The books · County Tipperary

History of Clonmel

William P. Burke (1864–1941) · 1907 · history

620 stories placed on the map Filled marks are placed exactly; rings are placed about a townland or town.

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620
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620
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15
counties: Tipperary, Cork, Waterford and more
13,514
words in the passages on this page

The stories, best first

page 5 of 11 · 620 in all

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. Priests flee Clonmel as summonses issued

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1712

    Sheriff Thomas Batty reported from Clonmel that after Tyrrell's departure, a greater than usual concourse of papists had visited the town, but that on the summoning of chief Catholic inhabitants to take the oaths, the priests took alarm and absconded.

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    Sir— I receaved yours of the 17th. By direction of theyr Excellencies ye Lords Justices and Councell and inclosed in it a copy of a letter from Edward Tyrrell to theyr Excellencies ye lOth instant from this town setting forth he could discover severall Popish Bishops and Regulars that were then in Clonmell. Pursuant to directions, on receipt of the Letter I immediately inquired of Major Wilkinson, ye Collector, and Mr. Scott, the Excise officer, what they knew of this matter and finde Tyrell^ was in this town for a boute a fortnight until last Saturday having notice given him by Major Wilkinson that he was advised not to have any further commerce with him, he immediately went out of this town as he pretended towards Corke which is all I can hear of this matter only that from a greater concours of papists then usuall, resorting this town of late, I believe there have been some such persons here of the Romish Clergy as above mentioned. But for the present I think they are dispersed, not from any apprehension of being discovered by Tyrell but severall of the chief of the papist inhabitants of this town happening att this time to be summoned to take the oathes, theyr clergy have taken ye alarme and are absconded.

    I am Sir

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel in Tipperary, you're on the trail of a minor panic from 1712. A man named Edward Tyrrell had written to the Lords Justices claiming he could discover several Popish bishops and regular clergy in the town. He stayed about a fortnight until Major Wilkinson, the collector, advised him to have no further commerce with him, and Tyrrell left, saying he was heading for Cork. The sheriff, Thomas Batty, looked into the matter with the excise officer, Mr. Scott, and noted that a greater concourse of papists than usual had been resorting to Clonmel. He believed some of the Romish clergy had indeed been there. But the priests did not flee because Tyrrell had found them out. Several of the chief Catholic inhabitants happened to be summoned to take the oaths at this time, and their clergy took the alarm and absconded.

  2. Quaker distraint for tithe refusal in Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1675–1681

    Quakers in Clonmel refused to pay tithes as an act of religious conscience, prompting officials to seize goods from members such as John Fennel and George Collett in lieu of payment. This is described as an early example of 'passive resistance' in the town.

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    1675. John Fennel for tithes claimed for the Bishop of Waterford, had taken from him by John MacKeogh, David Hussey, and William Kelly, by order of Richard Dennison, 48 fleeces of wool, 40 lambs, 6 loads of Bear, 16 loads of Peas, 8 loads of Wheat and 16 loads of Barley, all worth £9 19s.

    George Collett for One pound two shillings eight pence demanded for the maintenance of Samuel Ladyman, Priest of Clonmel, had taken from him by John West, Warden, pewter worth one pound ten shillings.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 29

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, where Quakers made an early stand of passive resistance by refusing to pay tithes on grounds of conscience. In 1675, officials seized goods from members in lieu of payment. John Fennel had 48 fleeces of wool, 40 lambs, and loads of barley, wheat, peas and bear taken from him, all worth £9 19s, for tithes claimed for Bishop of Waterford. George Collett had pewter worth one pound ten shillings seized over one pound two shillings eight pence demanded for Samuel Ladyman, the priest.

  3. Reburial of John Bridge's corpse at Ballysheehan churchyard

    Ballysheehan · townland · Tipperary · 1764

    About eight days after the first burial, the body was exhumed from Ballyhuskin and carried in procession to be reburied in the churchyard at Ballysheehan, with roughly a hundred people following and oaths again administered.

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    She recollects no other words of the prisoner; in about eight days the corpse was taken up and buried at Ballysheehan, near Shanbally. Says she was sent by Nicholas Sheehy to the prisoner— that he was to go on command — and he said he would obey ; says she watched the party and followed them from Clogheen to Ballyhuskin Bam ; was desired by Nicholas Sheehy and Edmund Sheehy alias Buck Sheehy, to stay at the end of the road and not go farther, and by the prisoner. She saw them bring the corp se the same way as before, from Ballyhuskin to Ballysheehan ; it was carried by tums ; about a hundred present ; followed the corpse most of the road to Ballysheehan ; they said they would bury it in the churchyard there.

    Nicholas Sheehy tendered an oath at the first and second burial on the cross to be true to each other and never to discover ; the prisoner was swom on the cross at both burials ; she heard prisoner say it was John Bridge.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 37

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, John Bridge's body was reburied in the churchyard at Ballysheehan in 1764. About eight days after the first burial, the corpse was taken up from Ballyhuskin and carried to Ballysheehan, near Shanbally. A witness had been sent by Nicholas Sheehy to the prisoner, saying he was to go on command, and he said he would obey. She watched the party and followed them from Clogheen to Ballyhuskin Barn. Nicholas Sheehy and Edmund Sheehy, known as Buck Sheehy, told her to stay at the end of the road and go no farther, and the prisoner told her the same. She saw them bring the corpse from Ballyhuskin to Ballysheehan, carried by turns. About a hundred people were present. They said they would bury it in the churchyard there. Nicholas Sheehy tendered an oath at both burials, sworn on the cross, to be true to each other and never to discover. The prisoner was sworn on the cross at both burials. She heard the prisoner say it was John Bridge.

  4. Rory McGrath's siege of Clonmel and killing of the sovereign

    Kilmanahan · townland · Waterford

    Rory McGrath of Kilmanahan maintained his position against all comers, keeping Clonmel almost under siege for years; a pursuit party formed against him resulted in the town's sovereign being among the first slain.

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

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 4

  5. Stanley's gift of a sword of state to the Cromwellian corporation of Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary

    On the establishment of the Cromwellian corporation, Major Thomas Stanley, described as a fanatical officer active in hunting down and killing Tories, presented the new corporation with a sword of state.

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

    (dd) A. 2, 95.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are in a town that once received a grim gift. When the Cromwellian corporation was set up here, Major Thomas Stanley presented it with a sword of state. Stanley was a fanatical officer who hunted down and killed Tories, claiming fifty pounds for his efforts, though the Commissioners disallowed forty because, as they noted, those people "were slain in the field." Stanley argued there was no other way to convict Tories guilty of murder and robbery who could not be taken alive. The author of the town's history calls it an appropriate gift from what he terms a butcher fanatic. Not every Cromwellian in Clonmel was so hardened, though. In 1665 Colonel John Booker left five pounds to the necessitous English of the town and twice that sum to the poor Irish inhabitants.

  6. St. Leger's punitive expedition to Waterford, Tipperary, Cashel and Clonmel

    Cashel · townland · Tipperary · 1641

    The Lord President, having secured Cork, launched an attack with three troops of horse and fifty musketeers on Waterford and Tipperary, destroying about 600 rebels without loss, and visited Waterford, Cashel, Clonmel and Carrick before returning to Doneraile.

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    This part remained two months quiet after all the rest had revolted and we concluded good hopes of its continuance till about twelve days before Christmas when rebels out of Leinster came in and disturbed our hoped security. The Lord President was not idle all this while but having secured Cork (the most remarkable place of his province) the best he could in the extreme want of men, money, amunition with three troops of horse and fifty musketters (a bold attempt) he fell upon Waterford and Tipperary and within a few days destroyed about 6oo of the rebels without the loss of one man and having visited the cities of Waterford and Cashel with the towns of Clonemell and Carrig he returned to his house at Downeraile Dec. 23. But ere the holidays were half spent Richard Butler brother to the Earl of Ormond, Purcel Baron Loghmoh, Philip O'Dwyer great men in Tipperary revolted, the city of Cashel, townes of Clonemell Fedder, Carrig etc. did the like and suddenly the lords of Dunboine and Cahir with that whole country turned rebels (ee).

    It was not without misgiving that the people of Clonmel entered upon the war. But for the disabilities for office and the occasional outbursts of religious persecution they had few grievances. Some such as Henry White, Pierce Bray and James Fennell, regarded with suspicion any alliance with the native Irish. They had much to lose, and therefore held entirely aloof. Others, like Geoflfry Barron, were enthusiastic in the cause, and swayed by religious motives were prepared to put their whole fortune at hazard. The great bulk of the citizens apparently were passive (ff). And so in the

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1641, the Lord President, having secured Cork with very few men, money or ammunition, set out with three troops of horse and fifty musketeers on what the source calls "a bold attempt" against Waterford and Tipperary. Within a few days he destroyed about 600 rebels without losing one man. He visited the cities of Waterford and Cashel, and the towns of Clonmel and Carrick, before returning to his house at Doneraile on 23 December. But before the holidays were half spent, Richard Butler, brother to the Earl of Ormond, Purcel Baron Loghmoh, and Philip O'Dwyer, great men in Tipperary, revolted. Cashel, Clonmel, Carrick and the whole country followed, along with the lords of Dunboine and Cahir. The people of Clonmel entered the war with misgiving. For the disabilities for office and occasional outbursts of religious persecution they had few grievances. Men like Henry White, Pierce Bray and James Fennell held entirely aloof, having much to lose. Others like Geoffrey Barron were enthusiastic and put their whole fortune at hazard. The great bulk of the citizens were apparently passive.

  7. Surrender negotiations at Waterford, 1641

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1641

    Geoffry Baron and his father-in-law Nicholas Wyse took a leading part in negotiating the surrender of Waterford city and the handing over of its ordinance to the Catholic Confederates during the 1641 rebellion.

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    On the outbreak of the war of 1641 he was one of the first to take up arms. A few days after Clonmel was occupied by the Irish, he accompanied Richard Butler of Kilcash, Ormond's brother, to Waterford. In the negotiations for the surrender of that city and the delivering over of the city ordinance to the Catholic Confederates, Baron and Nicholas Wyse, his father-in-law, took a leading part. The motives which actuated him and his companions in arms, he set forth in a letter to his uncle, Luke Wadding.

    The King grants large favours and graces to our country at the instance of our Committee in England. But the State there who are all Puritans and have swallowed great hopes of our estates, deny us the benefit of them and incense the Parliament in England against the King for his indulgence to us, which made them suspect his religion, and offer him, his Queen and children abuses beyond the patience of a marble statue. Moved at the wrongs done him, and so much occasioned by his goodness to us, and sensible of our own danger, we have, God knows how ill fitted, put ourselves in arms for the defence of the Catholic religion, our King and his prerogatives and for the lawful liberties of our oppressed country.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 45

  8. Surrender of the Franciscan monastery at Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1539

    On 28 March 1539, Robert Travers, guardian of the Franciscan house in Clonmel, surrendered the monastery under royal commission, totally dissolving it; unlike other houses, the Franciscans received no pensions due to their opposition to the royal supremacy.

    Read the passage

    The Bishop of Rome extinguished, the Reformation proceeded apace. Six weeks later Lord Chancellor Alen came to Clonmel to receive the surrender of the religious houses from their respective heads. The patent of his commission stated that " the houses of regulars in Ireland are at present in such a state that in them the praise of God and the welfare of man are next to nothing regarded; the regulars and nuns dwelling there being so addicted partly to their own superstitious ceremonies, partly to the pernicious worship of idols and to the pestiferous doctrines of the Roman pontiff, that unless an effectual remedy be promptly provided not only the weak lower order but the whole Irish people may be speedily infected to their total destruction by the example of these persons " (p). It will be seen that unlike in England, no wholesale charges of immorality are made, and it is certain the Privy Council would be only too glad if such were available for the preamble (q). The first house surrendered to Alen was the Franciscan. On the "twenty eight day of March in the thirty first year of the King [1539] Robert Travers, guardian or custos, with his brethren in virtue of the Royal Commission, etc., left the said monastery so that it is totally dissolved." Within the next fortnight the Cistercian abbey of Innislounaght, the Augustinian priory of Cahir, the Carmelite house of Lady Abbey near Ardfinnan, and the Brigitine convent of Mollough at Newcastle were all surrendered. The people of Clonmel viewed with no little satisfaction the dissolution of some of these houses ; for of late they had been a reproach not only to religion, but to decency itself. Inquiries into the monastic property were forthwith held, and the following year pensions chargeable on the

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Clonmel in Tipperary, this town holds a moment from 1539. Lord Chancellor Alen came here to receive the surrender of the religious houses from their heads. His commission stated that the houses of regulars in Ireland were in such a state that the praise of God and the welfare of man were next to nothing regarded, the regulars and nuns so addicted to their superstitious ceremonies and the pestiferous doctrines of the Roman pontiff that the whole Irish people might be infected to their total destruction. Unlike in England, no charges of immorality were made, and the Privy Council would have been glad if such had been available. The first house surrendered to Alen was the Franciscan. On the 28th day of March 1539, Robert Travers, guardian or custos, with his brethren, in virtue of the Royal Commission, left the said monastery so that it was totally dissolved. Within the next fortnight the Cistercian abbey of Innislounaght, the Augustinian priory of Cahir, the Carmelite house of Lady Abbey near Ardfinnan, and the Brigitine convent of Mollough at Newcastle were all surrendered. The people of Clonmel viewed with no little satisfaction the dissolution of some of these houses, for of late they had been a reproach not only to religion but to decency itself. Inquiries into the monastic property were held forthwith. Unlike other houses, the Franciscans received no pensions, owing to their opposition to the royal supremacy.

