A history of the city and county of Cork

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. Molana monastery near Youghal

   Molana Abbey · ecclesiastical site · Waterford

   Before proceeding to Ross, St. Fachtna was abbot of the Molana monastery near Youghal. He had previously studied at the famous school of Loch-Eirche and received instruction from St. Ita, the Bridget of Munster.

   Read the passage

   in the famous school of Loch-Eirche, and before proceeding to Ross was abbot of the Molana monastry near Youghal. . He also, like most of the contemporary saints of Ireland, received lessons of heavenly wisdom from St. Ita, the Bridget of Munster. Ross soon became so famous that crowds of students _ and religious flocked to it from all parts, so that it was distinguished by the name of Ross-ailithir — that is Ross of the pilgrims. The birth of St. Fachnan, and the future greatness of his school, were foretold by St. Kearan of Ossory, whose mother was of his family, and who himself was born in the territory of Ross, at a place still called Traigh-Ciaran (i.e., St. Kearan’s strand), in Cape Clear Island. St. Fachnan having lost his sight by some accident when he was somewhat advanced in years, it was restored through the merits of St. Mochoemog, also called Pulcherius, who was then in his mother’s womb, and whose future sanctity was foretold by St. Fachnan. It is also related of our saint that it was his daily habit to retire for silent recollection and private prayer to a secluded spot on the side of a hill, near the monastery. It happened one day he left his scroll of prayers behind him. Rain fell heavily during the nio-ht, but in the morning his prayer-book was as dry as Gideon’s fleece, for the angels had built a small chapel over it. The traces of this ancient oratory may still be seen. The precise date of the foundation of the celebrated monastery of Ross cannot be fixed with certainty. W are says it was founded about the year 590, and his opinion has been adopted by later writers. It would probably be more accurate to place the foundation of the monastery before the year 570, and the death of the saint about the year 590. The life of St. Mochoemog states that it was by the advice of St. Ita that St. I achtna proceeded from the monastery of Ross to the parents of Mochaemog, through whose merits his sight was restored to him. St Brendan, patron saint of Kerry, is also mentioned among those who visited and gave lessons of heavenly wisciom in Ross. These two facts sufficiently prove that the monastery was established before the death of St. Brendan, wine 1 took place in 577, and of St. Ita, which is marked m our

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 442

2. Waterford mayor raids O'Driscoll's castle at Baltimore, Christmas 1413

   Baltimore · town · Cork · 1413

   On Christmas Day 1413, the Mayor of Waterford landed armed men at Baltimore and entered O'Driscoll's great house or castle during supper. He took O'Driscoll and his family prisoner and carried them by ship to Waterford.

   Read the passage

   “ Symon Wicken, maior of the citie of Waterford ; Roger Walsh, and Thomas Saulter, bayliffs, in the first year of his maioralty, with a hand of men in armor., m a ship of the foresaid citie, went on Christmas Eve towards Ballmtimore, and in nyght on Christmas Day, at supper time, landed his men, and in good order came to the gate of 0 h-idiisko s greate house or castell, within the said haven, and cafle 0 the porter, and willing him to tell his lor that the maior of Waterford was come into the haven with a shipp of wyne, and that he would gladly come in to see his lo. Upon notice thereof given by the porter to 0 h-Idriskoll, the gate w as set open, and the porter presently taken by the maioi and put aside, and so the maior walked into the great hall, where O’h-Idriskoll and his kinsman and friends sitting at boordes, made ready to supp, commanded O’h-Idriskoll and his company not to move or feare, for he would not, nor meant not, to draw no man’s blood of the same house, more than to dance and clrinke, and so to depart, with that the said maior toke up to dance. O’h-Idriskoll and his sonne, the prior of the friary, O’h-Idriskoll’s three brethren, his uncle and his wife, and leaving them in their dance, the maior commanded every one of his men to hold fast the said powers. And so after singing a carroll, came away, bringing with them aboorde the said shipp the said O’h- Idriskoll and his company, saying unto them they should go with him to Waterford to syng their carroll and make merry that Christmas ; and they being all aboorde made sayle presently, and arrived at Waterford St. Steven’s Day, at night, where with greate joy received they were with lights.”

   Reprisals were made, however, on another occasion, for we hear of “ an overthrow given by the maior and cittizens of Waterford upon O’h-Idriskoll at Ballymacdare, in the countie of Waterford, the third day of June, a.d. 1461.”

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 429

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up now is Baltimore, the town on the coast in Cork. On Christmas Day 1413, this was the seat of the O'Driscolls, whose great house or castle stood within the haven. Symon Wicken, Mayor of Waterford, in the first year of his mayoralty, sailed here on Christmas Eve with a ship of armed men. The bailiffs Roger Walsh and Thomas Saulter were with him. In the night of Christmas Day, at supper time, he landed his men and came in good order to the gate of O'Driscoll's great house. He called the porter and told him to say to his lord that the Mayor of Waterford had come into the haven with a ship of wine and would gladly come in to see him. The porter gave the message. The gate was set open. The mayor took the porter and put him aside, and walked into the great hall. O'Driscoll and his kinsman and friends were sitting at boards, ready to sup. The mayor commanded them not to move or fear, saying he meant to draw no man's blood of that house, only "to dance and drynke, and so to depart." With that he took up to dance with O'Driscoll and his son, the prior of the friary, O'Driscoll's three brethren, his uncle, and his wife. Leaving them in the dance, the mayor commanded every one of his men to hold fast the said persons. After singing a carol, they came away and brought O'Driscoll and his company aboard the ship, telling them they should go to Waterford to sing their carol and make merry that Christmas. They made sail and arrived at Waterford on St. Steven's Day at night, where they were received with great joy and lights. Years later, reprisals came. On June 3, 1461, an overthrow was given by the mayor and citizens of Waterford upon O'Driscoll at Ballymacdare, in the county of Waterford.

3. O'Mahony territory in West Carbery

   Kilcrohane · townland · Cork

   The O'Mahonys wrested the western portion of Corca Laidhe territory from the O'Driscolls long before the English invasion. This land, called Fonn-Tartharach or Trahagh, comprised the parishes of Kilmoe, Scoole, Kilcrohane, Durris, Kilmaconoge, and Caheragh in West Carbery.

   Read the passage

   of this race, who flourished in the sixth century, was the first bishop. J3ut on the increase of the power and population of the Deirgthine, or race of Oilill-Olum, the original territory of the Dairinne was much circumscribed. Long before the English invasion, the Ui-Eathach-Mumhan, or O’Mahonys, wrested from them that portion of their territory called Fonn-Tartharach, i.e., West-land, otherwise Trahagh, comprising the parishes of Kilmoe,Scoole,Kilcrohane,Durris, Kilmaconoge, and Caheragh, in the barony of West Carbery ; and after the English invasion various encroachments were made upon the lands by the English, and by families of the race of Oilill-Olum, then recently driven from their original localities by the English invaders. The Barrys encroached on the eastern side of their principality. The O’Sullivans ( Ui-Suileabhain ), who had been originaily seated at Cnock Raffonn and Cluain-meala, (Clonmel), in the now county of Tipperary, were driven from thence in the year 1192, when they settled in the mountains of the now counties of Cork and Kerry, and finally wrested from the Dairinne, or Corca-Laidhe, the portion of their territories now comprised in the baronies of Beare and Bantry. About the same period the Cairbre Aeldha, or O’Donovans, O’Collins, etc., who had been seated in the barony of Cois Maighe (Coshma), and in the plain of the west side of the river Maigh (Maigue), in the now county of Limerick, were driven from thence by the Fitzgeralds, and they settled in the present county of Cork, and wrested from the Corea- Laidha a considerable portion of the northern part of their territory. This latter sept transferred their tribe name of Cairbre from the banks of the Maigh, to the south of the Bandon, where it is still retained, applied to an extensive territory, now the four baronies of Carbery. The Corca-Laidhe, though circumscribed, were, however, independent of their new invaders until the year 1232, when Gormac Gott, the third son of Mac Carthaigh Mor, acquired dominion over the entire region, now forming the four baronies of Carbery. This event is briefly noticed in the old copy of the Annals of Innisf alien , preserved in the Bodleian Library, as follows : —

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 425

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here the O'Mahonys held sway long before the English ever set foot in Ireland. They were the Ui-Eathach-Mumhan, and they wrested this western portion of territory from the O'Driscolls, the Dairinne, or Corca Laidhe as they were known. The land was called Fonn-Tartharach, meaning West-land, or Trahagh. It took in the parishes of Kilmoe, Scoole, Kilcrohane, Durris, Kilmaconoge, and Caheragh, all in the barony of West Carbery. After the English invasion, the pressure on these lands came from several directions. The Barrys encroached from the east. The O'Sullivans, who had been seated at Cnock Raffonn and Clonmel in Tipperary, were driven from there in 1192. They settled in the mountains of Cork and Kerry, and wrested from the Corca Laidhe the territory now forming the baronies of Beare and Bantry. Around the same period, the O'Donovans, O'Collins and others, who had lived in the barony of Coshma along the river Maigue in Limerick, were driven out by the Fitzgeralds. They settled in Cork and took a considerable portion of the northern part of Corca Laidhe territory. The O'Donovans brought their tribe name Cairbre from the banks of the Maigue to south of the Bandon, where it is still retained in the four baronies of Carbery. The Corca Laidhe, though diminished, stayed independent of their new neighbours until 1232. In that year Gormac Gott, the third son of Mac Carthaigh Mor, acquired dominion over the entire region, the four baronies of Carbery. The Annals of Innisfallen, the old copy preserved in the Bodleian Library, noted the event briefly.

