast's apostasy, deathbed conversion and Viaticum

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1600–1605

    A priest named William Prendergast had lived about sixty years in apostacy with a wife and children, holding many ecclesiastical benefices, and had persecuted Catholics. Near the end of his life he was converted, did public penance, and received the Holy Viaticum before dying.

    Read the passage

    A priest named William Prendergast had lived about sixty years in apostacy with a wife and children, and held many ecclesiastical benefices. He had been a great persecutor of the Catholics, but towards the end of his life he held converse with one of our Fathers and was converted. Having done public penance he received the Holy Viaticum and passed out of life to the great edification of everyone (oo),

    Richard Morris. He took the place of Prendergast on the latter turning Protestant. A solitary reference to him is obtainable from Catholic sources (pp). But he can be traced for more than sixteen years in the reports of spies and Government oflficials (qq). The last notice of him occurs in the Observations of Sir John Davys, Attorney General, Clonmel, May 4th, 1606.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 27

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, this is the town where a priest named William Prendergast lived about sixty years in apostasy, with a wife and children, holding many ecclesiastical benefices. He had been a great persecutor of Catholics, but towards the end of his life he spoke with one of the Fathers and was converted. He did public penance, received the Holy Viaticum, and passed out of life to the great edification of everyone. Richard Morris had taken his place when Prendergast turned Protestant, and Morris himself can be traced for more than sixteen years in the reports of spies and Government officials. The last notice of him comes from the observations of Sir John Davys, Attorney General, here in Clonmel, on May 4th, 1606.