  9. The Lough Gate renamed the Breach Gate after the siege

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1650–1708

    The old Lough Gate, also called the North Gate, became known to the people of Clonmel as the 'Breach Gate' after the 1650 siege, a name that even superseded the earlier names in legal documents by 1708.

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    (nu) Long after there were echoes of the siege. 1654 November 6, Theobald Bolton linen draper St Peter's Parish, Cornhill petitions parliament for relief in his necessities. His only brother Major Charles Bolton was wounded at the taking of Clonmel of which he is since dead, (State Papers, Domestic.) 1655 October 13, Nicholas Jordan petitions the Admiralty, the State stands indebted to him and his brother in the sum of ;f 300 for debentures ; the latter. Major Thomas Jordan was slain at Clonmel etc., (Ibid.) "The ancestor of the present Langtie of Lisnebruck proprietor of the coUeries near Killenall in the county of Tipperar>' had his hand choped off above the wrist when scaleing the walls. I had this fact from his own lips one night I slept at his house, in confirmation of which a hand with a glove on it and the colours he carried at the time, are hung up to this day as a record of that transaction in Mary's Church, Clonmel. I have seen them there many a time " — Paper of Philip son of Nicholas Comins of Clonmel, 1786. The Langley referred to was Lieut. Henry I^ngley of Capt. Thomas Ask's troop in the regiment of horse commanded by Col. Jerome Sankey. The old Lough Gate, or as it was sometimes called the North Gate, was subsequently known to the people of Clonmel as the **Bre«ich Gate." Even in legal documents this name superseded the former ones. 4 March 1708 Fine by Joseph and Sarah Dennison to John Marshall of " a waste plot of ground etc. being part of the former holding of Thomas Elwell and Henry Ansel 1 situate outside the Breach Gate of Clonmell " (Records of the Tipperary Palatinate P.R.O.) Many years ago when the houses lying between SS. Peter and Paul's Church and Gladstone St. were being erected, numerous evidences of the assault were obtained. The late John Dowsley M.D. of Mary St. long kept a small museum of bullets, fragments of matchlocks, helmets, breastplates, buckles and the like. The latest souvenir was a portion of a cannon ball, about one-third. It weighed 14 lbs. and was foimd when laying a waterpipe into Dwyer's premises [Clonmel Chronicle^ 16th Jan., 1895).

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    Clonmel stands along your road through Tipperary, a town whose old Lough Gate, also called the North Gate, took a new name after the siege of 1650. The people of Clonmel called it the Breach Gate, and even legal documents used that name by 1708, when Joseph and Sarah Dennison transferred a waste plot of ground outside the Breach Gate of Clonmel to John Marshall. The siege left its marks for generations. Major Charles Bolton was wounded taking the town and died of his wounds; his brother Theobald petitioned parliament for relief in November 1654. Major Thomas Jordan was slain here, and his brother Nicholas petitioned the Admiralty in October 1655 for 300 in debentures. Lieutenant Henry Ingley had his hand chopped off above the wrist scaling the walls. A hand with a glove on it and the colours he carried were hung up in Mary's Church as a record, still there when Philip Comins wrote of it in 1786. Years later, when houses were going up between Saints Peter and Paul's Church and Gladstone Street, bullets, fragments of matchlocks, helmets, breastplates and buckles came out of the ground. A doctor in Mary Street kept a small museum of them. The last souvenir was a piece of a cannon ball, about a third of one, weighing 14 pounds, found when laying a waterpipe into Dwyer's premises.

  10. Toll disturbances and military called out over market tolls in Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1813–1833

    According to the 1833 Municipal Corporations Report, the collection of tolls and customs at Clonmel's markets and fairs caused serious public disturbances and riots, on one occasion requiring the military to be called out to restore order.

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    Tolls and customs are levied on every week-day as well as on market days. A great number of additional persons were formerly employed on fair days, in the collection of the tolls, in consequence of the opposition to them, and the disposition to evade them by forcing cattle, goods and chattels, t)oth in and out of the different toll gaps. There has been a great deal of public disturbance in consequence of the collection of toll. It was, on one occasion, necessary to call out the military Serious riots very often occur, on account of the collection of customs.

    P2

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 14

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, in Tipperary. In the years before 1833, the town saw repeated trouble over the tolls and customs levied at its markets and fairs. People tried to force cattle, goods and chattels through the toll gates to evade payment, and serious riots broke out so often that extra staff were hired on fair days just to collect what was due. On one occasion the situation grew bad enough that the military had to be called out to restore order. The Municipal Corporations Report of 1833 recorded all of this as a persistent source of public disturbance in the town.

  11. Union of Dough Arra with County Cross of Tipperary

    Cashel · townland · Tipperary · 1606

    In 1606 a jury at Cashel formally annexed the territory of Dough Arra (McBrien Arra's country) to the County Cross of Tipperary, noting that unpunished treasons and felonies had occurred there for many years due to jurisdictional uncertainty.

    Read the passage

    The Unyon of Dugh Arra to the County of the Cross of Typerary. Whereas oure sov'aigne Lord the Kinges moste excellent ma*'« James by the grace of God King of England Scotland ffraunc and Ireland by his hignes comission under his greate seale of this his realme of Ireland unto us directed bearing date at Mellefount the xx'*^ day of July and in the fourth year of his most prosperous Raigne of England ffraunc and Ireland and of Scotland the nyne and thirteeth hath ordeyred dyrected and appointed that the Countrey or Territory of Dough Arra otherwise called M*= Bryen Arraes Countrey lying and being in the bords and confynes of the sev'all Counties of Clare Lym'ick the County of the Crosse of Tiperary and the County of the Liberty of Tiperary being hearetofore doubtfull and uncertayne whether the said Countrey of Dough Arra weare parcell if enny of the said sev'all counties or rather a place exempt and seperate from all and every of the said sev'all Counties by reason whereof manny treasones felonies and other offences comitted within the said Countrey of Dough Arra have for manny yeares past gon unpunnished because the inhabitaunts of the said Countrey have not beene drawne to make their apparaunce at anny sessions within enny of the said sev'all Countres and that it hath beene concey ved that there hath beene no apt and proper place of triall of the said crymes and offences. His highnes for sundry goode respectes and for the advauncement of justice among his subjectes have thought meete and convenyent to annex unite and joyne the said Countrey or Territory of Dough Arra and the sayd County of the Crosse of Tiperary into one County and the said Countrey of Dough Arra to be hencfoorth reputed accepted and taken as parcell and member of the said County of the Crosse of Tiperary. Knowe all men that wee for the perfourmanc of his highnes dyrection to us in that behalf have called before us a Jury of the County of the Crosse of Tiperary aforesaid retoumed by the Shierif of the said County at Cashell within the said County the third day of September 1606 whose names do ensue vizt. : Edmond Butler of Mullenony gent., Edmond Butler of Clogcully gent., John Phelane of ffitherd burges, John Keating of Moorestown gent, Eustace English of Rahin gent, James Prendergast of Rathogally gent., Thomas Stapleton of Leynestowne gent, Geffrey Mocler of Bally clerighane gent., John Hyffeman of Lattin gent., James Meaghir of Burdensgrandg gent, James Heden of flitherd burges, James Woodlock of the same burges, Edmond Mocler of Bwollvnattin gent, which Juro's being swome in

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 42

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Cashel, in 1606, a jury gathered here to settle a borderland problem. The territory called Dough Arra, or McBrien Arra's country, lay on the edges of four jurisdictions: Clare, Limerick, the County Cross of Tipperary, and the County Liberty of Tipperary. For years no one knew which county it belonged to, or whether it belonged to any at all. Because of that doubt, crimes went unpunished. The document says that many treasons, felonies and other offences committed within Dough Arra had for many years past gone unpunished, because the inhabitants had not been drawn to make their appearance at any sessions within any of the said several counties, and there had been no apt and proper place of trial. King James issued a commission from Mellefount, dated the 20th of July, in the fourth year of his reign over England, France and Ireland and the 39th of Scotland. The commission ordered that Dough Arra be annexed to the County Cross of Tipperary, so that it would from then on be taken as a parcel and member of that county. On the 3rd of September 1606, a jury of the County Cross of Tipperary was called at Cashel, returned by the sheriff. The jurors sworn in included Edmond Butler of Mullenony, Edmond Butler of Clogcully, John Phelane of Fethard, John Keating of Moorestown, Eustace English of Rahin, James Prendergast of Rathogally, Thomas Stapleton of Leynestown, Geffrey Mocler of Ballyclerighane, John Hyffeman of Lattin, James Meaghir of Burdensgrandg, James Heden of Fethard, James Woodlock of the same, and Edmond Mocler of Bwollvnattin. They were convened to perform the king's direction and join Dough Arra to the County Cross of Tipperary into one county.

  12. William returns to Clonmel to arrange winter quarters, 1690

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1690

    William was compelled to return to Clonmel on 30 August 1690 to arrange winter quarters for his army and plan renewal of the war, entrusting military command to Count Solmes and General Ginckle while ordering the town's neglected fortifications strengthened.

    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

    Clonmel, the town ahead, is where William returned on 30 August 1690 to arrange winter quarters for his army and plan a renewal of the war the following year. The Williamites had entered the town earlier unmolested, the gates open and the garrison fled. But after the defeat before Limerick and Sarsfield's brilliant coup, the campaign entered a new phase, and William was compelled to come back here. He entrusted 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 no guns were mounted nor any scaffolds to fire over the walls of the citadel. William, who left nothing to chance, gave instructions that the fortification of such places as Cashel and Clonmel where the troops would be for the winter 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 10 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. The war dragged on for another year until 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 the Second.

  13. William Roe of Rockwell shot by evicted tenant

    Rockwell · townland · Tipperary · 1847

    William Roe of Rockwell was shot on 2nd October 1847 by a tenant he had evicted the previous month.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Rockwell, William Roe was shot on the 2nd of October, 1847, by a tenant he had evicted the previous month. That single act was part of a larger pattern in Tipperary. The book describes how the decree too often went out for vengeance upon the landlord or the agent, and upon the man who succeeded to the farm. A large proportion of the neighbourhood would look with indifference on the most atrocious acts of violence, and by screening the criminal, abet and encourage the crime. Murders were perpetrated at noon-day on a public highway, and whilst the assassin coolly retired, the people looked on and evinced no horror at the bloody deed. Charles O'Keeffe, agent for Valentine Maher of Turtulla, evicted 180 persons. Shortly after, on October 24th, 1838, he was shot dead in the street at Thurles, and the murderer could never be discovered. James Scully of Kilfeacle evicted 30 tenants in the winter of 1841. The following April 17th he was fired at and wounded in the jaw, but recovering, he was murdered on the 26th of November subsequent. On the 5th of April, 1838, Austin Cooper and Francis Wayland, 2 land agents near Tipperary, were proceeding to the fair of that town, accompanied by Cooper's brother, all 3 armed. At Ballinaclough they were fired at by 3 men. The fire was returned, and Samuel Cooper alone escaped with his life. Philip Maguire of Toorin was shot at his own door in November, 1835, by a tenant whose crops he had distrained. Throughout this awful time there were few landlords or agents who had not been under fire. Avery Jordan, a Tipperary land agent, told the Devon Commission, "There were a few shots fired into my own house very lately, but there was nobody shot; we do not mind these little trifles."

  14. 1385 grant describes Clonmel harassed by enemies, church and bridge in disrepair

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1385

    A grant to the citizens of Clonmel by James Earl of Ormond in 1385 describes how Irish enemies and English rebels had harassed the people with unjust imposts, preventing repair of the bridge, towers, fortifications and maintenance of divine service in the parish church.

    Read the passage

    By reason of them the citizens of CJonmel have been unable to repair the bridge, towers and fortifications thereof, and to maintain divine service in the accustomed manner in their parish church, so that the said town may fall into the hands of the enemy unless speedy redress is granted.