4. O'Sullivans driven from Clonmel to Cork and Kerry

   Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1192

   The O'Sullivans, originally seated at Cnock Raffonn and Clonmel in County Tipperary, were driven from their lands in 1192. They settled in the mountains of Cork and Kerry and wrested the baronies of Beare and Bantry from the Corca Laidhe.

   Read the passage

   of this race, who flourished in the sixth century, was the first bishop. J3ut on the increase of the power and population of the Deirgthine, or race of Oilill-Olum, the original territory of the Dairinne was much circumscribed. Long before the English invasion, the Ui-Eathach-Mumhan, or O’Mahonys, wrested from them that portion of their territory called Fonn-Tartharach, i.e., West-land, otherwise Trahagh, comprising the parishes of Kilmoe,Scoole,Kilcrohane,Durris, Kilmaconoge, and Caheragh, in the barony of West Carbery ; and after the English invasion various encroachments were made upon the lands by the English, and by families of the race of Oilill-Olum, then recently driven from their original localities by the English invaders. The Barrys encroached on the eastern side of their principality. The O’Sullivans ( Ui-Suileabhain ), who had been originaily seated at Cnock Raffonn and Cluain-meala, (Clonmel), in the now county of Tipperary, were driven from thence in the year 1192, when they settled in the mountains of the now counties of Cork and Kerry, and finally wrested from the Dairinne, or Corca-Laidhe, the portion of their territories now comprised in the baronies of Beare and Bantry. About the same period the Cairbre Aeldha, or O’Donovans, O’Collins, etc., who had been seated in the barony of Cois Maighe (Coshma), and in the plain of the west side of the river Maigh (Maigue), in the now county of Limerick, were driven from thence by the Fitzgeralds, and they settled in the present county of Cork, and wrested from the Corea- Laidha a considerable portion of the northern part of their territory. This latter sept transferred their tribe name of Cairbre from the banks of the Maigh, to the south of the Bandon, where it is still retained, applied to an extensive territory, now the four baronies of Carbery. The Corca-Laidhe, though circumscribed, were, however, independent of their new invaders until the year 1232, when Gormac Gott, the third son of Mac Carthaigh Mor, acquired dominion over the entire region, now forming the four baronies of Carbery. This event is briefly noticed in the old copy of the Annals of Innisf alien , preserved in the Bodleian Library, as follows : —

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 425

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up now through Clonmel, in Tipperary. In 1192, the O'Sullivans were driven from this town and from nearby Cnock Raffonn, lands where they had been seated. After the English invasion, families of the race of Oilill-Olum were being pushed from their original localities by the English invaders, and the O'Sullivans were among them. They went south and settled in the mountains of what are now the counties of Cork and Kerry. There they wrested from the Corca-Laidhe, also called the Dairinne, the portion of territory that became the baronies of Beare and Bantry. The Corca-laidhe had already been circumscribed before this. Long before the English invasion, the O'Mahonys had taken from them the West-land, otherwise called Trahagh, comprising the parishes of Kilmoe, Scoole, Kilcrohane, Durris, Kilmaconoge, and Caheragh, in the barony of West Carbery. After the English invasion, the Barrys encroached on the eastern side of their principality. About the same period as the O'Sullivans, the O'Donovans and O'Collins were driven from the barony of Coshma and the plain west of the river Maigue in Limerick by the Fitzgeralds, and they too settled in Cork and took northern territory from the Corca-laidhe. The Corca-laidhe remained independent of these new invaders until 1232, when Gormac Gott, third son of Mac Carthaigh Mor, acquired dominion over the entire region now forming the four baronies of Carbery.

5. Battle of Ballymacdare, 1461: Waterford defeats O'Driscoll

   Ballymacaw · townland · Waterford · 1461

   On 3 June 1461, the Mayor and citizens of Waterford fought O'Driscoll and the Powers at Ballymacdare in County Waterford. Waterford prevailed, killing several and taking O'Driscoll Oge and six of his sons prisoner along with three galleys.

   Read the passage

   cittizens prepared themselves in warlike manner, and sett forward themselves with good courage towards Ballimacdare, in the said countie, where they having mett with the said O’h-Idriskoll and the Powers, and so bickered together, when the maior and his companions had the victory of their side, and several of the said O’h-Idriskoll’s company and of the Powers were slayne then by the said maior and his company, and some taken prisoners, and in especiall were taken then all prisoners O’h-Idriskoll Oge with vi. of his sonnes, which were then brought to Waterford with three of their gaily es.” — From the Carew MSS., No. 632, p. 255 b, per C. Nash.

   Glanworth. — Gleann-Amhnach, the glen of the north. A Dominican friary was founded here by the Roches, and dedi¬ cated to the Holy Cross.

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 430

6. Fermoy: monastery and ancient name Magh Meine

   Fermoy · townland · Cork · 220–700

   Fermoy, anciently called Magh Meine, was home to a great religious school founded by St. Finnchua in the early seventh century. The territory received its name from the Druid Mogh Ruth, who aided Munster against Cormac Mac Airt's invasion around AD 220 and was rewarded with the land.

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   The monastery of Fermoy was the head of the great religious institutions founded by St. Finnchua, in the beginning of the seventh century. This saint received the waters of baptism from St. Ailbhe, studied at Benchor, under its holy founder, St. Comghall, was subsequently abbot of that great monastry, but resigned that office to establish the great religious school in his native territory at Fermoy. He was remarkable for his penitential spirit, and towards the close of his saintly career made a pilgrimage to Rome. The ancient name of the place now called Fermoy was Magh Meine, and thus it was known till the siege of Drom Domhghaire, which is recorded to have taken place about the year of our Lord 220. Munster was at that time invaded by Cormac Mac Airt, who full of confidence in his Druids and in the valour of his troops, encamped at Drom Domhghaire, in the S.E. of the county Limerick, since called Cnoc Longa (Knoclong), i.e., hill of the encampment. In this emergency a famous Druid named Mogh Ruth hastened from his residence in Oilean Dairbre, now the Island of Valencia, to the aid of the Munster army, and through his skill and bravery a brilliant victory was achieved. The troops of the monarch, adds the ancient tale, were pursued by the men of Munster, let by their Druid, Mogh Ruth, in his chariot drawn by wild oxen, till driven beyond the borders of the province, and into Magh Raiglme, in Ossory. The men of Munster now returned home in triumph, after having repulsed the invader, and called a convocation of the states and people of the provinces to give thanks to their friend and deliverer Mogh Ruth, after which they unanimously agreed to give and conform to him and his descendants for ever the possession of the plain and country then called Magh Meine (or the mineral plain) in reward for his great services.

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 426

   As the companion tells it

   Close to Fermoy stood a monastery that was the head of the great religious institutions founded by St. Finnchua in the beginning of the seventh century. This saint received the waters of baptism from St. Ailbhe, and studied at Benchor under its holy founder, St. Comghall. He was subsequently abbot of that great monastery, but resigned that office to establish the great religious school in his native territory at Fermoy. He was remarkable for his penitential spirit, and towards the close of his saintly career made a pilgrimage to Rome. The ancient name of this place was Magh Meine, and it was known by that name until the siege of Drom Domhghaire, which took place about the year 220. Munster was at that time invaded by Cormac Mac Airt, who, full of confidence in his Druids and in the valour of his troops, encamped at Drom Domhghaire, in the south-east of the county Limerick, since called Cnoc Longa, the hill of the encampment. In this emergency a famous Druid named Mogh Ruth hastened from his residence in Oilean Dairbre, now the Island of Valencia, to the aid of the Munster army, and through his skill and bravery a brilliant victory was achieved. The troops of the monarch were pursued by the men of Munster, led by their Druid Mogh Ruth in his chariot drawn by wild oxen, till driven beyond the borders of the province and into Magh Raiglme, in Ossory. The men of Munster returned home in triumph after repulsing the invader, and called a convocation of the states and people of the provinces to give thanks to their friend and deliverer Mogh Ruth. After this they unanimously agreed to give and confirm to him and his descendants for ever the possession of the plain and country then called Magh Meine, the mineral plain, in reward for his great services.

7. Summary executions at Baltimore fair-green

   Baltimore · town · Cork

   Lord Dunsany reported in Parliament that three men were dragged from their houses and shot on the fair-green of Baltimore without any form of trial. After their bodies lay exposed all day with no friend or relative daring to approach, the military carried them to the parish priest's house and threw the corpses inside.

   Read the passage

   reluctance I enter on so painful a task, to supply, in a small degree, this omission, by recalling to the recollection of . the house a few of the many enormities which your lordships must have known to be committed. In the county of West¬ meath alone — and from the sufferings of this ill-fated county noble lords may, without fear of being mistaken, infer those of the other counties of Ireland exposed to military execution — in this county alone, it is an incontrovertible fact, that several villages were destroyed by fire, without legal inquiry, trial, or ceremony of any kind. Three men were dragged from their houses, and shot on the fair-green of Baltimore, equally without any form of trial whatever, and time being scarcely allowed them to make their peace with heaven by saying a few prayers. After the bodies of the unfortunate victims had been exposed all the day, no friend or relative daring to approach them, the military had them tied on a car, and brought at a late hour of the night to the house of the parish priest, whom they forced to get up, and threw the dead bodies into the house, as if the murder of the dead were too little, without adding to it such an outrage on the feelings of the living.

   “ Look now, my lords, to another frequent and favourite mode of summary execution. Is it not notorious that several hundreds of his Majesty’s subjects have been transported without any show of trial, or legal proofs of any kind ? And are not these grievances ? And will you, my lords, by your vote this night, countenance such cruelties, and become, by such countenance, accessories after the fact ? If you do, consider how you are to answer it to God, your king, and your country.

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 334

   As the companion tells it

   You are coming into Baltimore, a town in Cork with a dark episode in its history. Lord Dunsany stood in Parliament and reported what happened here. Three men were dragged from their houses and shot on the fair-green of Baltimore, without any form of trial. They were hardly given time to make their peace with heaven by saying a few prayers. The bodies of the victims lay exposed all that day, with no friend or relative daring to approach them. Then, at a late hour of the night, the military tied the bodies on a car and brought them to the house of the parish priest. They forced the priest to get up, and threw the dead bodies into the house. Lord Dunsany described it as adding outrage on the feelings of the living to the murder of the dead. Dunsany used this story to press Parliament on the wider pattern of violence. He spoke of several villages in Westmeath destroyed by fire without legal inquiry, trial, or ceremony of any kind. He warned the lords that several hundreds of the King's subjects had been transported without any show of trial or legal proof. He asked whether they would, by their vote that night, countenance such cruelties and become accessories after the fact. If they did, he said, consider how you are to answer it to God, your king, and your country.

8. O'Donovans displaced from Limerick to Cork

   Coshma · barony · Limerick

   The O'Donovans, O'Collins, and related septs were driven from the barony of Cois Maighe in County Limerick by the Fitzgeralds. They settled in County Cork, taking northern portions of Corca Laidhe territory and transferring their tribal name of Cairbre to the Bandon area.

   Read the passage

   of this race, who flourished in the sixth century, was the first bishop. J3ut on the increase of the power and population of the Deirgthine, or race of Oilill-Olum, the original territory of the Dairinne was much circumscribed. Long before the English invasion, the Ui-Eathach-Mumhan, or O’Mahonys, wrested from them that portion of their territory called Fonn-Tartharach, i.e., West-land, otherwise Trahagh, comprising the parishes of Kilmoe,Scoole,Kilcrohane,Durris, Kilmaconoge, and Caheragh, in the barony of West Carbery ; and after the English invasion various encroachments were made upon the lands by the English, and by families of the race of Oilill-Olum, then recently driven from their original localities by the English invaders. The Barrys encroached on the eastern side of their principality. The O’Sullivans ( Ui-Suileabhain ), who had been originaily seated at Cnock Raffonn and Cluain-meala, (Clonmel), in the now county of Tipperary, were driven from thence in the year 1192, when they settled in the mountains of the now counties of Cork and Kerry, and finally wrested from the Dairinne, or Corca-Laidhe, the portion of their territories now comprised in the baronies of Beare and Bantry. About the same period the Cairbre Aeldha, or O’Donovans, O’Collins, etc., who had been seated in the barony of Cois Maighe (Coshma), and in the plain of the west side of the river Maigh (Maigue), in the now county of Limerick, were driven from thence by the Fitzgeralds, and they settled in the present county of Cork, and wrested from the Corea- Laidha a considerable portion of the northern part of their territory. This latter sept transferred their tribe name of Cairbre from the banks of the Maigh, to the south of the Bandon, where it is still retained, applied to an extensive territory, now the four baronies of Carbery. The Corca-Laidhe, though circumscribed, were, however, independent of their new invaders until the year 1232, when Gormac Gott, the third son of Mac Carthaigh Mor, acquired dominion over the entire region, now forming the four baronies of Carbery. This event is briefly noticed in the old copy of the Annals of Innisf alien , preserved in the Bodleian Library, as follows : —

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 425

9. Corca Laidhe territory of the O'Driscolls

   Ross Carbery · town · Cork

   Corca Laidhe, the original country of the O'Driscolls and their kin, was co-extensive with the diocese of Ross (Ros-ailethre). Over centuries surrounding tribes encroached upon and circumscribed their territory significantly.

   Read the passage

   Corca Laidhe, the original country of the Dairmne, or O’Drisoolla, and their co-relatives, was originally co-extensiw with the diocese of Ross, or Ros-ailethre, of which St. hachtn»

   522

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up near Ross Carbery. This was Corca Laidhe, the original country of the O'Driscolls and their kin, co-extensive with the diocese of Ross, or Ros-ailethre. Over the centuries, surrounding tribes encroached on and circumscribed their territory.

10. St. Cannera of Bantry and her vision of fiery towers

    Bantry · town · Cork

    Cannera, a virgin saint of Bantry in south-west Ireland, established a hermitage in her own country. She saw a vision of fiery towers rising from all the churches of Ireland, with the largest from Inis Cathaigh, which led her on pilgrimage there.

    Read the passage

    “The pious Cannera, a virgin saint of Beantraige (Bantry), in the south-west of Erin, who established a desert in her own country. A certain night after vespers, as she was at her prayers, she saw all the churches of Ireland, and a tower of fire rising out of every one of them up to heaven. The fire which rose out of Inis Cathaigh was the largest, the highest, and the most brilliant of all, and rose most directly heaven¬ ward. On beholding this the holy virgin exclaimed, that is the beautiful Recles (church), said she, and it is to it I will go, that my resurrection may be out of it. Oh Heavenly Spouse, said she, whatever church or holy place that is, it is there I wish my resurrection to be ; and she then prayed God that she might not lose sight of that tower of light, but like the tower of fire that led the children of Israel through the wilderness, so it might lead her into this place, and God granted her prayer. She set out forthwith, having no guide but the blazing tower of fire, which continued to burn with¬ out ceasing, both day and night, till she reached it. When she reached the water at Luimneach (Limerick), she went on foot over the water as if she walked on the dry ground, and reached the shore at Inis Cathaigh at early dawn next morning. St. Senan knowing this, .came to the shore to meet

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 431

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Bantry, in Cork, you are in the country of Cannera, a virgin saint who made her hermitage in her own land. One night after vespers, while she was at her prayers, she saw all the churches of Ireland, and a tower of fire rising out of every one of them up to heaven. The fire that rose from Inis Cathaigh was the largest, the highest, and the most brilliant of all, and rose most directly heavenward. On seeing this she said, "that is the beautiful church, and it is to it I will go, that my resurrection may be out of it." She prayed that she might not lose sight of that tower of light, but that like the tower of fire that led the children of Israel through the wilderness, it might lead her to this place. God granted her prayer. She set out at once, with no guide but the blazing tower of fire, which burned without ceasing, day and night, until she reached it. When she came to the water at Limerick, she went on foot over the water as if on dry ground, and reached the shore at Inis Cathaigh at early dawn the next morning. St. Senan, knowing this, came to the shore to meet her.

11. French fleet anchors in Bantry Bay

    near Bantry Bay · bay · Cork · 1796

    A French fleet of seventeen sail, including seven ships of the line, anchored in Bantry Bay on 24 December 1796 as part of an invasion force under General Hoche. The fleet had sailed from Brest but was scattered by storms, with several ships wrecked before reaching the Irish coast.

    Read the passage

    “December 14, 1796. — A French fleet, consisting of 18 sail of the line, 14 frigates, 5 large transports, and some small vessels, sailed from Brest with 25,000 troops. The signal having been given for sailing out through the passage de Baz, La Fraternite, frigate, with the admiral and General Hoche on board, and a few other ships succeeded ; but it was by the passage de Flotes that the greater part of the fleet bore out to sea, and the first division being unable to join them in con¬ sequence of a gale of wind coming on, the admiral’s vessel was separated from the rest of the fleet. Several of the ships were wrecked. The remainder came within view of the Irish coast in three days, but having mistaken the Dursey for the Mizen Head, did not reach Bantry Bay until the 24th. On the morning of the 23rd the people of Cork were thrown into consternation by accounts which arrived of a large fleet having been seen off Bantry. The militia and fencible regiments were immediately despatched to this town, whilst the loyal Cork legion and the Cork volunteers got under arms, and a detachment of cavalry from both escorted the artillery to Bandon, and other parts of them went off to the different towns of Munster, to order in the military quartered there. All the citizens capable of carrying arms enrolled themselves amongst the yeomanry, and a determined resolution to resist the invader seemed to pervade every class of the population. On the 24th, the French fleet, consisting of seven ships of the line, and two ships armie en flute , beside frigates and trans¬ ports, making in the whole seventeen sail, anchored in the bay. Lieutenant Prosheau, a French officer, with eight men, was driven on shore in a boat, in an attempt to leave one of the vessels which had been dismasted in the late storm. Being taken prisoners by the peasantry they were sent to Cork, and from thence to Dublin, to be examined before the Privy Council. The French fleet remained in the bay until the 27th, when they quitted their station without having made any further attempt to land, and on the 28th the last division sailed out of the bay. On the 30th four ships of sixty-four guns, three frigates, two razures, and two corvettes,

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 323

12. Kilcrea Franciscan friary and MacCarthy tomb

    Kilcrea · townland · Cork · 1465–1604

    A Franciscan monastery was founded at Kilcrea under the invocation of St. Bridget by Cormac MacCarthaigh in 1465. He was murdered by his brother Owen and buried in the choir in 1494. Substantial remains survived including a steeple, Gothic arcade with marble columns, and Clan Carthy tombs.

    Read the passage

    “ St. Cyra, or Ckera, was abbess here, where her feast is celebrated, October 16th. A Franciscan monastery was founded in this town under the invocation of St. Bridget, by Cannae M’Carthaigh, the Great Prince of Desmond, in the year 1465. He was murdered by Owen, his brother, and was buried here, in the middle of the choir, with the following inscription on

    his tomb : —

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 433

13. Mass execution of Dunboy garrison survivors

    near Dunboy · street · Cork · 1602

    Fifty-eight of those who surrendered at Dunboy were hanged in the English camp, and a few were reserved for special torture. On 22 June 1602 Carew blew up the ruins of Dunboy.