    In the event the graceful arcade, the clustered column, the high-pitched roof disappeared, and a structure esthetically inferior, half church, half fortress, was raised on the old foundations. Yet this late fourteenth-century church, which came down to our own days, was not without a quaint picturesqueness of its own. If it lacked the dignity of height, yet the long roof line broken by stepped battlements, was some compensation. Interiorly too the square piers and plain arches, destitute even of a chamfer, bespoke quiet strength, and afforded fine masses of shadow. But its redeeming feature was the pair of noble windows in the chancel and west front. Not even the " restoration " craze of 1805 and 1857 could put these away. They are there still, almost the sole memorials of the pre-Reformation church.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 24

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Clonmel now. In 1385 James Earl of Ormond granted help to the citizens of this town, because Irish enemies and English rebels had harassed the people with unjust imposts. The townsfolk could not repair their bridge, towers and fortifications, nor maintain divine service in their parish church. The grant warned the town might fall into enemy hands unless speedy redress came. What followed was a rebuilding on the old foundations, a late fourteenth-century church that was half church, half fortress. The graceful arcade and clustered columns of the older structure disappeared, replaced by square piers and plain arches without even a chamfer. A long roof line broken by stepped battlements gave some character. The redeeming feature was a pair of noble windows in the chancel and west front. Not even the restoration craze of 1805 and 1857 could put these away. They stood almost the sole memorials of the pre-Reformation church.

  15. 1672 proclamation restoring Catholic freedoms sparks unrest in Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1672

    Lord Berkeley's proclamation of 23 March 1672 ordered restoration of Catholic freedoms in Clonmel, but it was read out contemptuously by a 'pitiful clerke' without any person of note present, and the Irish natives were forbidden to celebrate, fearing accusations of causing a second rebellion.

    Read the passage

    Wee the Irish natiues of this Corporation of Clonmell had just cause to honour his Maiesties proclamation of 26 ffebruary 167 1 [2] accompanied with the act of the Councell graunting vs libertye to be restored to our freedome and that without interruption wee beinge thereunto bom by birthright. Seeing how carelessly the same was proclaimd by the bell man and read by a pitiful clerke without the Maior bailiffs or aldermen or any person of note or fashion which rejection made our hearts bleed yett wee poor Irish dared say nothing nor coulde wee obtaine leave to make bonfires or any show of triumph and it added to our grief to heare it said it would produce a second Rebellion. Amongst the rest Richard Moore that was a very poore glover but now is an esquier of 2000 li a year was heard to say 23 March the day it was proclaimed, that it was the King's ballett renderinge it soe insignificant and scomeful that it would move a loyall heart to knock him dead but that the law forbiddeth. Pray consider if anything can be made of these expressions. The words can be prooued home and a good deade it were to cheque the pride of these Cromwellian sectaries. I remember when their Monarch liued that any proclamation order or decree he passed and graunt he gave none durst oppose it or seem in the least dissatisfied. May God inspire their hearts to be true and faithful to our King but it rested in himselfe to make them more obedient else I belieue he shall neuer have their love. In making use of your freedom and access you will add to your glory to present this our grievance by way of petition or remonstrance that wee cannot have the benefit of the proclamation and Mr. Daniel Arthur has commission to advance whateuer expenses the same may cause (c).

    To these charges the Mayor replied in a letter to the Lord Lieutenant.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Clonmel, in Tipperary. In 1672, the Irish natives of this corporation had reason to welcome the King's proclamation of 26 February, backed by an act of the Council, granting them liberty to be restored to their freedom by birthright. But the proclamation was proclaimed carelessly by the bell man and read by what they called a

  16. Abbey of Innislounaght founded on the Suir

    Inishlounaght · parish · Tipperary · 1142–1148

    The Cistercian abbey of Innislounaght, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, stood about two miles west of Clonmel on the River Suir and was founded as a daughter house of Mellifont between 1142 and 1148; St Malachy visited and presented its first lay-brother.

    Read the passage

    A very early origin has been assigned to the abbey of Innislounaght. Colgan conjectured, and Harris and Archdale — mere compilers — affirmed that Innislounaght was identical with Inif X)-ATtile where St Pulcherius founded a monastery early in the seventh century. Later and more accurate inquirers, amongst them O'Donovan, our master topographer, have demonstrated that the monastery of Inisdamhle was in " Little Island," below Waterford fnj. Apart from the reference in the 34th chapter of the life of St. Pulcherius, there is no ground for the statement that the abbey of Suir was an old Irish monastic establishment Like its two Cistercian sisters on the same river — Holy Cross and Dunbrody — it belonged to the second period of Irish monasticism, the twelfth century. Its exact date, however, is not easy to determine. St Bernard fo) tells us that in his time Mellifont had five " daughters," one of these being " Suir " (Suriense). If this be the abbey of Innislounaght, as there seems no reason to doubt, it must have been founded between 1 142 and 1 148, for St Malachy who died in the latter year, visited Suriense to which he presented its first lay-brother fp). The then abbot was Congan, whom St Bernard styles " his dear friend," and at whose request the charming Life of St Malachy was undertaken. Congan seems to have been a practical sort of man, for in supplying the material to St Bernard he says that he wants not style but matter (non eloquium sed narratio). At this period, however, it would appear that the Cistercians had no settled establishment at Innislounaght, for we find several later dates assigned for the foundation (q). These presumably are the dates of the endowments, the great benefactors being Malachy OThelan, lord of the Decies, and Donald O'Brien, king of Munster. The lands given by each would, I suppose, be roughly estimated by the portions of the parish of Innislounaght lying in the counties of

    (n) Coli^an Acta, 295, Chap. II.; Ware's Annals, ad an M84; Archdall at Innislounaght; O'Donovan's Works passim,

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 40

  17. Adventurer Alcocke settles within Clonmel walls to avoid dispossessed 'Tories'

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1654–1666

    Charles Alcocke, an adventurer who drew lands in Tipperary after the Cromwellian confiscations, chose to live within the safety of Clonmel's town walls rather than occupy Rathronan or Milerstown castles, fearing the dispossessed Irish ('Tories'). He lodged in the house of Edmond Bray on Lough Street, described as the best house on the east side with seven fireplaces per the 1666 Hearth Money Returns.

    Read the passage

    Like many of the adventurers, Alcocke preferred to live within the shelter of Clonmel walls, rather than encounter the dispossessed "Tories," by occupying Rathronan or Milerstown castles. Accordingly he made his abode in the house of Edmond Bray of Lough street. It was the best house on the east side, having according to the Hearth Money Returns for 1666 "seven smoaks," i.e. fire places. Here he brought his wife Catherine, and his son Charles was born. This is the Charles whose will was proved in 1721.

    The only child of Charles Alcocke junior, Catherine, married in 1707 Sir Emanuel Moore of Ross Carbery. He dying in 1733 left a son, Sir Charles Moore, who lived at Powerstown, and enclosed the park there. Sir Charles Moore dying unmarried in 1754, the estates reverted in equal shares to his aunts, Catherine and Anne, daughters of Sir Emanuel Moore. These married John Putland of Dublin, and Lieut. General John Gore, in whose families the estates still continue.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    Clonmel was where Charles Alcocke, one of the adventurers who drew lands in Tipperary after the Cromwellian confiscations, chose to make his home. Like many of them, he preferred the shelter of the town walls rather than occupy Rathronan or Milerstown castles, fearing the dispossessed Irish called Tories. He lodged in the house of Edmond Bray on Lough Street, described as the best house on the east side, with seven fireplaces according to the Hearth Money Returns for 1666. There he brought his wife Catherine, and his son Charles was born. That Charles's will was proved in 1721. His only child, also named Catherine, married Sir Emanuel Moore of Ross Carbery in 1707. He died in 1733, leaving a son, Sir Charles Moore, who lived at Powerstown and enclosed the park there. Sir Charles died unmarried in 1754, and the estates passed in equal shares to his aunts, Catherine and Anne, daughters of Sir Emanuel Moore. They married John Putland of Dublin and Lieutenant General John Gore, and the estates remained in those families.

  18. Arrest of yeoman Timothy Lynch for 'low forehead of a rebel'

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1798

    Fitzgerald arrested Timothy Lynch, a chandler and yeoman, on the absurd pretext of his physical appearance and imprisoned him in Clonmel. He also struck Laurence Keating with his sword in the street for not removing his hat.

    Read the passage

    (c) On this occasion he arrested Timothy Lynch, a chandler and a yeoman of Captain Jephson's corps, " for having the low forehead of a rebel," and imprisoned him in Clonmel. He struck with his sword Laurence Keating walking in the street, and bade him *' as a damned rascal kneel down and take off his hat to the High Sheriff," etc., etc. — all put in evidence.

    M

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel in Tipperary, you are in a town with a strange piece of 1798 history. A man named Fitzgerald arrested Timothy Lynch, a chandler and yeoman, for what he called the low forehead of a rebel, and locked him up here. He also struck Laurence Keating with his sword in the street for not taking off his hat to the High Sheriff.

  19. Baron opposes Ormond's admission to Waterford

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1649

    When Ormond appeared before Waterford in the winter of 1649, Baron offered a strenuous and successful opposition to the admission of him or his Anglo-Irish forces into the city.

    Read the passage

    If Mazarine was not liberal in finance^ compliments he showered in abundance. " I accompany Mr. Barron," he wrote, " who returns to you with these lines to witness the satisfaction he hath left here of his conduct." Baron's return found the Confederates torn asunder by factionism. In the angry conflict between the Anglo-Irish or southern party and the old Irish or northern, he consistently took the side of the old Irish. Religious motives largely swayed him. " Barron," writes Ballings, " was noted for his particular zeal for the nuncio and his ways, though otherwise he showed himself an upright and disinterested man in the cause of his country. He was wont to think anything justifiable which might be acted or spoken in decrying a peace already condemned by ecclesiastical censures and which was so accursed that those that did defend, adhere or approve the justice of it, were delivered over to Satan." But religion apart, Baron was a trained diplomatist, and he knew that in King Charles and Ormond he had to deal with men practised in sham negotiations, whose good faith was limited by the exigencies of English politics. Hence when in the winter of 1649 Omiond appeared before Waterford, Baron offered a strenuous and successful opposition to the admission of him or his Anglo-Irish into the city. At the siege by Ireton shortly after, he actively supported O'Farrell and the Ulster garrison against the members of the corporation who urged a speedy surrender. On the fall of Waterford he made his way to Limerick, and of the close of his career there ample details have reached us. The "Diary of the Parliamentary Forces " reports on the surrender of Limerick to Ireton, 27th October, 1651.

    At a Councell of war at Limerick was this day debated how those excepted persons should be disposed of. Of them five were voted to suffer, Hugh O'Neill, Sir

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 46

  20. Card-playing at English's house, Shanbally, before the murder

    Shanbally · townland · Tipperary · 1764

    On the night of the murder, several men including John Bridge were seen playing cards at English's house in Shanbally shortly before the fatal confrontation in a nearby field.

    Read the passage

    Went to English's house at Shanbally with Pierce Bym, James Buxton, James Farrell, Silvester Herd, Darby Tiemey ; knew not for what purpose ; saw John Walsh, Dennis Q>leman, Peter Magrath and John Bridge playing cards at English's house. Went a small way out of the house on James Farrell's call into a field ; saw many people in the field to wit, Edward Meighan, the prisoner, Nicholas Sheehy, Edward Prendergast, Thomas Beere, John Burke, Edward Burke, Thomas Magrath, Hugh Hayes, Roger Sheehy, Dennis Coleman, William Flynn, Edmund Sheehy, Edward Qjffee, James Coghlan, John Walsh, Philip Magrath, Thomas Harman, John Butler, and many others drawn up in a rank as if to be reckoned. John Bridge and company went towards the people, and joined them. Nicholas Sheehy tendered an oath to John Bridge to deny his examinations, who refused to take it ; on this refusal Pierce Bym

    (wj This identification being palpable perjury, the correction was inserted the following month. *' As I have read in your Magazine for March the only circumstantial account of our proceedings at the assizes which in time may be consulted as authentic, I beg leave to point out one particular of this case which if not corrected may prejudice the whole narrative. It is said that John Lonergan riding behind the priest saw the corpse with its head out of the caddow, and although the head was almost split and all bloody he knew it to be that of the deceased John Bridge. Now as this transaction was in the night between the hours of eleven and twelve, it must be concluded there was not sufficient light to give a person even on foot an opportunity to make this distinction, therefore to prevent this apparent mistake from destroying the credibility of the relation which in every other particular is consonant to truth, I have sent you a more circumstantial account taken from notes

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 37

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, on a night in 1764, men were playing cards at English's house in Shanbally. John Walsh, Dennis Coleman, Peter Magrath and John Bridge were seen at the card table, while others had gathered there too, including Pierce Bym, James Buxton, James Farrell, Silvester Herd, and Darby Tiemey. What brought them there, one witness said, he did not know. James Farrell called them out of the house a short way into a field, where a large crowd had gathered. Edward Meighan, Nicholas Sheehy, Edward Prendergast, Thomas Beere, John Burke, Edward Burke, Thomas Magrath, Hugh Hayes, Roger Sheehy, William Flynn, Edmund Sheehy, Edward Coffee, James Coghlan, Philip Magrath, Thomas Harman, John Butler, and many others stood drawn up in a rank, as if to be reckoned. John Bridge and his company walked toward the people and joined them. Then Nicholas Sheehy tendered an oath to John Bridge, asking him to deny his examinations. Bridge refused to take it. On that refusal, Pierce Bym was there. This was the night John Bridge was murdered, between eleven and twelve, in that field near the house.