    Read the passage

    Fifty-eight of those who surrendered were hanged that day in the English camp, and a few were reserved for special and cruel torture. We have already told their fate and sufferings. On the 22nd of June, 1602, Dunboy. was blown up by Carew.

    O’Sullivan escaped into Kerry with Captain Tirell, and here for long and weary months he and his followers encamped in the mountains of Glengarriff, waiting for help from Spain, which never came. When news did come, it was fatal to his hopes ; and he at once took the brave determination to fight his way step by step to the north with the women and children, the sick and infirm of his camp. What he dared and did, and what this forlorn company suffered, may not be told here. In eight months O’Sullivan returned once more to his desolate country, where he had left his wife and his youngest child in the safe and faithful company of his foster-brother, Mac Sweeny. During his absence they remained concealed in a place known as the “ Eagle’s nest,” in the Glengariff mountains.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 257

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Dunboy, in 1602, one of the grim chapters of this coast played out. Fifty-eight of those who surrendered at Dunboy were hanged that day in the English camp. A few were kept back for special and cruel torture. On the 22nd of June, 1602, Carew blew up the ruins of Dunboy itself. O'Sullivan escaped into Kerry with Captain Tirell. For long and weary months he and his followers encamped in the mountains of Glengarriff, waiting for help from Spain, which never came. When news did come, it was fatal to his hopes. He at once took the brave determination to fight his way step by step to the north, with the women and children, the sick and infirm of his camp. What he dared and did, and what this forlorn company suffered, is a story told elsewhere. In eight months O'Sullivan returned once more to his desolate country. He had left his wife and his youngest child in the safe and faithful company of his foster-brother, Mac Sweeny. During his absence they remained concealed in a place known as the Eagle's nest, in the Glengarriff mountains.

14. Surrender and massacre of Smerwick garrison

    Smerwick · townland · Kerry · 1580

    The Smerwick garrison surrendered to Lord Grey after negotiations mediated through an interpreter named Plunkett, who allegedly misrepresented both sides. Despite promises of safe conduct reported by multiple independent writers, Grey put the garrison to death, an act he described to Elizabeth without remorse.

    Read the passage

    Plunkett assured the Irish on his return to the fort that they were betrayed, and warned them even in his chains ; but either his words were not heeded, or the Spaniards were allpowerful. The real truth of the terms of the surrender will probably never be known in this world. Lord Grey, in his letter to Elizabeth, tells coldly of one of the most diabolical massacres on record — in fact, seems rather to glory in it. He declares that he would not allow the besieged any “ condition or composition, other than that they should simplie render me the forte, and yield themselves to my will for lyfe or deth. With this answer they departed.” One or two, he says, “came to have gotten a certaintie for some of ther lyves,” but this was refused. Now, both O’Daly, O’Sullivan, and Russell, as already quoted, distinctly state that the lord deputy promised the garrison their lives, though he put all to death, “ reserving only the captains, contrary to his promise and faith passed to them for the safety of theyr lives upon composition.” Whether Grey’s written statement to Elizabeth that he did not make this promise, or the statement of three independent writers that he did make it, is to be believed, we do not pretend to decide.

    If Grey did break his word, he would certainly not have told Elizabeth of his treachery. The tone of sanctimonious cant in which he wrote about the death of the royal favourite, Sir John Clarke, shows that he knew how to flatter royalty ; and there is the evidence of O’Sullivan, who states that Plunkett misrepresented the words of Grey, and said he

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 220

15. St Mochuada's monastery on Spike Island

    Spike Island · townland · Cork

    St. Carthach (Mochuada) cured King Cathal of deafness, dumbness and blindness, and received extensive lands including Pick Island, now Spike Island. Mochuada built a monastery on the island, left forty brethren there, and the text says pious people resided there perpetually.

    Read the passage

    prayed to God for him, and he put the sign of the cross on his eyes and on his ears, and on his mouth, and he was cured ot all diseases and blemishes. And Cathal gave extensive lands to God and to Mochuada for ever, namely, Cathal Island and Ross bay, and Rossmore, and Pick Island, now Spike Island. And Mochuada sent holy brothers to build a church m Rossbey in honour of God. And Mochuada himself commenced build - ino- a monastery in Pick Island, and he remained a lull year in°it. Mochuada then placed three of his disciples, namely, the three sons of Naseann, i. e., Bishop Goban and Straphan, the priest ; and Laisren, the saint, in these churches, and it was the holy Bishop of Ardomain that gave holy orders to those three persons in the presence of Mochuada, and it is he that was appointed to direct and to preserve them in the way of righteousness, and he left two score more of his brethern in the monastery of Pick Island in place of himself. . u Mochuada then returned to Rahan ; and that Island which we have mentianed, i.e., Pick Island is a most hoi} place, and most pious people reside in it perpetually. ’ — O Curry , MS. , C. U.l.

    Kilcrea. five miles out of Cork, in the barony of Muskery . Arckidall says :

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa

16. St. Senan founds church at Inniscarra; origin of place name

    Inishcarra · parish · Cork

    St. Senan settled at a place called Tuain-na-mba on the river Lee (then called Linne) and founded his church. When a local prince's steed fell into the stream and drowned, only its quarters (carra) remained visible, giving the place its name Inis Carra.

    Read the passage

    Inniscarra, near Ballincollig. — The Irish lives of St. Senan of Inis Cathaigh relate that on his return home from his great preceptor, St. David of Kilmony, in Alba, he came into this part of Munster, and having settled down in the place then called Orlean Arda Crick Leathain, now Barrymore Island, he remained there forty days, till admonished by an an cel to go forth and to found a church for himself wherein to*serve God with his followers. St. Senan went forward, we are told, directed by the angel, till he came to a place then called Tuain-na-mba, on the side of the river Lmne (now the Lee) where he founded his church, and fixed his ecclesiastical residence. When the petty prince of this place came to hear that St Senan had occupied his land without permission, he sent messengers to warn him off and to demand rent and restitution. Subsequently he sent Ins own favourite steed to be maintained at the expense of the monastery, but the steed fell into the stream at the church, where she was drowned, so that no part of her remained to be seen but her carra, «.*, her quarters, and hence the place was called Inis Carra.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 430

17. Air balloon ascends near the Mardyke, Cork, 1784

    Mardyke · electoral division · Cork · 1784

    An air balloon was launched near the Mardyke in Cork before a large crowd and travelled 18 miles to Cooper's-hill, where local man John Mynehan, having never seen a balloon, mistook it for the devil. It was brought home and subsequently exploded when a spark ignited its inflammable air, scorching several spectators.

    Read the passage

    “ March 27, 1784 — The air balloon, which ascended near the Mardyke, at about 4 o clock, in the presence of an unusual concourse of spectators, arrived at Cooper’s-hill at 6 o’clock the same evening, a distance of 1 8 miles. It was discovered moving in a swift horizonal direction, near the earth, by one John Mynehan, an inhabitant of the above district ; who having never heard of these curious productions of art, for some time thought it was the devil, and was partly conformed in this idea by the appearance of a tube at the summit of the machine, which displayed to his terrified imagination a lively representation of the horns attributed to his infernal majesty. Having grown bolder by degrees, he at length pursued at full speed, when a calm immediately succeeding, the fancied demon rested between two cocks, and was presently secured. The man brought it home, and at night the neighbours assembled to see this wonder of the world ; but some person having dropped a spark on the machine, it penetrated its slender covering, set fire to the inflammable air with which it was inflated, and produced an explosion equal to a clap of thunder. By this unfortunate event a man and woman were severely scorched, several fainted, and such as could conveniently escape by flight sheered off, fully convinced that Lucifer himself had got amongst them.

    “May 3, 1784- — This day having been appointed for the sale of a large assortment of English woollen goods by auction, between two and three thousand of the poor dis¬ tressed manufacturers of this city assembled, and proceeded to the stores on the South Mall, where the goods were deposited, and declared that the auction should not go on, for that such sales would manifestly ruin them ; that they had helpless families, and that poverty stared them in the face ; that they could not get work to alleviate their dis¬ tresses ; that many of them were ashamed to beg and would not rob ; therefore, for self preservation sake, they would, as far as in them lay, suffer no English manufactures in their

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 321

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through the Mardyke, an area of Cork with a strange piece of history from 1784. On March 27 of that year, an air balloon rose here at about 4 o'clock, before an unusual concourse of spectators. It travelled 18 miles and arrived at Cooper's-hill by 6 o'clock that same evening. It was discovered moving in a swift horizontal direction near the earth by one John Mynehan, an inhabitant of that district. He had never heard of these curious productions of art. For some time he thought it was the devil. He was partly confirmed in this idea by the appearance of a tube at the summit of the machine, which displayed to his terrified imagination a lively representation of the horns attributed to his infernal majesty. Having grown bolder by degrees, he at length pursued at full speed. A calm immediately succeeding, the fancied demon rested between two cocks and was presently secured. Mynehan brought it home. At night the neighbours assembled to see this wonder of the world. But some person dropped a spark on the machine. It penetrated the slender covering, set fire to the inflammable air with which it was inflated, and produced an explosion equal to a clap of thunder. By this event a man and woman were severely scorched, several fainted, and such as could conveniently escape by flight sheered off, fully convinced that Lucifer himself had got amongst them.

18. Father O'Cahill killed by Cromwell's soldiers in Cork, 1651

    Cork · city · Cork · 1651

    In 1651 Father Eneas Ambrose O'Cahill, a Dominican preacher and missionary in Cork, was recognised as a friar of a Dominican community and attacked by a troop of Cromwell's soldiers. He was cut to pieces with their sabres and his limbs scattered about to be trampled under foot.

    Read the passage

    In 1651 Father Eneas Ambrose O’Cahill, an eloopient preacher and zealous missionary in Cork, being recognised as a friar of a Dominican community, was rushed upon by a troop of Cromwell’s soldiers, cut to pieces with their sabres, and his limbs were scattered about to be trampled under foot.

    The following is taken from the Cork Herald for December 7th, [871. It cannot fail to be of interest, both at the present time, and to the merchants of the future : —

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 418

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, there is a story from 1651 that belongs to these streets. Father Eneas Ambrose O'Cahill, a Dominican missionary and eloquent preacher, was recognised here by a troop of Cromwell's soldiers. They rushed upon him, cut him to pieces with their sabres, and scattered his limbs about to be trampled under foot.

19. MacCartys slay John FitzGerald at Callan in Desmond

    Callan · street · Tipperary · 1261

    The MacCartys surprised and slew John FitzGerald and his son Maurice at Callan in Desmond, along with several knights and gentlemen of that family, so oppressing the FitzGeralds that they dared not put a plough in the ground for twelve years.

    Read the passage

    “ Sir -Richard de Rupella, or Roch, as Clyn calls him, was made Lord Justice of Ireland, who, being called into England, Sir 'David de Barry was instituted in his place in 1267. He did excellent service in composing some differ¬ ences between the Burkes and Geraldines, who were too strong for the former governors. The Mac Cartys took up arms, surprised John FitzGerald, and -slew him, ivith his son Maurice, at -Callan, in Desmond, with several knights, and other gentle¬ men of that family ; and so oppressed them, that the Fitz¬ Geralds durst not put a plough in the ground for twelve years. Soon after some dissensions arose between the Irish of the territories of Carbery and Muskery, headed by the Mac Carthys, Donovans, Driscolls, Mahonys, and Swineys, so that they weakened and destroyed each other ; whereupon the Fitz Geralds began again to recover their power and authority. Edward i <c Maurice FitzMaurice FitzGerald was made Lord a.d. 1272. Justice of Ireland, June 23rd.

    “ The houses of the Knights Templars were suppressed 3 4 in this country by an order of King Edward I,, directed to Sir John Wogan, Lord Deputy of Ireland ; and ten years after, viz*., 1314, the Knights Hospitallers were put in posses¬

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 114

20. Massacre at Fort del Ore (Smerwick)

    Smerwick · townland · Kerry · 1580

    Lord Grey ordered the massacre of approximately 600 prisoners captured at the Fort del Ore, admitting the deed in a letter to Queen Elizabeth. He expressed regret only for wasted ammunition and victuals, not for the slain, and the few survivors were later executed with extreme brutality after refusing to renounce their faith.

    Read the passage

    The massacre is admitted by Grey himself, possibly because it would have been useless to deny it. “ I sent, he wrote to his mistress, “ I sent streighte certeyne gentlemen in to see their weapons and armories laid down, and to guard the munition and victual then left from spoyl , then I put in certeyne bandes, who streight fell to execution. There were six hurkhed slayn, ammunition and victul great stores, though much wasted through the disorder of the soldiers, which in

    the fusion could not be helped.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 221

21. O'Sullivan Bear seizes vessels near Dursey Island

    near Dursey Island · townland · Cork · 1331

    In 1331 Dermot O'Sullivan (Bear) captured an English and a Spanish vessel off his coast near the Durseys. The dispute between the captains was settled by O'Sullivan hanging the English captain, whom he considered the aggressor.

    Read the passage

    In 1331 Dermot O’Sullivan (Bear) took the liberty of capturing an English and a Spanish vessel which lay off his coast. The Spanish vessel was sailing near the Durseys, and was seized by the English captain. O’Sullivan (Bear) settled the dispute by hanging the English captain, whom he mani¬ festly considered the aggressor.

    Smith’s English proclivities made him resent this outrage, but probably if O’Sullivan had not hanged the Englishman,

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 144

22. Panic on custom-house quay, Cork during Bandon revolt

    Cork · city · Cork · 1689

    Joseph Pike, a Quaker, recounted walking on the custom-house quay in Cork with his cousin Samuel Randall when they saw a multitude assembling. Troopers rode through the streets with drawn swords amid false reports that the Bandon people were killing thousands outside the South Gate, causing many families to flee aboard ships.

    Read the passage

    “The English of Bandon revolted and turned out the Irish garrison, upon which an army of Irish horse and foot gathered at Cork to reduce them. Justin Mac Carthy, after¬ wards Lord Mountcashel, commanded them. Before they went towards Bandon, some of the soldiers or others laid a design to plunder the house of Richard Terry, who lived out of the South Gate, at the Red Abbey; and, in order thereto, got into the tower there and fired some shots out of it, then gave out that the English were gathering there to rise with the Bandon people ; upon which abundance of Irish gathered, and a hideous noise there was, and thereupon the designers plundered the house. I remember that at the very time of this hurlyburly, my cousin, Samuel Randall, and I, walking on the

    5. Sir Thomas was under Lord Southwell, of Castle JMattrass. The Southwells com¬ menced their career by keeping taverns for the sale of whiskey in the city of Limerick.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 302

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, you're on ground that saw panic in 1689. The English of Bandon had revolted and turned out the Irish garrison, and an Irish army under Justin MacCarthy gathered at Cork to reduce them. Before they marched for Bandon, some soldiers plotted to plunder the house of Richard Terry, who lived outside the South Gate at the Red Abbey. They got into the tower there, fired shots, and put out the word that the English were gathering to rise with the Bandon people. That false report spread fast. Joseph Pike, a Quaker, remembered walking on the custom-house quay with his cousin Samuel Randall in the middle of what he called this "hurly burly." Troopers rode the streets with drawn swords. Word ran that the Bandon people were killing thousands outside the South Gate, and families fled aboard ships to escape.

23. Siege and capture of Carrigafoyle Castle

    Carrigafoyle · townland · Kerry · 1580

    Carrigafoyle, the Desmond stronghold, was commanded by an Italian engineer named Julio with nineteen Spaniards and fifty Irish. The lord justice placed five great guns opposite the rock and bombarded it until the western side was broken from top to foundation, crushing the warders to death.

    Read the passage

    “ As for the lord justice, he ordered the great ordnance sent to him to be landed, and he placed five great guns opposite the rock, to play upon it without mercy. It was said that tbe least of these guns was a dimi-cannon.9 He then began to storm the castle, and there was not a solitude, a wilderness, a declivity, or woody vale, from the Cain of Breas, the son of Ealathan, son of Neid, in the south west of the province of Cl n un Deirgthine to Cnoc-Meaclha-Sinil, in Connacht, in which the sound and roar of these unknown and wonderful cannon were not heard. The western side of Carraic-an-phuil was at length broken from the top to the foundation, and the warders were crushed to death by its fall. The lord justice then took the castle, and remained in it five days after he had taken it, and at the end of that time he went to Askeaton.”

    This is, perhaps, as fine a piece of hyperbole as ever was written, but there can be no doubt that the roar of the cannon, and still more its effect, left a long and vivid impression in the wilds of Kerry.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 213

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1580, the Desmond stronghold of Carrigafoyle Castle stood under siege. It was held by an Italian engineer named Julio, with nineteen Spaniards and fifty Irish. The lord justice ordered the great ordnance sent to him to be landed, and he placed five great guns opposite the rock to play upon it without mercy. It was said that the least of these guns was a dimi-cannon. He then began to storm the castle. The roar of the cannon carried so far that, as the old account has it, there was not a solitude, a wilderness, a declivity, or woody vale from the plain of Breas south west in the province to Cnoc-Meachla-Sionna in Connacht in which the sound was not heard. That may be hyperbole, but the roar of the cannon, and still more its effect, left a long and vivid impression in the wilds of Kerry. The western side of Carraic-an-phuil was at length broken from the top to the foundation, and the warders were crushed to death by its fall. The lord justice then took the castle and remained in it five days, after which he went to Askeaton.

24. St Barrachad's church at Cell Cluana

    Cloyne · town · Cork

    According to the Irish life of St. Findbar, St. Barrachad built a church at Cell-Cluana after crossing the Abhan Mor. He later surrendered this church and all its wealth to two pupils of St. Ruadan of Lothra, and built twelve more churches before being led to Cork.

    Read the passage

    “After St. Bareahad built the church of Achadh Duirbchon, near Cuas Barra, he crossed the Abhan Mor to Cell-Cluana, and he built a church there, and remained there for some time till, two pupils of St. Ruadan of Lothra, i.e., Cormac and Baoithin, came to him, and soon after Ruadan himself came to him there. After this Ruadan s pupils came to ask him for a place for themselves, and Ruadan said to them,

    ‘ Go forth to where the tongues of your bells will sound, and it is in that place your resurrection will be on the last day, and remain in that place.’ They then went forth till they reached Cell Cluana (the church of Cluain), where Barra was, and the bells sounded there, and the clerics became very much disheartened, as they did not expect to get this church or place. Barra saw this, and said to them, ‘ Be not dis¬ heartened, for I will give up this church and all the wealth and property that belong to it to God and to you,’ and so Barra gave his church to them, and the above-named clerics remained in that church. And Barra built twelve churches more after this before he came to Cork, and gave them all in charity and love of God. And he was then led by the angel to where Cork is to-day, where he settled down in the seat of his resurrection.” — O' Curry's MS.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 426

25. St Barra led by angel to site of Cork

    Cork · city · Cork

    The Irish life of St. Findbar recounts that after founding multiple churches, St. Barra was guided by an angel to the location of present-day Cork, where he established the seat of his resurrection.