  21. Catholic Gentry Disarmed by Proclamation in Tipperary

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1714–1715

    In 1714, a proclamation ordered licensed Catholic gentry to surrender their arms to local Justices of the Peace, including the Mayor of Clonmel and Sovereign of Fethard. Colonel Thomas Butler of Kilcash was forced to hand over his sword, pistols and gun to the Protestant Mayor of Clonmel.

    Read the passage

    Dwyer of Bellacomnisk, John Kennedy of Polenonnan, Nicholas Purcell of Loughmoe, and Thomas Travers of Burgess, were licensed to carry a gun, a case of pistols and a sword. Eight years later James Hakett of Lisvea, Michael Kearney of Clonbroganlin, Denis Meagher of Cloneen, Nicholas Morris of Latteragh, and John Ryan of Inch were added to the list. But some were too dangerous (to their bigoted neighbours perhaps) to be entrusted with guns. Col. James Butler of Kilmoyler, Charles McCarthy of Rehill, George Mathew of Thurles, and George Mathew of Thomastown, had permission to wear a sword merely (r). Even with those privileged, the licence was occasionally suspended. By proclamation of August 7th, 1714, they were ordered to surrender their arms to the nearest Justice of Peace, John White, High Sheriff of Tipperary, writes that he has distributed the proclamations to the following Tipperary justices — James Harrison, Henry Pritty, Thomas Drysdale, Charles Langley, Esqrs. ; John Hickey, Clk. ; Mathew Bumbury, John Creaghton, William Waller, Richard Lewis, Edward Imens, Oliver Grace, John Carleton, William Latham, John Marshall, Esqrs. ; the Mayor of Clonmel and the Sovereign of Fethard (s). What must have been the feelings of Colonel Thomas Butler of Kilcash, grand-nephew of the great Duke of Ormond, as he handed over his sword, his pistols and his gun to Richard Whitehand, the Protestant shoemaker Mayor of Clonmel, or of George Mathew of Thomastown, who in desperation, took the sacrament in the Established Church at Grolden to save his horses from a Protestant trader who one day in William Street, Cashel, tendered the legal five pounds (t). No wonder if some such as Lord Cahir and Sir Redmond Everard fled from the scene and lived and died in voluntary exile abroad.

    Though there was no public statute excluding the Catholics as such, from the corporation, yet in practice from the Revolution onward they ceased to have any civic rights. But they did not go do^n without a struggle.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Clonmel, this town was where the Catholic gentry of Tipperary were ordered to surrender their weapons by proclamation in August 1714. Licensed Catholic gentlemen had been allowed to carry a gun, a case of pistols, and a sword. Some, like Colonel James Butler of Kilmoyler, Charles McCarthy of Rehill, and George Mathew of Thurles and Thomastown, were permitted only a sword. But even those privileges were suspended. The proclamation of August 7th, 1714, ordered them to give up their arms to the nearest Justice of the Peace. John White, High Sheriff of Tipperary, sent the proclamations out to justices across the county, including the Mayor of Clonmel and the Sovereign of Fethard. Colonel Thomas Butler of Kilcash, grand-nephew of the great Duke of Ormond, handed over his sword, his pistols, and his gun to Richard Whitehand, the Protestant shoemaker who served as Mayor of Clonmel. George Mathew of Thomastown, in desperation, took the sacrament in the Established Church at Grolden to save his horses from a Protestant trader who one day in William Street, Cashel, tendered the legal five pounds. Lord Cahir and Sir Redmond Everard fled the scene and lived and died in voluntary exile abroad. Though there was no public statute excluding Catholics from the corporation, in practice from the Revolution onward they ceased to have any civic rights. But they did not go down without a struggle.

  22. Clonmel and Cashel Citizens Imprisoned in Cork Gaol

    Cork · city · Cork · 1606

    Fr. Bryan Kearney reported that the Clonmel sovereign, along with John Bray and Edmund Wall and nine other Clonmel and Cashel citizens, were held in Cork gaol for refusing to attend Protestant church, at great cost to their businesses.

    Read the passage

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

    A fuller relation is furnished by Christopher Holliwood, Jesuit superior at the time.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this is the city where, in 1606, twelve men from Clonmel and Cashel were held in gaol for refusing to attend Protestant church. Fr. Bryan Kearney reported that the Clonmel sovereign was deprived of his title for not going to church with the president, along with John Bray and Edmund Wall. These men and nine other citizens were kept here, to the very great loss of their business.

  23. Clonmel occupied by the Irish at the outbreak of the 1641 war

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1641

    On the outbreak of the war of 1641, Geoffry Baron was among the first to take up arms, and a few days after Clonmel was occupied by the Irish forces, he travelled with Richard Butler of Kilcash to Waterford.

    Read the passage

    On the outbreak of the war of 1641 he was one of the first to take up arms. A few days after Clonmel was occupied by the Irish, he accompanied Richard Butler of Kilcash, Ormond's brother, to Waterford. In the negotiations for the surrender of that city and the delivering over of the city ordinance to the Catholic Confederates, Baron and Nicholas Wyse, his father-in-law, took a leading part. The motives which actuated him and his companions in arms, he set forth in a letter to his uncle, Luke Wadding.

    The King grants large favours and graces to our country at the instance of our Committee in England. But the State there who are all Puritans and have swallowed great hopes of our estates, deny us the benefit of them and incense the Parliament in England against the King for his indulgence to us, which made them suspect his religion, and offer him, his Queen and children abuses beyond the patience of a marble statue. Moved at the wrongs done him, and so much occasioned by his goodness to us, and sensible of our own danger, we have, God knows how ill fitted, put ourselves in arms for the defence of the Catholic religion, our King and his prerogatives and for the lawful liberties of our oppressed country.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 45

    As the companion tells it

    Clonmel, the town you're passing through, was seized by Irish forces at the outbreak of the war in 1641. A few days after the occupation, Geoffry Baron, who was among the first to take up arms, travelled with Richard Butler of Kilcash, Ormond's brother, down to Waterford. There Baron and his father-in-law Nicholas Wyse took a leading part in negotiations for the city's surrender and the handing over of its ordnance to the Catholic Confederates. Baron set out his motives in a letter to his uncle Luke Wadding. He wrote that the King had granted favours to Ireland, but the Puritan state in England denied them the benefit, and, as he put it, moved at the wrongs done to the King and sensible of their own danger, they had put themselves in arms for the defence of the Catholic religion, their King, his prerogatives, and the lawful liberties of their oppressed country.

  24. Countess of Ormond shelters refugees at Carrick

    Carrick-on-Suir · town · Tipperary · 1641

    In 1641 the Countess of Ormond relieved at her own expense five families of English settlers who had lost their goods, sheltering them at Carrick before escorting them safely toward Kilkenny.

    Read the passage

    (dd) The venerable historical tiction, " the Massacre of 1641 " is finally disposed of by the last volumes of the State Papers Calendar, Ireland, Chas. I. Ed. Mahafify. Some English were murdered in Cashel ; the original Depositions on the affair were published by J. D. White, of Cashel. The bulk of the new settlers in Tipperary were sent under convoy to Carrick and Clonmel. " I have been present in Carrick in the year 1641, where I have seen in the said house of Carrick five families men, women and children, relieved by the Countess of Ormond at her own loss and chai'ge, being after losing their goods. She sent for me and employed me to speak to those I trusted, to conduct her to Kilkenny, but altered her course then to Clonmell where there was no less than forty of the English for safeguard of their lives (which absolutely were men lost but for her great care of them) and brought them and such others as she met, safe to Kilkenny." — Attestation of Richard Comerford, of Dangin More, Ormonde Papers, 2 ser. ii., 368.

    History of Clonmel. 6i

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

  25. Earl of Westmoreland's 1790 visit and the Catholic Address of Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1790

    In 1790 the Earl of Westmoreland, lord lieutenant, visited Clonmel, and the Catholics, led by Bishop Egan, presented him an address of loyalty. This was noted as their first articulate public utterance since James II had entered the town a century earlier.

    Read the passage

    1790 the Earl of Westmoreland, lord lieutenant, visited the town ; the Catholics headed by Dr. Egan, bishop of the diocese, presented an address — their first articulate utterance since James 11. had entered Clonmel a century before. It is to be remembered that this address was written two years after the proclamation of the Rights of Man, and fifteen after the American Declaration of Independence — written too at a time when they were denied the elementary rights of freemen.

    To his Excellency John Earl of Westmoreland Lord Lieutenant General and General Governor of Ireland.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Clonmel now. In 1790 the Earl of Westmoreland, lord lieutenant of Ireland, visited this town, and the Catholics here, headed by Dr. Egan, bishop of the diocese, presented him an address of loyalty. It was their first articulate public utterance since James the Second had entered Clonmel a century before. The address was written two years after the proclamation of the Rights of Man, and fifteen years after the American Declaration of Independence, written at a time when they were denied the elementary rights of freemen.

  26. Electioneering bribery in Carrick and Clonmel, 1733

    Carrick-on-Suir · town · Tipperary · 1733

    During the 1733 parliamentary election petition, agents for Moore and his rivals bribed voters; Alderman William Thompson was intercepted in Carrick by Ambrose Congreve, who lent him £50 on Moore's behalf.

    Read the passage

    The case was now carried to the King's Bench, and a judgment of 'Ouster' obtained against Hamerton on the ground that he was not one of the three persons nominated by the council, according to ancient usage, for the office of mayor. But two years later, in the parliamentary election, consequent on the death of George L the Moores suffered a signal defeat. Guy Moore and Stephen Moore obtained 169 and 161 votes respectively against 136 votes recorded for Robert Hamerton and 133 for Robert Marshall. On petition to the Commons, the Moores were unseated, as the ninety-two freemen made by Stephen Moore during his mayoralty "had not been presented by the Doyer Hundred Jury and were only to serve a family interest." Some curious glimpses into electioneering methods are afforded by a petition of Sir Thomas Prendergast against the return of Guy Moore in 1733. Hayman, Moore's agent, promised John Flahavan publican to have £50 spent in his house and "his bills would not be looked into." James Kearney was ordered by the Colonel, to keep an open house for the Moore party. Alderman William Thompson of Waterford, was promised the mayoralty of that city by Messrs. Christmas and Marshall on condition he voted for Prendergast. He was intercepted however in Carrick by Ambrose

    History of Clonmel. 117

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

  27. Father Sheehy tried at the Main Guard, Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1766

    The Main Guard building, formerly the Palatine Court, was the site where Father Sheehy was tried before his execution.

    Read the passage

    MAIN GUARD— Formerly Palatine Court, erection of, 167-8; Father Sheehy tried there, 376.

    MANOR — Richard De Burgh, lord of, 12; jurisdiction, 16; in dispute between Ormond and Desmond, 30; rights and privileges, 214, 216 (note); relations between manor and palatinate, 441-2; purchased by John Bagwell, 174.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, where the Main Guard building stands. It was formerly the Palatine Court, and it was here that Father Sheehy was tried in 1766, before his execution.

  28. Fethard surrenders to Cromwell after brief resistance

    Fethard · town · Tipperary · 1650

    Cromwell arrived under the walls of Fethard on a stormy night, and despite the garrison's exhaustion, Butler the governor handed over the keys after objecting to the timing of the summons.

    Read the passage

    The month of December had been unusually severe with much snow and frost ; it was followed by the mildest January in the memory of man. As an early campaign would take the Irish at a great disadvantage, and growing troubles in England required his presence there, Cromwell left his winter quarters in Youghal, Tuesday, 29th January. Tipperary and Kilkenny were the theatre of war, and thither his army was to advance in two divisions. One under the command of Ireton and Reynolds, marched directly through Carrick ; the other led by Cromwell himself, crossing the Blackwater at Kilworth, thence to Kilbehenny, returned through the rough country south of the Galtees. In this way the small hostile garrisons which might cut him off from Youghal, his base, were all taken in. Bumtcourt and Rehill castles were surrendered without a shot fired ; the following morning, Saturday, 2nd February, amid a wild storm of wind and rain he set out from Rehill, and passing the Suir by the ford at Rochestown, was under the walls of Fethard that night Tired and sodden as his troops were, he offered favourable terms, and Butler the governor after some objections as to the etiquette of

    History of Clonmel. 69

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

  29. Franciscan Friary founded at Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1269

    The Franciscan Friars obtained a permanent settlement in Clonmel in 1269, first as a simple hut near the river. Though credited variously to the Earl of Desmond, townsmen, or Otho De Grandison, the actual founder is argued to be Henry III.