    Read the passage

    ‘ Go forth to where the tongues of your bells will sound, and it is in that place your resurrection will be on the last day, and remain in that place.’ They then went forth till they reached Cell Cluana (the church of Cluain), where Barra was, and the bells sounded there, and the clerics became very much disheartened, as they did not expect to get this church or place. Barra saw this, and said to them, ‘ Be not dis¬ heartened, for I will give up this church and all the wealth and property that belong to it to God and to you,’ and so Barra gave his church to them, and the above-named clerics remained in that church. And Barra built twelve churches more after this before he came to Cork, and gave them all in charity and love of God. And he was then led by the angel to where Cork is to-day, where he settled down in the seat of his resurrection.” — O' Curry's MS.

    Doneraile, called Dun-air-aill , the fortress on the cliff, in the Book of Lismore.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 426

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Cork, you are in a city whose beginnings are tied to St. Barra. An angel told him to go to where the tongues of his bells would sound, and that there his resurrection would be on the last day. He and his clerics reached Cell Cluana, the church of Cluain, and the bells sounded there. The clerics grew disheartened, not expecting to receive that church, but Barra told them not to be disheartened and gave them the church and all its wealth and property. After that, he built twelve more churches, giving them all in charity and love of God. Then the angel led him to where Cork stands today, and there he settled in the seat of his resurrection.

26. Villages burned in County Westmeath

    Westmeath · county · Westmeath

    Lord Dunsany cited Westmeath as an ill-fated county where several villages were destroyed by fire without any legal inquiry, trial, or ceremony. He used this as evidence of the sufferings inflicted by military execution across Irish counties.

    Read the passage

    reluctance I enter on so painful a task, to supply, in a small degree, this omission, by recalling to the recollection of . the house a few of the many enormities which your lordships must have known to be committed. In the county of West¬ meath alone — and from the sufferings of this ill-fated county noble lords may, without fear of being mistaken, infer those of the other counties of Ireland exposed to military execution — in this county alone, it is an incontrovertible fact, that several villages were destroyed by fire, without legal inquiry, trial, or ceremony of any kind. Three men were dragged from their houses, and shot on the fair-green of Baltimore, equally without any form of trial whatever, and time being scarcely allowed them to make their peace with heaven by saying a few prayers. After the bodies of the unfortunate victims had been exposed all the day, no friend or relative daring to approach them, the military had them tied on a car, and brought at a late hour of the night to the house of the parish priest, whom they forced to get up, and threw the dead bodies into the house, as if the murder of the dead were too little, without adding to it such an outrage on the feelings of the living.

    “ Look now, my lords, to another frequent and favourite mode of summary execution. Is it not notorious that several hundreds of his Majesty’s subjects have been transported without any show of trial, or legal proofs of any kind ? And are not these grievances ? And will you, my lords, by your vote this night, countenance such cruelties, and become, by such countenance, accessories after the fact ? If you do, consider how you are to answer it to God, your king, and your country.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 334

27. Book of Lismore discovered walled up in Lismore Castle

    Lismore and Mocollop · parish · Cork

    The Book of Lismore, also called the Book of Mac Carthy Reagh, a topographical tract, was found in a walled-up recess in Lismore Castle. It contains valuable Irish genealogical and topographical material.

    Read the passage

    The topographical tract, above mentioned, forms a part of the Book of Lismore, or as it should be called the Book of Mac Carthy Reagh, which was found in a walled- up recess in Lismore castle.

    Fintract-Clere, i.e., the fair, or white, strand of Cape Clear Island, in the south of the county of Cork. This strand is now called Traigh-Chiarain. It is described as follows in Smith’s Natural and Civil History of Cork : —

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 428

28. Buried cathedral treasure in the strand near Cork

    Cork · city · Cork

    Local tradition held that when Dr. Lyon returned from England, his clergy secreted the cathedral and monastery plate, bells, and chalices—all solid silver, valued at £5,000. Commissioners hanged the remaining aged friars who refused to reveal the hiding place, and the treasure was said to be buried in a tidal strand and never recovered.

    Read the passage

    6. Local tradition says that on Lyon’s return from England, where he went to do homage to the queen as his ecclesiastical superior, he was deserted by his clergy, who secreted all the plate connected with the cathedral and monastery, as also the bells and chalices, all solid silver, which were then valued at £j,ooo. The commissioners subsequently hanged all the aged friars that remained, on the pretence that they knew where the above-named property was concealed, and to this day it never has been found. Tradition says it was all buried in the strand, which contains two or three hundred acres of waste, covered by every tide, having three feet of sand in most places, and underneath a considerable depth of turf mould.

    THE RENOWNED OWEN M‘EGAN.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 171

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, there's a story the city carries about a treasure lost to the tide. Local tradition says that when Dr. Lyon came back from England, where he had gone to do homage to the queen as his ecclesiastical superior, his clergy deserted him. They secreted all the plate of the cathedral and monastery, the bells and chalices too, all solid silver, valued at 5000 pounds. The commissioners then hanged all the aged friars that remained, on the pretence they knew where it was concealed. It was never found. Tradition says it lies buried in the strand, two or three hundred acres of waste ground covered by every tide, with three feet of sand in most places and a considerable depth of turf mould underneath.

29. Cannera's burial on Scattery Island

    Scattery Island · townland · Clare

    Cannera arrived at Scattery Island and asked St. Senan for a place of burial, dying shortly after receiving communion. She was buried on the south strand of the island, where a stone over her grave is said to protect sailors from drowning if they pray there.

    Read the passage

    on the dry ground, and reached the shore at Innis Cathaigh at early dawn next morning. St. Senan, knowing this, came to the shore to meet her, and bade her welcome. It is for that I came, said Cannera, and blessed are they who come in the name of the Lord. Go, said Senan, to my mother and sister who abide in that island on the east, and you will be entertained by them there. That is not what I come for, said Cannera, but to be received by yourself into this island, and to remain here in communion of prayer with you. Women do not abide in this island, said Senan. What is your reason for that ? said Cannera : Christ did not come less to redeem women than to redeem, men. Christ was crucified not less for women than for men. Women were serving and attending Him and his Apostles, and women do not go less to heaven than men. You are speaking in vain, said Senan to the holy virgin ; there is no distinction between fcheir souls, but not so with their bodies, and so women shall not reside in this island as long as I live, said Senan. And will you give me a place of interment and resurrection in your island, and communion and sacrament from yourself ? You shall have a place of resurrection on the brink of the sea, said Senan, but I fear the tide will take away your remains. I fear not, said she, for my hope is in the Lord God, and I have confidence in your great sanctity that you will put a protection over my body. The holy virgin was standing on the water, and her Irosdan under her bosom, as if she had been on the dry land all this time while Senan was conversing with her, and at last Senan permitted her to come into the brink of the island, and Cannera scarcely reached the island alive. Senan then went into the church and brought communion and sacrament with him to Cannera, and she then died and was buried m the strand on the south side of the island, where her grave is. Any person in the state of grace who goes to the stone, which is over her grave, and who prays there with fervent piety, beseeching her intercession with the Trinity for him if he be going to sea, he will return by the grace of God, and he will not be drowned in any part of the world.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 94

30. Captured Irish soldiers held on marshy ground, ate dead horses

    Cork · city · Cork · 1690

    After the surrender of Cork, captured Irish soldiers were stripped and marched to a marshy wet ground where they were kept for five days, reduced to such straits as to be obliged to eat dead horses.

    Read the passage

    It is probable that the inhabitants would have suffered quite as much from the sacking of the town as from the burning, for Dean Davis admits that it was pillaged, “ especially of property.” The Catholics were disarmed, and shut up in various places used as substitutes for prisons, and the soldiers were stript and marched to a marshy wet ground, where they were kept for five days, and reduced to such straights as to be obliged to eat dead horses.

    Seven Irish regiments laid down their arms— Tyrone’s, Mac Carthy’s, O’Donovan’s, Mac Gillicuddy’s, Clancarty’s, O’Sullivan’s, and Barrett’s. The principal officers and some of the men were sent to England as prisoners, and about 4,500 of the defenders of Limerick embarked at Cork for France, under the command of General Sarsfield [Lord Lucan]. On the 12th of October, 1691, the Breada man-ofwar, which lay in Cork harbour, was blown up, and nearly all perished.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 304

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, the road carries you past a city that saw a harsh aftermath after its surrender. The Catholics here were disarmed and shut up in places used as prisons. The Irish soldiers were stripped and marched to a marshy wet ground, where they were kept for five days. They were reduced to such straits that they were obliged to eat dead horses. Seven Irish regiments laid down their arms: Tyrone's, Mac Carthy's, O'Donovan's, Mac Gillicuddy's, Clancarty's, O'Sullivan's, and Barrett's. The principal officers and some of the men were sent to England as prisoners. About 4,500 of the defenders of Limerick embarked at Cork for France under the command of General Sarsfield, Lord Lucan. On the 12th of October, 1691, the Breada man-of-war, which lay in Cork harbour, was blown up, and nearly all perished.

31. Catholic oath refusal at Christ's Church, Cork

    Cork · city · Cork

    Magistrates held the assizes in Christ's Church in Cork to administer Cromwell's oath to assembled Catholics. After a young man rejected the oath, the cry 'reject the oath' spread through the ranks until the church and street rang with the echo, and the magistrates ordered all to depart the city within an hour under pain of death.

    Read the passage

    “ An aged husbandman that stood by his side, filled with admiration, cried out aloud 1 Brave fellows, reject the oath.’ The words were caught up from rank to rank till the church and the street without rang with the echo ‘ reject the oath : the impious oath.’ For half an hour these words, and the exclamation, ‘ Oh, God look down upon us !’ ‘ Oh, Mary, mother of God, assist us !’ could alone be heard. The magistrates, as though a thunder clap had rent the heavens, were struck mute with terror ; then rising from their seats, they commanded the assembled multitude to desperse, and every one of them under pain of death to depart from the city within an hour. ‘ Thus,’ concludes the contemporary narrative, ‘ the glorious confessors of Christ went forth with joy, praising God for the mercy he had shown to them.’ ”

    Dr. Moran had the advantage of being able to consult original and contemporary documents which are preserved in the Vatican library.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 297

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Cork now, where Christ's Church was the scene of a moment during Cromwell's time. Magistrates had gathered there to administer the oath to assembled Catholics. When a young man refused it, an aged husbandman standing beside him cried out aloud, "Brave fellows, reject the oath." The words were caught up from rank to rank until the church and the street outside rang with the echo: "reject the oath, the impious oath." For half an hour those words could alone be heard, along with the exclamations "Oh, God look down upon us" and "Oh, Mary, mother of God, assist us." The magistrates were struck mute with terror, as though a thunderclap had rent the heavens. Then they rose from their seats and commanded the assembled multitude to disperse, ordering every one of them to depart from the city within an hour under pain of death. The contemporary narrative concludes that these confessors of Christ went forth with joy, praising God for the mercy shown to them. The account comes from original documents preserved in the Vatican library.

32. James of Desmond captured in Muskerry

    near Muskerry · street · Cork · 1580

    On Lord Grey's arrival in Ireland on 12 August 1580, James of Desmond and Dr. Saunders were encountered and James was taken by Sir Cormac Mac Tiege of Muskerry in County Cork. Saunders's master escaped with difficulty.

    Read the passage

    “ The rebels in Munster hold out still, yet this day, on landing, I found it advertised hither, that James of Desmond, with Saunders, their honest apostle, making into these parts to have joined with the rebels here, were encountered by one Sir Cormac Mac Tiege, of Muskerrie, in the county of Cork ; the said James was taken, and a man of Saunders hys, the master escaping very hardly, unhappily. An exploit surely of great avayle and worthielie to be considered ; it may, therefore, please your magestie to bestowe some thanks on the gentleman, with some rewarded

    The deputy little suspected that while he was penning his despatch the long expected Spanish aid was actually m active preparation, for on the 2 7th August, 1 580, the new expedition sailed from the harbour of Santander, on the coast of Biscay, under the command of Colonel Sebastian San Jose. The English accounts state that he had a foice of 600 men. Dr. Saunders, who certainly was most likely to be best informed,

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 216

33. Mac Carty besieges Cork, Fitz Stephen relieved by sea

    Cork · city · Cork · 1185

    After the murder at Lismore, the Irish under Mac Carty besieged Cork, aiming to expel the English. Raymond le Gras sailed from Wexford with 100 archers and knights, arrived in the river of Cork, and Fitz Stephen sallied forth and routed the Irish.

    Read the passage

    a.d. 1185. ap their forces under Mac Carty, who still retained the title of king. They besieged Cork, not doubting to expel all the English, and Robert Fitz Stephen, then shut up in that place. Upon this exigency he despatched a message to Raymond le Gras, then atWexford, for assistance; who directly set sail with a 100 archers and knights, and coasting the country, arrived in the river of Cork with great expedition with this reinforcement. Fitz Stephen made a sally, routed the Irish at the first onset, and after several skirmishes with them, by putting some of their chiefs to death, and banishing others, they reduced the country to their obedience. This year Philip de Barry, with Girald, commonly named Cambrensis, arrived in Ireland with a strong party, about the end of February, not only to assist Fitz Stephen, but also to recover his lands of Olethan, which Ralph, the son of Fitz Stephen, had unjustly detained ; but

    5. The annals of Kilronan, Clonmacnoise, and Ulster entered the death of Milo de Cogan, “ the destroyer of all Ireland, both of church and state of Raymond le Gros and of the two sons of Fitz Stephen. The annals of Kilrone and Clonmacnoise add that Milo was killed by Mac Tire, prince of Ui Mac Caille (now the barony of Imokilly, county of Cork), according to Cambrensis, who was the Froude of the twefth century. Certainly it was always an act of treachery when an Irish prince or chief killed an Englishman who had taken possession of his property, and an act of the highest virtue -when an Englishman killed a Celt, whom he had expelled from house and home,

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 111

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through Cork, this city was the scene of a siege in 1185. After the murder at Lismore, the Irish gathered their forces under Mac Carty, who still held the title of king. They besieged the city, not doubting to expel all the English, and Robert Fitz Stephen was shut up inside. He sent a message to Raymond le Gras at Wexford, for assistance. Raymond set sail directly with 100 archers and knights, coasted the country, and arrived in the river with great expedition. With this reinforcement, Fitz Stephen made a sally and routed the Irish at the first onset. After several skirmishes, putting some of their chiefs to death and banishing others, they reduced the country to obedience. That same year, Philip de Barry, with Girald, commonly called Cambrensis, arrived in Ireland with a strong party about the end of February. He came not only to assist Fitz Stephen but to recover his lands of Olethan, which Ralph, the son of Fitz Stephen, had unjustly detained. The annals of Kilronan, Clonmacnoise, and Ulster recorded the death of Milo de Cogan, called “the destroyer of all Ireland, both of church and state,” and of Raymond le Gros and the two sons of Fitz Stephen. Milo was killed by Mac Tire, prince of Ui Mac Caille, now the barony of Imokilly in this county. Cambrensis was called the Froude of the twelfth century.

34. Mass Catholic refusal of Cromwell's oath in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork

    Under Cromwell's order, all Catholics of the surrounding territory were summoned to Cork to take a new oath denying their faith, with penalties of imprisonment and confiscation for non-attendance. Between five and six thousand Catholics entered the city walls and assembled at Christ's Church, where a young man's refusal sparked a mass rejection of the oath.

    Read the passage

    Note. — Cromwell exacted an oath from all Catholics, which involved the most solemn denial of all that they held sacred. In a work entitled “ Historical Sketch of the Perse¬ cution Suffered by the Catholics of Ireland under the Rule of Cromwell and the Puritans,’’ we find the following record: — “All the Catholics of the surrounding territory were ordered to repair to the city of Cork on a stated day, to have the new oath proposed to them ; the penalty of imprisonment and confiscation of all their goods was enacted for all above fifteen years of age, who should neglect to attend on the appointed day. Between five and six, a thousand Catholics entered the city walls ; a few only absented themselves anxious to await the result. According to the heretical custom of holding the assizes in the cherished sanctuaries of the Catholics, the magistrates took their seats in Christ’s Church — a happy omen that even the material edifice should be dedicated to him whose faith was so nobly to be confessed. All were arranged in processional order, that the oath might be the more easily administered individually to each of them. In the foremost ranks was a young man who entered the church with a light step, and whose looks beamed with joy. The clerk received immediate orders to administer to him the first oath ; for the magistrates saw in his joyous countenance a readiness, as they imagined, to assent to their desires. The young man requested that the oath should be translated into Irish, for he feared lest some of those around him, not understanding the English language, might inadvertently take the oath. A crier at once read it aloud in Irish, so that all within the church might hear. ‘ And what is the penalty,’ he then asked, ‘for those who refuse the oath ?’ ‘ The 16ss of two-thirds of their goods,’ was the magistrate’s reply. 1 Well then,’

    added he, smiling, ‘ all that I possess is six pounds ; take four of them, with the two that remain, and the blessing of God, myself and my family will subsist — I reject your oath.’

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 297

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this city holds a story from Cromwell's time. He exacted an oath from all Catholics that involved the most solemn denial of all they held sacred. All the Catholics of the surrounding territory were ordered to repair to the city of Cork on a stated day to have the new oath proposed to them. The penalty for anyone above fifteen years of age who failed to attend was imprisonment and confiscation of all their goods. Between five and six thousand Catholics entered the city walls. Only a few absented themselves, anxious to await the result. The magistrates took their seats in Christ's Church to administer it. All were arranged in processional order so the oath could be given individually to each person. In the foremost ranks was a young man who entered the church with a light step, his looks beaming with joy. The magistrates saw in his joyous countenance a readiness to assent, and ordered the clerk to administer the first oath to him. He requested that the oath be translated into Irish, fearing some around him might not understand English and might inadvertently take it. A crier read it aloud in Irish so all in the church could hear. He then asked what the penalty was for those who refused. The magistrate replied, the loss of two-thirds of their goods. He smiled and said, all that I possess is six pounds. Take four of them. With the two that remain, and the blessing of God, myself and my family will subsist. I reject your oath.

35. O'Sullivan Bear's camp at Glengarriff mountains

    Glengarriff · townland · Cork · 1602

    After the fall of Dunboy, O'Sullivan escaped into Kerry and encamped with his followers in the mountains of Glengarriff for long months, awaiting help from Spain that never came. His wife and youngest child were concealed in a place known as the Eagle's Nest in the Glengarriff mountains under the protection of his foster-brother Mac Sweeny.

    Read the passage

    O’Sullivan escaped into Kerry with Captain Tirell, and here for long and weary months he and his followers encamped in the mountains of Glengarriff, waiting for help from Spain, which never came. When news did come, it was fatal to his hopes ; and he at once took the brave determination to fight his way step by step to the north with the women and children, the sick and infirm of his camp. What he dared and did, and what this forlorn company suffered, may not be told here. In eight months O’Sullivan returned once more to his desolate country, where he had left his wife and his youngest child in the safe and faithful company of his foster-brother, Mac Sweeny. During his absence they remained concealed in a place known as the “ Eagle’s nest,” in the Glengariff mountains.