    Read the passage

    CHE great Franciscan movement of the thirteenth century was somewhat late in reaching Clonmel. Though the Friars were established in Waterford previous to 1240, and in Cashel about 1250, they did not obtain a permanent settlement in Clonmel until 1269 (^^)- That year, according to the contemporary annals of the Friars' Minors of Multif ernan, " there was a location at Clonmel " (bb). In the early freshness of the Franciscan spirit, there could be no question of taking possession of a house ; St Francis' threat of pulling down " the Friars' House " at Bologna was not yet forgotten, and their first " location " was probably a simple hut close to the river in the most obscure corner of the town.

    The introduction of the Friars is variously assigned to the Earl of Desmond, to the townsmen, or to Otho De Grandison (cc). The truth appears to be that the actual founder was Henry III. For throughout the period 1244-81 the town was in the hands of the king. De Grandison's connection with Clonmel did not date for twelve years after the arrival of the Friars, nor Desmond's for seventy. And there is abundant evidence that the spread of the Franciscan Order in Ireland was largely due to the influence of the }s\ng(dd). But that Otho De Grandison and the Desmonds enlarged the original foundation is certain; the tradition of their association with the house was still fresh in the seventeenth century, if not actually recorded in the Friars' obituary.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 30

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are in a town where the Franciscan Friars finally obtained a permanent settlement in 1269. They had reached Waterford before 1240 and Cashel around 1250, but Clonmel came later. The contemporary annals of the Friars Minor of Multifernan record simply that

  30. Hospital for the poor used until Clonmel's capture in 1650

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1650

    A stone slate house on the east side of Clonmel churchyard, built about thirty years earlier by the Commons of Clonmel, was used as a hospital for old impotent decayed inhabitants until the town was taken in 1650. It was later leased to Colonel Sankey.

    Read the passage

    south side of the Church yard afforesd in Clonmell. The garden now in the possession of M*"- Hamerton aforesd. A stone slate house built situate on the East side of the Church yard afForsd in Clonmell built aboutt thirty yeares sithence by the Comons of Clonmell upon a part of their Comon land and sett apart for an Hospitall for old impotent decayed inhabitants of Clonmell and soe used untill the takeing of the Towne in the yeare 1650. The sd house is now in lease to Coll Sankey from the late Com" of Reuvenue and is in Repayre.

    A parcell of ground where the Comon Pound stood situate on the East side of the Hospitall house afforesd. A garden belonging to the late viccar of Clonmell and soe held and enioyed (time out of minde) situate on the East side of the Hospitall and Pound alforesayd, bounded with the Towne wall on the North and extendinge in the East to the garden and House where David Walsh lived.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 18

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, there is a stone slate house standing on the east side of the churchyard. The Commons of Clonmel built it about thirty years before this account, on a part of their common land, and set it apart as a hospital for old, impotent, decayed inhabitants of the town. It was used for that purpose until the taking of Clonmel in 1650. The house was later in lease to Colonel Sankey from the late Commissioners of Revenue, and was in repair. To the east of the hospital house stood the common pound, and beyond that a garden belonging to the late vicar of Clonmel, held time out of mind, bounded by the town wall on the north and extending east to the garden and house where David Walsh lived.

  31. Inchiquin's advance and the sieges of Dromana, Cappoquin, Dungarvan

    Dungarvan · townland · Waterford · 1647

    In May 1647 Inchiquin led 1500 horse and as many foot to take Dromana and Cappoquin, then Dungarvan, and had planned to besiege Clonmel but was forced back to Cork due to lack of provisions.

    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

  32. Lonergans rewarded for prosecuting those involved in murder of Bridges

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1768

    John and Thomas Lonergan and John Toughy were brought to Clonmel and rewarded by the Grand Jury of Tipperary for their services in prosecuting persons involved in local risings and in the murder of a man named Bridges.

    Read the passage

    John and Thomas Lonergan who were recommended by the Grand Jury of the County of Tipperary to the Government and Council to be rewarded for their good services in prosecuting on behalf of the Crown different persons engaged in the late risings in the County of Tipperary and in the murder of Bridges for discovering those concerned in the risings and refusing to engage with them.

    The said John and Tho" Lonergan call'd in— and after being examined— as also W" Gore a Taylor who had the care of the said Lonergan for two years, it was agreed that an apprentice fee of £lO should be given with John Lonergan to a weaver to be taught the weaving trade. And that an Apprentice Fee of £lO should be given with Tho" Lonergan to the s^ W" Gore to teach him the Tailor's trade and that after they had served their different apprenticeships, if they behaved well each of them are to receive from Government and Council the sum of fifty pounds to set them up in their different trades. It was also agreed that the sum of £l2 should be paid to the s^* W" Gore in full of all his demands for his disbursements for them while under his care and the sum of £20 for his trouble in taking care of them and ten pounds to buy them doaths and bear their charges to ClonmeU.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, this is the town where, in 1768, John and Thomas Lonergan were brought before the Grand Jury of Tipperary and rewarded for their services. They had prosecuted persons engaged in local risings in the county and in the murder of a man named Bridges. The Lonergans had refused to join the risings and helped discover those who were concerned in them. A man named William Gore, a tailor, had care of the two Lonergans for two years. It was agreed that ten pounds each should go as apprentice fees, John Lonergan to learn weaving and Thomas to learn the tailor's trade under Gore. After serving their apprenticeships, if they behaved well, each was to receive fifty pounds from the Government and Council to set them up in their trades. Gore himself was paid twelve pounds for his disbursements on their behalf and twenty pounds for his trouble in caring for them, with a further ten pounds to buy clothes and cover their charges to Clonmel.

  33. Lough Gate renamed Breech Gate after Cromwellian assault

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary

    The gate at the north end of Gladstone Street, originally called 'Lough Gate', was renamed 'Breech Gate' after the Cromwellian assault on the town.

    Read the passage

    The most important thoroughfare of old Clonmel was 'The High Street ' which extended from Bridge Street to the Main Guard. At the end stood the Town Cross where proclamations were issued, and payments "on the nail*' made as being the safest place (v). From Bridge Street to the West Gate a block of houses known as 'Middle Row' filled the present street. On either side of this were narrow lanes; the one on the south which led to the West Gate being called 'West Street or 'West Gate Street/ the corresponding one being ' North Lane.' From the records of the Palatine court it appears that two 'castles' stood in West Street; these probably were part of the fortifications on the river side. Gordon Street had no existence, and Peter Street which at the period contained a number of good houses, was termed 'Blind Street' from the fact that there was no gate in the town wall at its western extremity. The present Mary Street was known in early times as 'Our Ladye Streete,' 'the Street of the Blessed Virgin Mary' or more simply ' St Mary Street ' (w). Many of the principal burghers, as at a later period, lived there, and in Our Lady Street, Geoflfry Barron and his more distinguished brother Bartholomew, first saw the light. The original name of Gladstone Street was 'Lough Street,' the gate, which stood where it narrows at the north end, being called 'Lough Gate,' and after the Cromwellian assault 'Breech Gate.' It would seem that Market Street at

    (i) John le BotiUer Earl of Ormoiid by Charter dated at Carrick Tuesday next before the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1463 granted to the sovereign, provost, burgesses and commons of Clonmel, licence to take customs of all merchandize coming for sale into the town provided they be expended on the diligent care of the Southern Gate and the repair of the bridge and walls.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are following what was once the most important thoroughfare of the old town, the High Street, running from Bridge Street to the Main Guard. At the end of it stood the Town Cross, where proclamations were issued and payments were made, as the record says, "on the nail," because it was considered the safest place. From Bridge Street to the West Gate, a block of houses called Middle Row filled the present street. Narrow lanes ran on either side. The one on the south, leading to the West Gate, was called West Street or West Gate Street, and the corresponding lane was North Lane. Records of the Palatine court show two castles stood in West Street, probably part of the fortifications on the river side. Gordon Street had no existence at that time. Peter Street, which contained a number of good houses, was called Blind Street, because there was no gate in the town wall at its western end. The present Mary Street was known in early times as Our Ladye Streete, the Street of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or more simply St Mary Street. Many of the principal burghers lived there. Geoffrey Barron and his more distinguished brother Bartholomew first saw the light in Our Lady Street. The original name of Gladstone Street was Lough Street. The gate that stood where the street narrows at the north end was called Lough Gate. After the Cromwellian assault on the town, it was renamed Breech Gate. A charter from 1463, granted by John le Butler, Earl of Ormond, gave the sovereign, provost, burgesses and commons of Clonmel licence to take customs on all merchandise coming for sale into the town, provided the proceeds were spent on the diligent care of the Southern Gate and the repair of the bridge and walls.

  34. Murder of merchant Martin de Hanse near Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1303

    In 1303 the King ordered the arrest of several named outlaws in County Waterford for the killing of merchant Martin de Hanse, prosecuted by Arnold de Hanse, illustrating the dangers merchants faced from the native Irish.

    Read the passage

    The King commands all sheriffs, etc, to arrest Walter Ormon, Richard Rery, Griffin mac Walter mac Edmund, Henry McEon, outlaws in county Waterford at the prosecution of Arnold de Hanse for the death of Martin de Hanse, merchant. Clonmel, 8 March, 1303.

    From all this it may be gathered that life in medieval Clonmel was neither empty nor colourless. The burghers* ordinary portion was that of the apostle — perils from the deep and perils from robbers. Outside the walls they and all they had were at the mercy of every enemy whom they were not strong enough to resist or fortunate enough to escape. Within, they had to take turn in watch and ward at the gates and walls, and on holidays instead of rest every man between sixty and sixteen practiced

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are on ground where medieval merchants faced real danger. In March 1303, the King ordered the arrest of four outlaws in County Waterford — Walter Ormon, Richard Rery, Griffin mac Walter mac Edmund, and Henry McEon — for the killing of Martin de Hanse, a merchant. The prosecution was brought by Arnold de Hanse. The record dates from Clonmel itself, 8 March 1303. Life for the burghers of medieval Clonmel meant what the book calls perils from the deep and perils from robbers. Outside the walls they and all they had were at the mercy of any enemy they were not strong enough to resist or fortunate enough to escape. Within the walls, every man between sixteen and sixty took his turn on watch and ward at the gates and walls.

  35. Plan to resettle Clonmel with English adventurers and soldiers

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1653–1655

    By Act of 26 September 1653, adventurers and soldiers were enabled to purchase houses within Clonmel cheaply, and vacant ground was to be granted to Protestant settlers who built houses within three years, in an attempt to repopulate the devastated town.

    Read the passage

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

    (m) A. 85, p. 479.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Clonmel now, a town that was almost in ruins by 1653. Ten years of war, the siege and bombardment, the plague of 1650, and the final clearances had left it so desolate that one writer called it the habitation of the bat and the owl. Under the Act of 26 September 1653, English adventurers and soldiers were enabled to buy half the houses in the town at just six years of their letting value, provided the purchase was made before 24 June 1655. The other half was kept back to satisfy the arrears of the soldiers of Inchiquin and others who had fought for Parliament in Ireland before 5 June 1649. Even 12 years later, the Ormond patent still recorded waste tenements, a house slated ruinous, and a decayed castle in the principal streets.

  36. Quakers imprisoned in Clonmel gaol for pamphlet

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1660

    In a letter from J. Booker, several Quakers imprisoned in Clonmel gaol were found in possession of a printed pamphlet, leading to an examination of George Sharpe and issuance of a warrant against John Fennell who lived near Cahir, marking early Quaker presence in the town.

    Read the passage

    Yesterday being Sunday seuerall Quaquers being in this prison together, the enclosed printed paper was discouered being in the hands of one George Sharpe a Quaquer by one Edmond Prendergast who is likewise a Prisoner for Prosecuteing his Estate and Claime of his father deceased formerly Maior of Clonmell. Whereupon I

    (pp) Stanley fell foul of the authorities and went to England. The following year he came back blearing a letter under the King's sign manual " that he was returning to plant and therefor was to be favoured and encouraged." (Carte Papers xli., 331.) He was elected member for Clonmel and subsequently Co. Louth . He passed a patent for Tickencor, Kilganey, Ballymacarbery, Batlymakee, Ardpadden, Castleconnagh, etc. in all 9,155 acres in 1666. He was subsequently made privy councillor and dying in 1694 was buried in St. Michan's, Dublin.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Clonmel now. In 1660, several Quakers were held in the gaol here, and a printed pamphlet was found in the hands of one George Sharpe, also a Quaker, by a fellow prisoner named Edmond Prendergast. The discovery led to an examination of Sharpe and a warrant issued against John Fennell, who lived near Cahir. It is an early sign of Quaker presence in the town.

  37. Ryall family bank collapse after Napoleonic Wars

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1680–1820

    The Ryall family established a banking business in Boate (Duncan) Street, Clonmel, after Phineas Ryall succeeded his father-in-law William Vaughan in trade around 1700s. The return to cash payments after Napoleon's fall caused a collapse of the Ryalls' inflated securities, with losses around 1820 totalling £100,000.

    Read the passage

    William Ryall and his son Phineas were the first partners in the bank. These were followed by William, Charles and Arthur, the sons of Phineas. Subsequently Samuel, the son of William, came into the firm. The return to cash payments on the fall of Napoleon, brought a collapse in the Ryall's inflated securities ; their losses in the few years preceding 1820 amounted to £l00,000, while in landed property the loss was correspondingly heavy. In the Sparrow estate — Oaklands — alone, the estimated loss was £13,000 (bb),

    1853 Richards, William. 17^6 Robson, Elizabeth. 1750 Rigge, Thomas. 1741 Robson, Mathew. 1778 Rigg, Thomas. 173S Robson, John. 1808 Rigg, Samuel. 1835 Roe, Patrick. 1798 Rivers, Richard. 1693 Roth, Peter.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, where the Ryall family ran a bank on Boate Street. William Ryall and his son Phineas started the business, and Phineas had taken over the trade of his father-in-law William Vaughan. After Phineas came his sons William, Charles and Arthur, and then Samuel, William's son, joined the firm. The bank's troubles came with the return to cash payments after Napoleon's fall, which brought a collapse in the Ryalls' inflated securities. Their losses in the few years before 1820 amounted to £100,000, and the losses in landed property were correspondingly heavy. On the Sparrow estate, called Oaklands, alone the estimated loss was £13,000.

  38. St Faranan, Bishop of Donoughmore, dies abroad in 982

    Donaghmore · townland · Cork · 950–982

    Bishop Farannan ruled Donoughmore before travelling to the Continent and settling at Waser on the Meuse, where he died on 30th April 982. His relics are still venerated there and his name held in benediction.

    Read the passage

    Though it is probable that Donoughmore was a Patrician foundation, it is not so stated in any of the numerous lives of the saint. The Tripartite, and Jocelyn's which appears to be mainly based on it, relate St. Patrick's visit to Magh Feimhin, as the part of Lismore diocese north of the Suir used to be called. A life of St. Declan, written in the eleventh century (tt) gives a rather circumstantial account of the visit, and the meeting of the two saints at lnt)eotn x\a n-T)6ip now Mullaghnony. This, in view of the fact that the principal church of the locality for ages was Donoughmore, affords a reasonable presumption that the foundation belonged to St. Patrick. Further, about 950, we find mention of a coarb of St Patrick in connection with the church. The Liber Kilkenniensis in Marsh's Library enumerates some twentythree saints " descended from the family of St Mida " [St Ita of Kilmeaden], amongst whom is "St. Faranan of Donoughmore in Magh-Femin." The pedigree describes him as the *' son of Ronan, who was the son of Fiach, who was the son of Fintan .... Maclassius .... Carnech .... Escleronius .... Nicbronius .... Brofinnius .... Eugenius .... Artcorb." After ruling Donoughmore for some years, Bishop Farannan, with the true Irish instinct for travel, betook himself to the Continent, and settled at Valcoidore, now Waser, on the banks of the Meuse. Here he passed away, 30th April, 982, and here his relics are still venerated and his name held in benediction (uu). At the synod probably of Rathbresail in 1 1 15, Donoughmore was merged in the diocese of Lismore, and its lands, like those of the other ancient monastic Sees of Mothel and Ardmore, piassed to the bishops of Lismore. A manuscript in the British Museum of the year 1544 states that the bishop's lands of Donoughmore consist of two and a half ploughlands worth four pence per acre ; that a manor court is held there the

    (ss) Chron. Olymp. 276 Au.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 41

  39. Surrender of Kilmanahan and Desmond's submission at Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1574

    A week after the Derrinlaur massacre, Kilmanahan surrendered and Desmond came to Clonmel where he made a humble submission to the crown.

    Read the passage

    of which he was enabled to intercept the traffic of the town, (j) The war between Geraldines and Butlers however was nearing the end. In August, 1574, the deputy Fitzwilliam in accordance with Elizabeth's instructions proceeded against Desmond. Derrinlaur was besieged and after the walls had been mined the garrison sallying forth were massacred in detail. A week later, August 26th, Kilmanahan surrendered and Desmond came to Clonmel where he made a humble submission which he followed up by a letter to Elizabeth " praying for one drop of grace to assuage the flame of his tormented mind " (k).

    By this time mere faction quarrels were giving place to larger and more fundamental issues. The policy of conciliating the chiefs and nobles, at best an experiment, had been abandoned at the death of King Henry, its author. The alternative one of reconquest was now gradually taking shape. Celts and Anglo-Irish felt their independence threatened and their estates, as a consequence, at the mercy of English adventurers. Writers of the imperialist school such as Cox and Bagwell (I) are wont to describe the wars of the Desmonds and O'Neills as "rebellions" organized by Roman ecclesiastics against a constituted government. And O'Sullivan Beare elevates them to the plane of crusades in behalf of the Catholic faith (m). The truth is that the chieftainries and lordships could be brought under English rule only by armed force. Reformation therefore, civil and religious, made a serviceable pretext for reconquest ; while on the other hand Catholicism afforded a common base of action for Celts and Anglo-Irish. Moreover it gained for them the sympathy and support of the Catholic powers abroad then in the vortex of the counter Reformation. But so far from those wars being in their spring and motive religious, the fact is the masses of the people never came in contact with Protestantism at all, and furthermore their leaders, the

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Clonmel in Tipperary, the town you are passing through, was where a chapter of the Geraldine wars closed in 1574. The war between the Geraldines and the Butlers was nearing its end when the deputy Fitzwilliam, acting on Elizabeth's instructions, moved against Desmond. Derrinlaur was besieged, the walls mined, and the garrison sallied forth only to be massacred in detail. A week later, on August 26th, Kilmanahan surrendered. Desmond then came here to Clonmel and made a humble submission to the crown, following it with a letter to Elizabeth in which he was, in the source's words, "praying for one drop of grace to assuage the flame of his tormented mind." By this time, faction quarrels were giving way to something larger. The old policy of conciliating the chiefs and nobles, an experiment begun under King Henry, had been abandoned at his death, and a policy of reconquest was taking shape. Celts and Anglo-Irish alike felt their independence and estates threatened by English adventurers. Writers of the imperialist school like Cox and Bagwell described the wars of the Desmonds and O'Neills as rebellions organized by Roman ecclesiastics against constituted government, while O'Sullivan Beare raised them to the level of crusades for the Catholic faith. The truth, the author argues, is that the chieftainries and lordships could be brought under English rule only by armed force. Reformation, civil and religious, served as a pretext for reconquest, while Catholicism gave Celts and Anglo-Irish a common base for action and won them sympathy from Catholic powers abroad caught in the Counter-Reformation. Yet the wars were not religious in their spring and motive. The masses of the people never came in contact with Protestantism at all.

  40. Table-tomb of the Baron of Cahir in the choir

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1431–1533

    In the middle of the choir lay the elaborate marble table-tomb of the Baron of Cahir, adorned with effigies of apostles and recumbent figures of the baron and his lady carved from Kilkenny marble, with inscriptions naming generations of the Butler family from 1431 to 1533.

    Read the passage

    The " Gray Friars of Clonmel " was the Campo Santo not only of the town but of the district. " Many tombs of the old families " says Wadding " made of black marble, may be seen in the church — Prendergasts, Mandevilles, Walls, Whites, Brays, Moronys and other notables." The wills also give evidence of this. Thomas Prendergast fitz Geffery of Newcastle in 1626. "In Nomine Dei, Amen. I comit my soule to the Holye Trinitye, to the Blessed Virgin Marye, and to all the Saints in Heaven, and doe appoint my body to bee buryed in Saint Francis at Clonmelle with my ancestors." John White fitz GefFery in 1614 commends "my sole to God Almyghtie my Creator and Redeemer and my body to be buryed in S. ffrancis abbay in myne ancestors buriall." Catherine White fitz Thomas in 1625 " ffirst I comitt my soule to the holy Trinitie to our blessed Lady, the virgin Mary and to all the saintes in heaven. I doe constitut that my boddie be buried in y* abbie of St. fFrauncis in Clonmel." John Bray in 1632 " calling to mynde how certayne is death to every creature living in this world and how uncertaine is the tyme of the same" bequeaths "my sowle to the father, son and holly Ghoste, three persons in one deitie, and to the blessed and imaculat virgin Marie, and all the holly company of heaven, and my boddy to be buried with my auncestors, in the holly confessor St. ffrancis his monastery in Clonmell." Of the black marble tombs described by Wadding but two remain. These however, are of the highest interest. "In the middle of the choir " he writes " lies the distinguished Baron of Cahir, in an elevated marble monument adorned with effigies and statues." The monument has been partly reconstructed in a recess beneath the tower, and from the existing remains one may realize its original appearance. It was a table-tomb of the fifteenth century type. Round the sides, under canopies supported by pillarettes, were figures of the apostles carved in high relief. These though exceedingly rude, are touching from their sincerity and earnestness. Simnounting the whole were the recumbent figures of the baron and his lady, carved "in the solid" on a huge block of Kilkenny marble, eight feet in length by four feet four inches wide.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 30

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, the road carries you past the old ground of the Gray Friars. It served as burial ground for the town and the whole district. Wadding wrote that many tombs of the old families made of black marble could be seen in the church. He names Prendergasts, Mandevilles, Walls, Whites, Brays, Moronys and other notables. The wills confirm this. Thomas Prendergast fitz Geffery of Newcastle in 1626 appointed his body to be buried in Saint Francis at Clonmel with his ancestors. John White fitz Geffery in 1614 commended his body to be buried in Saint Francis abbey in his ancestors' burial. Catherine White fitz Thomas in 1625 constituted that her body be buried in the abbey of Saint Francis in Clonmel. John Bray in 1632, calling to mind how certain is death to every creature living in this world, bequeathed his body to be buried with his ancestors in the holy confessor Saint Francis his monastery in Clonmel. Of the black marble tombs Wadding described, only two remain. The most significant lies in the middle of the choir. Wadding writes that the distinguished Baron of Cahir lies there in an elevated marble monument adorned with effigies and statues. It has been partly reconstructed in a recess beneath the tower. It was a table-tomb of the fifteenth century type. Round the sides, under canopies supported by pillarettes, were figures of the apostles carved in high relief. These though exceedingly rude, are touching from their sincerity and earnestness. Surmounting the whole were the recumbent figures of the baron and his lady, carved "in the solid" on a huge block of Kilkenny marble, eight feet in length by four feet four inches wide. Inscriptions name generations of the Butler family from 1431 to 1533.

  41. The Earl's Court in Clonmel, a forgotten seat of justice

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1600–1610

    When the Franciscan friar Mooney visited Clonmel in the early seventeenth century, a large house was pointed out to him as 'The Earl's Court,' though no one could recall justice ever being administered there, reflecting the decline of palatinate authority.

    Read the passage

    The history of Tipperary during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries has been already narrated. The numerous square towers scattered throughout the country are stern witnesses to the lawlessness of the period. The Ormonds quitting Ireland, delegated their palatinate authority to their several kinsmen. These kept large bodies of armed retainers, made war and peace with one another, plundering and degrading the freeholders, Celtic and old English alike, into pauperism. Though the names of seneschals and other officers are met with, the courts of *' the liberties and regalities " were only a shadow. When Mooney, the Franciscan, visited Clonmel in the first years of the seventeenth century, a large house was pointed out to him. Beyond the fact that it was called " The Earl's Court," he could obtain no further information, for no one remembered to have seen justice administered there.

    As the country became more peaceful, the palatinate jurisdiction was gradually restored. In 1621 however James L in pursuance of his hostility to Walter, Earl of Ormond, had the liberties seized by " Quo Warranto." From the proceedings we gather a detailed description of their nature.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 42

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are near a place once called The Earl's Court. In the first years of the 1600s, a Franciscan friar named Mooney visited the town and was shown a large house bearing that name. Beyond the name itself, he could learn nothing about it, for no one remembered justice ever being administered there. The courts of the liberties and regalities had become only a shadow. Through the 1500s, the Ormonds had quit Ireland and left their palatinate authority to kinsmen, who kept armed retainers, made war and peace among themselves, and plundered freeholders, Celtic and old English alike, into pauperism. The square towers scattered across the country stood as stern witnesses to that lawlessness. So by the time Mooney came through, the Earl's Court stood as a name without a function, a seat of justice that no one could recall ever serving its purpose.

  42. Thomas White of Clonmel opens Irish College at Salamanca

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary

    Thomas White of Clonmel opened the Irish College at Salamanca, providing shelter and education for homeless Irish boys who had fled abroad during a period when Catholic education was suppressed in Ireland.

    Read the passage

    There is no evidence, therefore, that White was among the few Catholics who entered Trinity College at its opening in 1592, beyond the fact that at a subsequent period he was on intimate literary relations with Archbishop Ussher. Some years earlier, Thomas White of Clonmel, had opened the Irish College, Salamanca, and thither Stephen White, about sixteen years old, was smuggled through some ship of Waterford trading with Corunna. The Irish Jesuits being in charge of the college. White was doubtless attracted to that order ; and having taken his degree of Bachelor of Arts in the University, he entered the Society of Jesus 13th October, 1596, at Villagarcia. His subsequent academic career is described by Father Hogan.

    "In 1600 he was in his third year of theology at Salamanca ; in 1602 he was teaching Humanities as ' Lector de Artes' in the seminary of Salamanca for one year. After his brilliant course of studies he taught a three years' course of mental philosophy at Salamanca from 1603 to 1606."

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 45

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Clonmel now, in Tipperary. This was the home of Thomas White, who opened the Irish College at Salamanca. Boys were smuggled out to reach it, like Stephen White, about sixteen years old, sent through on a Waterford ship trading with Corunna. The Irish Jesuits were in charge of the college. Stephen took his Bachelor of Arts at the University and entered the Society of Jesus on the 13th of October 1596 at Villagarcia. His later career is recorded in these words: "In 1600 he was in his third year of theology at Salamanca; in 1602 he was teaching Humanities as 'Lector de Artes' in the seminary of Salamanca for one year." He then taught a three years' course of mental philosophy at Salamanca, from 1603 to 1606.

  43. Transplanted proprietors return to old Tipperary neighbourhood

    Nicholastown · townland · Tipperary · 1659

    Richard Keating of Nicholastown, James Tobin of Garnavilla, John Fitzgerald of Shanrahan and others who had been transplanted under Cromwellian settlement and granted lands in Connaught were found to have returned and settled again near their former homes, as recorded in the 1659 census.

    Read the passage

    It will be observed also that although the lands had been set out for some three or four years, only about a dozen Cromwellian proprietors had taken up residence. On the other hand, Richard Keating of Nicholastown, James Tobin of Garnavilla, John Fitzgerald of Shanrahan, and others who had been transplanted and allotted lands in Connaught, were back again in the neighbourhood of their old habitations. Stories used to be told how the Cromwellian grantee fascinated by the daughter of the old proprietor married her ; or again, how the old proprietor lived as a pauper dependant in the house he had once owned (n). The census supplies an historical basis for such traditions.

    (h) Two generations of the Daltons, former owners of Bessborough, lived with the Ponsonbys there.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 43

  44. Travellers' praise of Clonmel's appearance in the 18th century

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1686–1762

    Multiple travellers and historians, including Lord Lieutenant Clarendon, a French authority, Charles Smith, John Wesley, and Luckome, praised Clonmel's handsome appearance, fortified streets, market house, and bridge over the Suir in the mid-1700s.

    Read the passage

    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."

    (PJ Parliamentary Returns, F.R.O. (qj Grand Dictionnaire, Moreri.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are on a road that travellers praised for centuries. Most Irish towns in the 1700s were collections of hovels, but Clonmel stood apart. The Lord Lieutenant Clarendon called it in 1686 "a very pretty town." A French writer in 1744 described it as fairly strong, passably good looking, and prosperous. Charles Smith, the historian of Waterford, noted the town had a handsome appearance from the water. John Wesley came to preach in May 1756 and called it "the pleasantest town beyond all comparison, which I have yet seen in Ireland." A tourist named Luckome gave more detail. The town consisted of four cross streets, formerly fortified with a square wall, leading to gates where portcullises still remained though useless. A spacious bridge of twenty arches crossed the Suir just outside the gate. The market house, the only uniform building Luckome saw in the whole town, was neatly built mostly of marble, though it narrowed the Main Street. By 1762 de Burgo called Clonmel a beautiful and opulent town, a well-known emporium of trade, with two large fairs on 5 May and 5 November. The population was around 5,000, and as wealth grew with the people, the town wore a decent aspect that struck every traveller who came through.

  45. Treason indictment against Fr. Sheehy at Clonmel Spring Assizes

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1764

    At the Clonmel Spring Assizes of 1764, Father Nicholas Sheehy and others were indicted for high treason, accused of assembling armed men in white apparel at Clogheen to levy war against the King. The charge was based on informations sworn by Guinan, the Lonergans, and others before magistrates Bagwell, Maude and Hewetson.

    Read the passage

    and intentions aforsaid, afterwards, to wit same day, year and place, did traitorously and seditiously, assemble together with 200 other unknown persons, armed with guns, pistols and other weapons, as well offensive as defensive, dressed in white apparel, begin and levy public war against our said Lord the King, against the peace and statute.

    Michael Guynan £50. Bailed in Court.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 36

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, where the Spring Assizes of 1764 put Father Nicholas Sheehy and others on trial for high treason. They were accused of assembling armed men in white apparel to levy war against the King, a charge built on informations sworn before magistrates Bagwell, Maude and Hewetson.

  46. William Egan permitted to attend prisoners at the scaffold in Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1755–1771

    William Egan, parish priest of Clonmel from 1755, conciliated the ruling classes and was the first Catholic priest since the Reformation permitted to attend prisoners at the scaffold. He built the present presbytery of St. Mary's and entertained circuit lawyers there.

    Read the passage

    During the period of his pastorship he conciliated the ruling classes, and was the first priest since the Reformation permitted to attend prisoners at the scaffold. He built the present presbytery of St Mary's, where he regularly entertained the leaders of the bar on circuit. Dr. Creagh, Bishop of Waterford, being in failing health postulated for a coadjutor. Fr. Egan was named by brief dated 8th March, 1771, Bishop of Sura in partibus, and was consecrated in his brother's house, Taghmon, Co. Wexford, the following Pentecost. In 1792 an effort was made by some Munster bishops to have him translated to the archbishopric of Cashel, but he firmly declined. He died 22nd July, 1796, and was interred in the churchyard south of the nave of the old chapel — the site is now within the western vestry of the present church. A table tomb was placed over the remains, containing the inscription : —

    LH.S.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 27

    As the companion tells it

    Clonmel, the town ahead, was where William Egan served as parish priest from 1755. He conciliated the ruling classes here and was the first Catholic priest since the Reformation permitted to attend prisoners at the scaffold. He built the present presbytery of St. Mary's, where he regularly entertained the leaders of the bar on circuit. He went on to become Bishop of Sura in 1771 and died on 22nd July 1796, buried in the churchyard south of the nave of the old chapel.

  47. Witness Toohy's true whereabouts traced to Cullen

    Cullen · townland · Tipperary · 1764

    In a later trial it was shown that prosecution witness John Toohy, who claimed to have witnessed the murder, had actually spent the night of the murder at a house in Cullen, thirty miles from Shanbally, discrediting his testimony.

    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

  48. Capture of Popish priest Ekjnogh Hagerty, secured in Clonmel gaol

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1657

    Soldiers of Colonel Abbot's regiment of dragoons arrested a Popish priest, Ekjnogh Hagerty, who was secured in the county gaol of Clonmel in 1657, and received a reward payment for the arrest.

    Read the passage

    " Ordered etc. Five pounds on the certificate of Major Thomas Stanley to Thomas Gregson, Evan Powel and Samuel Alley (being three souldiers of Coll Abbots regiment of dragoons), for the arrest of Ekjnogh Hagerty a Popish priest by them taken and now secured in the county gaol of Clonmell to be equally distributed between them 10 August 1657 f^^J-

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

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, this is a town with a grim chapter from 1657. Soldiers of Colonel Abbot's regiment of dragoons arrested a Popish priest here, Ekjnogh Hagerty, and secured him in the county gaol. The three soldiers who made the arrest received a reward of 5 pounds, certified by Major Thomas Stanley and split between them on the 10th of August that year. The following year, Stanley showed renewed activity pursuing Tories, but of the 50 pounds he claimed, the Commissioners of Revenue disallowed 40 because the Tories were slain in the field. Stanley pleaded that his disbursements were warranted and that there was no other way for the conviction of those Tories, who were guilty of murder and robberies, and could not be taken alive. When the Cromwellian corporation was set up, he presented them with a sword of state. Not every Cromwellian had steeled their heart so thoroughly, though. In 1665, Colonel John Booker left 5 pounds to the necessitous English of Clonmel and twice that sum to the poor Irish inhabitants of the town.

  49. 1731 mayor's report on hidden friars in West Suburbs

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1731

    In 1731 the mayor of Clonmel reported to a House of Lords committee that friars John Leo, Michael Dwyer and James Walsh lived together in a Popish Friary in the West Suburbs of the town.

    Read the passage

    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).

    The old Franciscan church had as chequered history as the friars themselves. When in 1650 Clonmel was taken possession of by the Cromwellians, they proceeded at once to convert the whole precinct of the friary into a huge

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 30

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are on ground where friars once lived in hiding. After the Revolution, friars caught in the town could be transported, and if they returned they were liable to the penalties of high treason. Their presence was sometimes connived at, but no public chapel could open. In 1731 the mayor of Clonmel, answering an inquiry by a committee of the House of Lords, reported that John Leo, Michael Dwyer and James Walsh were friars or reputed so. He wrote that there was a Popish Friary in the West Suburbs of the town where the above friars lived and cohabited. The friars had lived in a house in the Irishtown and officiated at the parish chapel. Decades later, in 1766, a Protestant vicar named Joseph Moore certified to Parliament that Clonmel still had two reputed friars, and Innislounaght had one.

  50. Act of Attainder names Cromwellian settlers of Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1689

    James II's parliament passed an act of wholesale attainder against Cromwellian settlers, naming numerous Clonmel residents including merchants Hercules Beere, Henry Charnley, John Mead, Phineas Ryall and clergyman John Walkington.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, this town saw James the Second arrive on the evening of Thursday, 21 March 1689, after a weary journey from Lismore. A writer of the time described the road from Kinsale to Dublin as being like a great fair, crowds pouring from their houses to meet him. At the entrance of each considerable town, orations were made, and young rural maids wove dances before him as he travelled. The county came out, all degrees of people, old and young, and the writer said they showed staunch loyalty, profound respect and tender love, as if he had been an angel from heaven. A week after reaching Dublin, James summoned a parliament of a kingdom only half subdued. Clonmel returned two representatives, Aldermen Nicholas White and John Bray. For the county, the members included Butlers, Purcells, Everards and Tobins, families that had been through forty years of plunder and persecution. From such a parliament, the book says, neither deliberative discussion nor political wisdom might be expected. One of its first acts was a wholesale attainder of the Cromwellian settlers. The residents of Clonmel named in the act were Hercules Beere, merchant; Henry Charnley, merchant; Andrew Coulter, gentleman; John Green, gentleman; John Ladyman, gentleman; John Mead, merchant; Hugh Radcliffe, gentleman; Richard Piggott, esquire; Phineas Ryall, merchant; William Vaughan, merchant; and John Walkington, clerk.

  51. Archbishop Bray's letter on Tipperary's tranquility during 1798 rebellion

    Cashel · townland · Tipperary · 1798

    While Wexford was in flames during the rebellion, Dr. Bray, Catholic archbishop of Cashel, wrote that County Tipperary was entirely tranquil, confirming there was no actual insurrection in the county despite the repression carried out there.

    Read the passage

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

    (h) Report of Trial, Wright v. Fitzgerald, Clonmel Assizes. Proceedings on petition of Thomas J. Fitzgerald to the House of Commons. T. Clarke Luby, who from his family and local connexion must have had excellent opportunities of knowing the Fitzgeralds, has given an extraordinary account of the end of the family. " It is almost unnecessary to add that the memory of this wretch is embalmed in the traditional hatred of the people in Tipperary ; so much so that a few years ago when his grandson, under the pressure of some private misfortunes, committed suicide by tying a heavy stone round his neck and drowning himself, the rage of the peasantry would hardly suSer his remains to receive human not to say Christian burial. It was with the utmost difficulty that the unfortunate man's body Anally found a grave. It appears Sir Thomas's son also met with a violent death, and his great grandson hanged himself by accident, showing how his great grandfather used to hang the " croppies."— Life of O'Connell, p. 148.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in 1798, while Wexford burned during the rebellion, Dr. Bray, the Catholic archbishop of Cashel, wrote to Dr. Moylan of Cork saying he was happy to understand County Cork was tranquil, and that "this county is perfectly so." There was not at any time the least attempt at insurrection in Tipperary, despite the repression carried out there. The county stayed quiet even as other parts of Ireland were in open revolt. The record also carries a darker thread about the Fitzgerald family. A man remembered for how he used to hang the croppies left a legacy of hatred so deep that generations later, when his grandson drowned himself with a stone tied round his neck, the peasantry could hardly be brought to allow the body a Christian burial. His son met a violent death as well, and his great grandson hanged himself by accident. The memory of what had been done to the rebels stayed alive in Tipperary long after the rebellion itself had passed.

  52. Attorney General's letter on priest Morris's seditious bull charge, Clonmel 1606

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1606

    Sir John Davys, Attorney General, wrote from Clonmel on 4th May 1606 describing Lord President Brounker's wish to indict a priest, Morris (Morice), for publishing a slanderous and seditious bull. The evidence was found insufficient and the matter was deferred.

    Read the passage

    My Lord President (Brounker) — whose zeal in matters of religion, tempered with good moderation, doth merit very much consideration—was desirous that a priest, one James [sic] Morice 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 to you herewith, albeit perhaps you have received it already. 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 until another session (rr),

    William Casey. In the "Bibliotheca Scriptorum Capucinorum" (Geneva, 1691), is found the following notice: — "William O'Cahasa, an Irishman, Perpetual Vicar of Clonmel, a learned man, [wrote] — The Dictionary of Anthony Nebrisensis, enriched with suppliments according to the

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 27

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, the Tipperary town where Sir John Davys, the Attorney General, wrote a letter on the 4th of May 1606. Lord President Brounker wanted a priest named James Morice indicted for publishing a slanderous and seditious bull. Davys noted that the bull was without question a forged and counterfeit thing. Before drawing up any indictment, they examined the evidence and found it not ripe enough, because the parties who should make the direct proof were not present. So they deferred the business until another session. The letter also mentions William Casey, or O'Cahasa, an Irishman and perpetual vicar of Clonmel, described as a learned man in the Bibliotheca Scriptorum Capucinorum.

  53. Bagwell purchases the manor of Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1800

    John Bagwell of Marlfield purchased from the Earl of Ormond's trustees the lordship, manor and franchises of the town of Clonmel, along with lands within the walls and Duke's Island. This began the Bagwell control over the town's corporation.

    Read the passage

    CHE Moore regime in Clonmel came to an end in l8oo, and that of the Bagwells began. On the 9th of August of that year, John Bagwell, of Marlfield, purchased from Lords Enniskillen and Desert, as trustees for the Earl of Ormond, " the lordship, manor or reputed manor of the town of Clonmel, and all rights, royalties and franchises appertaining thereto." The grant purported to convey " all the messuages, houses, lands, wastes and waste plots, within the walls of the said town of Clonmel, and all the burgagery land and a parcel entitled Duke's Island in the barony of Upperthird and County of Waterford" (dd).

    The Bagwells have been already met with in these pages, but a family which was thus brought into such important relations with the town, and which largely influenced its history for the next fifty years, deserves fuller notice.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, the Tipperary town. In 1800, John Bagwell of Marlfield bought the lordship and manor of this town from the Earl of Ormond's trustees. The grant conveyed all the houses, lands and wastes within the walls, plus a parcel called Duke's Island. That purchase began the Bagwell family's hold over the town's corporation, and they went on to shape Clonmel's history for the next fifty years.

  54. Baron supports Ulster garrison at siege of Waterford

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1649–1650

    At the siege of Waterford by Ireton shortly after Ormond's rebuff, Baron actively supported O'Farrell and the Ulster garrison against members of the corporation who urged a speedy surrender.

    Read the passage

    If Mazarine was not liberal in finance^ compliments he showered in abundance. " I accompany Mr. Barron," he wrote, " who returns to you with these lines to witness the satisfaction he hath left here of his conduct." Baron's return found the Confederates torn asunder by factionism. In the angry conflict between the Anglo-Irish or southern party and the old Irish or northern, he consistently took the side of the old Irish. Religious motives largely swayed him. " Barron," writes Ballings, " was noted for his particular zeal for the nuncio and his ways, though otherwise he showed himself an upright and disinterested man in the cause of his country. He was wont to think anything justifiable which might be acted or spoken in decrying a peace already condemned by ecclesiastical censures and which was so accursed that those that did defend, adhere or approve the justice of it, were delivered over to Satan." But religion apart, Baron was a trained diplomatist, and he knew that in King Charles and Ormond he had to deal with men practised in sham negotiations, whose good faith was limited by the exigencies of English politics. Hence when in the winter of 1649 Omiond appeared before Waterford, Baron offered a strenuous and successful opposition to the admission of him or his Anglo-Irish into the city. At the siege by Ireton shortly after, he actively supported O'Farrell and the Ulster garrison against the members of the corporation who urged a speedy surrender. On the fall of Waterford he made his way to Limerick, and of the close of his career there ample details have reached us. The "Diary of the Parliamentary Forces " reports on the surrender of Limerick to Ireton, 27th October, 1651.

    At a Councell of war at Limerick was this day debated how those excepted persons should be disposed of. Of them five were voted to suffer, Hugh O'Neill, Sir

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 46

  55. Boatmen's monopoly and sabotage against the Navigation Company

    Carrick-on-Suir · town · Tipperary · 1842

    After the Suir Navigation Company began removing sandbanks at Carrick, boatmen resisted the competition; a cargo of salt bound for a Clonmel merchant could not be carried up-river by any boatman and had to be shipped back through Waterford instead.

    Read the passage

    Part of a cargo of salt which arrived in Carrick was purchased by a Clonmel merchant No boatman could be had to bring it up to Clonmel, and ultimately the vessel was obliged to proceed back to Waterford for the purpose of delivering the salt thence to a Clonmel boat This fact requires no commentary.

    Lord Glengall, a strenuous advocate of the alternative scheme to "the Navigation," viz.: — a railway (which being extended to Cahir, would improve his property), seized on the occasion to address "the Lsfmled and Commercial Interests of the Southern Division of Tipperary."

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

  56. Bridge seen alive at a forge in Burncourt shortly before alleged murder

    Burncourt · townland · Tipperary · 1764

    A dancing-master testified that he met John Bridge, believed murdered, at a forge in Burncourt on 24 October 1764, where Bridge told him privately that he was going to leave the kingdom.

    Read the passage

    Lives at Shanbally ; is a dancing-master ; knew John Bridge ; believes him alive ; never saw him since the 24th of October, 1764, nor was he in the country since; met him in a forge the 24th at Bumcourt ; he called for the sledge, and turned some shoes ; called witness aside, and desired that he would keep what he told him secret, for that he was going out of the kingdom, and that if he returned he would return his favour.

    Laurence Hanglin, Swam.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 38

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Burncourt, a forge stood where a man named John Bridge was seen alive on the 24th of October, 1764. A dancing-master from Shanbally, who knew Bridge, swore he met him there that day. Bridge called for the sledge and turned some shoes, then called the dancing-master aside and told him to keep secret what he was about to say: he was going out of the kingdom, and if he returned he would return his favour. The dancing-master never saw him after.

  57. Cahir surrenders without a shot

    Caher · town · Tipperary · 1650

    In a letter to Ormond, O'Neill reported that Cahir was yielded to the Cromwellians without a shot or blow fired, on unknown terms.

    Read the passage

    This day I receivd your letter of the 25th of this instant. Since my last letter to your Excie I have not to intymate more then that Cahir was yealded without shott or blowe upon what condicons I knowe not, which I believe your Excie knowes ere nowe, likewise Kiiteenan was beseedged eare yesternight and yealded yesterdaye mominge about nyne of the clocke. All their armye is within a myle to the towne and the rest are cominge to them, in great hast they have sent a number of horses and oxen for more cannons. Wee expect nothinge else but bee beesiged every houre they having nowe noe other place to ayme att but this. Your Excie may knowe in what condicon wee are and the consequence of this place to the Kingdom which requires a speedye succour all which I humbly referre to your Lordshipps grave consideracon I humbly take leave and remayne

    Your Excies most humble servt, Clonmell ultimo February. Hugo O'Neill (d).

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Caher in Tipperary, this is a town that gave itself up. In 1650 the Cromwellians took it without resistance. Hugo O'Neill, writing from Clonmel on the last day of February that year, sent word to Ormond. He said Cahir was yielded without shot or blow. He did not know the conditions. He believed Ormond would have learned them by then. O'Neill had more to report. Kiiteenan had been besieged the night before and yielded the next morning about 9 of the clock. The Cromwellian army was within a mile of Clonmel, with more forces hastening to them. They had sent horses and oxen for more cannon. O'Neill expected Clonmel to be besieged every hour, the enemy having no other place to aim at. He asked Ormond for speedy succour, reminding him what that town meant to the kingdom.

  58. Clandestine Catholic schoolmaster Flahie in Waterford

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1615–1626

    In Waterford, citizens maintained a public schoolmaster named Flahie who continued teaching classics to young Baron despite fleeing Protestant Commissioners in 1615 and being ordered suppressed for training scholars to become seminary priests abroad.

    Read the passage

    During the early years of the seventeenth century a school was kept in the town by a person named Sail, and there Baron received his first education. He subsequently went to Waterford where the citizens maintained "a publique schoolmaster, one fflahie." Though Flahie fled from the Protestant Commissioners in 1615, and though order was taken "to suppress him from the exercise of teaching of youth, for he traynes upp scholers to become seminarie priests beyonde the seas," fej yet he continued his pedagogy, and with him young Baron began the classics. In the summer of 1626 having " profitted well " in his studies, he was sent by his brother Geoffry to the Franciscan house of Timoleague, Co. Cork, for a course of philosophy under Father Eugene Field. A few months later he entered the Franciscan order. Geoffry Baron writes to Luke Wadding 2nd December, 1626 : "Unknowen to any of his friends, he has taken the habitt of your holly Father St Francis the 27*** of October last, whome I desire God to his honour and glorie make a good frier." Shortly before Baron's departiu-e for Rome, 1629, the Lord

    (dj The original is exquisitely preserved in a version by Sir Samuel Ferguson : —

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 46

  59. Clonmel charter cites town's defensive walls, bridge and harbour

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1608

    The 1608 charter described Clonmel as an ancient walled borough near the river Suir, having a harbour for boats, a long bridge with arches, and being fortified on every side with turrets, castles and forts requiring constant repair.

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

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 14

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are in a town that King James described in 1608 as an ancient borough, founded and established from its beginning with forts and walls, by faithful liege people of the Crown of England, having English laws, habits and manners. The charter places the town in the liberties of Tipperary and Waterford, and says it sits near a most famous river called the Suir. That river has a haven or harbour attached to it, convenient and fit for the transporting of boats. There is a high and long bridge, sustained and maintained with arches. The town is compassed and fortified on every side with turrets, castles and forts, and great and frequent costs and labours are spent on their amendment and repair. The charter says the inhabitants in times past performed commendable services to the Crown against rebellious destroyers of the commonwealth, with the loss of their blood and their lives. By 1608 the town was worn and consumed by ancientness and want of inhabitants. The people had endured two years of plague and the burning of their houses and edifices, and were reduced to great need and poverty. The charter says the town was daily ready to fall to decay unless the King applied his speedy helping hands. It also calls Clonmel a place opportune and very convenient to entertain the King's justices, commissioners and army, where his liege subjects had done great and faithful services.

  60. Clonmel garrisoned by 'red shanks' under Alexander McDonnell

    Caher · town · Tipperary · 1647

    After the capture of Cahir Castle and the sack of Cashel left Tipperary at Inchiquin's mercy, Clonmel remained safe, defended by a regiment of 1500 Scottish 'red shanks' under governor Alexander McDonnell.

    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

    Coming up near Caher now. In 1647, this town's castle fell to Inchiquin, and the sack of Cashel followed, leaving all Tipperary at his feet. But Clonmel stayed safe, held by a regiment of 1500 "red shanks" under their governor, the redoubtable Alexander McDonnell. That was not the first time Clonmel had held firm. When a peace was concluded between Ormond and the Anglo-Irish, the heralds proclaiming it were refused admission into the town. 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. The confidence placed in the Ulstermen was not undeserved, for more than once they saved the town from pillage, perhaps massacre. Inchiquin had designs on Clonmel. On the 3rd of May 1647 he drew out 1500 horse and as many foot and took Dromana and Cappoquin. On the 10th of May he took Dungarvan. If his provisions had lasted he designed to besiege Clonmel, but the want of victuals and carriages forced him to return to Cork. Another account, from Owen Roe O'Neill's secretary, says the Council sent orders to Owen Roe to relieve Clonmel. He marched day and night with his field pieces until arriving at Ballinakelly in Leyse, upwards of 24 miles, a mighty march. Inchiquin, hearing of this, raised his siege and marched to his own quarters, though 30 miles lay between him and the Catholic General. So with Cahir Castle captured and Cashel sacked, all Tipperary lay at Inchiquin's feet, but Clonmel stood safe behind its 1500 red shanks and Alexander McDonnell.

This book is in the public domain; how the books' rights are judged. The passages are quoted as the scan has them, spelling and all; a story's place is the gazetteer's best reading of the text and can be wrong.