    A piece of very sharp practice was effected about this time, by which the lord president contrived to get Blarney castle into his possession. He had long -viewed it with covetous eyes, but between O’Sullivan Beares and Mac Carthy Mores his

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 257

36. Solitary Edgall carried off from Skellig Michael, 822

    near Skellig Rock Great · townland · Kerry · 822–823

    In AD 822 marauders invaded Skellig Michael, the barren rock abode of a solitary named Edgall. Finding nothing else to take, they carried him into captivity, where he died the following year.

    Read the passage

    “ A.D. 822. — A party of mauraders plundered Cork, Inistemhni, Begery Island, in Wexford harbour, Cloyne, and , Rosmaclain. The barren rock called Scelig Michel, i.e., St. Michael’s Rock, the abode of a solitary named Edgall, was also invaded by them, and as they found nothing else to take, they carried him off into captivity, in which he died in the following year. Keating says the invaders, on this occasion, were White-Lochiann, that is Norwegians.”

    A.D. 835. — Between the years 824 and 835 the greater part of the churches were the reputed repositories of wealth, as they were the centres of civilization throughout our island. They thus became the chief aim of the plunderers, and even at this early date the marauders made their way to the ecclesiastical establishments in some of the most remote parts of the country. The long list of the places plundered by them on this occasion ends with the names “ Cell-Uasaille, now Killossy, or Killashee, near Naas, county Kildare ; Glendalough, county Wicklow ; Cluain-Uamka, county Cork ; and Mungairet, now Mungret, county Limerick.”

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 423

37. Spanish fleet defeated at Kinsale harbour

    Kinsale · town · Cork

    A fleet of French and Spanish gallies was forced by English ships to take shelter in Kinsale harbour, where they were attacked and vanquished by combined English and Irish forces. Around 400 of the Spaniards were slain, their chief captains taken prisoner, and five ships captured.

    Read the passage

    The attempt of the Spaniards, referred to by Smith, is related by Thomas Walsingham, and thus translated by Hollinshed : — “While the Earl of Buckingham was passing through the realm of France, the French and Spanish gallies did much mischief upon the coast of England ; but, about the latter end of June, by a fleet of Englishmen from the western countries, part of them were forced to retire, and take harbour in an haven in Ireland, called Kinsale, where, being assailed by the English¬ men and Irishmen, they were vanquished ; so that to the number of 400 were slain, and their chief captains taken, as Gonzales de Yorza, and his brother Martin de Montrigo, Turgo, lord of Morrous, also the lord of Keath, Pieres Martin, of Varmen, and divers others ; five of their ships were taken, and twenty-one English vessels were recovered, and but four of their captains escaped.”

    3. Helen's Ecclesiastical History , p. 190,

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 141

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Kinsale, the town in Cork where a Spanish and French fleet met its end. The story comes down through Thomas Walsingham, translated by Hollinshed. While the Earl of Buckingham was passing through France, the French and Spanish gallies did mischief on the coast of England. About the latter end of June, a fleet of Englishmen from the western countries forced part of them to retire and take harbour in an haven in Ireland called Kinsale. There they were assailed by Englishmen and Irishmen together, and vanquished. To the number of 400 were slain, and their chief captains taken: Gonzales de Yorza, and his brother Martin de Montrigo, Turgo lord of Morrous, the lord of Keath, Pieres Martin of Varmen, and divers others. Five of their ships were taken, and 21 English vessels were recovered. But four of their captains escaped.

38. Cork city under constant guard during turmoil

    Cork · city · Cork

    Campion describes Cork as so unsafe that inhabitants kept gates continually watched and shut, required strangers to leave weapons at a lodge, and intermarried within the city for mutual protection.

    Read the passage

    “ Forced to watch their gates continually, to keep them shut at service times, at meals, from sunset to sun arising, nor suffer any stranger to enter them with his weapon, but to leave the same at a lodge appointed. They walked out at seasons for recreation with strength of men furnished ; they matched in wedlock among themselves, so that well nigh the whole city was allied together.”6

    %

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 143

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Cork. Campion wrote that the people here lived under such danger they kept their gates continually watched and shut, from sunset to sunrise, at meal times and at service times. No stranger could enter bearing a weapon. You left it at a lodge appointed for that purpose. They walked out only in armed parties, and married among themselves, so that well nigh the whole city was allied together.

39. Death of John Philpot Curran at Brampton

    Newmarket · town · Cork · 1816

    The Right Honourable John Philpot Curran, distinguished advocate, orator and patriot, died on 1 September 1816 at his apartments at Brampton. He was born in the town of Newmarket, near Cork, of very humble parents and rose through his own exertions.

    Read the passage

    “September 1 , 1 8 1 6. — At nine o’clock this night, at his apart¬ ments at Brampton, died the Bight Honourable John Philpot Curran. This distinguished advocate, orator and patriot, was born in the town of Newmarket, near Cork, of very humble parents, and entered upon life without a friend, but of his own creation, or a shilling which was not the hard earned produce of his own exertions.”

    The following notes are taken from the Parliamentary report of debates, in the Hibernian Chronicle , Cork, 1798, They will show that there were at least some influential and intelligent Protestants who saw and deplored the infatuation which led a powerful minority to treat the Irish like dogs, and then turn on them with relentless cruelty if they resented such inhumanity.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa

40. Earl of Desmond executed at Drogheda

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1467

    Thomas, Earl of Desmond went to Drogheda to meet the English Lord Justice and the English of Meath, who acted treacherously and beheaded him without any crime on his part. The Annals of Ross date the execution to 14th July 1467.

    Read the passage

    8. The Four Masters record his execution thus : — Thomas, Earl of Desmond, the son of James, son of Garrell, who had been Lord Justice of Ireland, the most illustrious of his tribe in Ireland in his time, for his comeliness and statue, for his hospitality and chivalry, his charity and humanity to the poor and the indigent of the Lord, his boun¬ teousness in bestowing jewels and riches on the laity, the clergy, and the poets, and his suppression of theft and immorality, went to Drogheda to meet the English Lord Justice and the other English of Meath. These acted treacherously by him, and without any crime [on his part] they beheaded him ; the greater number of men of Ireland were grieved at the news of it. His body was afterwards conveyed to Traigh-Li (Tialee), and interred in the burial place of his predecessors and ancestors with great( honour and veneration.”

    The Annals of Ross gives the dates of Desmond’s execution as 14th July, 1467, and say it took place the second hour after noon. According to Dowling (. Annals Irish Arch. Sac., 1849), the earl’s father was alive at the time of his execution. ITe says that Earl Thomas, “ usurping upon his father, and going to Tredaly (Drogheda), he gave him his curse, and said he shall have an ill end.” From an unpublished statute of 1464 we find that James Doheny, a merchant of Drogheda, went to England and accused the earl ot extorting coigne and livery, and of being “of counsel and support to several rebels and traitors. ”

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 133

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Drogheda, you are on the ground where Thomas, Earl of Desmond was beheaded in 1467. He was the son of James, son of Garrell, and had himself served as Lord Justice of Ireland. The Four Masters call him the most illustrious of his tribe in his time, for his comeliness and stature, his hospitality and chivalry, his charity to the poor, his bounty in bestowing jewels and riches on the laity, the clergy, and the poets, and his suppression of theft and immorality. He came to Drogheda to meet the English Lord Justice and the other English of Meath. They acted treacherously by him, and without any crime on his part they beheaded him. The Annals of Ross date the execution to the 14th of July, 1467, the second hour after noon. The greater number of men of Ireland were grieved at the news. His body was afterwards conveyed to Traigh-Li and interred in the burial place of his predecessors with great honour and veneration. There is more behind it. Dowling says the earl's father was alive at the time, and that Earl Thomas, usurping upon his father and going to Drogheda, received his father's curse, who said he shall have an ill end. And from an unpublished statute of 1464, we find that James Doheny, a merchant of Drogheda, went to England and accused the earl of extorting coigne and livery, and of being of counsel and support to several rebels and traitors.

41. Mac Carthy imprisoned and escapes Shandon Castle

    near Shandon · locality · Cork · 1602

    Cormac Mac Carthy More was held in irons in Shandon Castle after refusing to surrender Blarney Castle voluntarily. He escaped one evening through the barred windows despite strict instructions for his safe keeping, and fled to the remnant of the Dunboy army encamped in the wilds of Bear.

    Read the passage

    Mac Carthy’s son was being educated at Oxford, and his following, which was numerous, determined to have him home, so that if the father was in gaol in Shandon castle, the son would be free to fight for him outside. The lord president found out the plot, and defeated it. He did more : it suited his policy to let Mac Carthy free, and he escaped one evening from the barred windows of Shandon castle, though his guards had received the most special and strict instructions for his safe keeping.

    Mac Carthy fled to the remnant of the Dunboy army, who were encamped in the wilds of Bear, but he was afraid of open rebellion. His son was a prisoner in England ; his wife and daughter in safe keeping at Cork. So he meets the President on the 2 1st October, 1802, and, falling down on his knees, beseeches mercy, which mercy the artful Carew willingly grants, for he fears exceedingly what may be the consequence if Mac Carthy of Muskery remains in the mountains, and if his people should add strength to the force already there. He was indeed “ fouly stained ” with manifold treasons, but after all he was only a “j-ugling traytor,” and others were tc pro¬ fessed traytors,” and Carew having done a good deal in the jugglery line himself had possibly some sympathy for him.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 258

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near Shandon, on the edge of Cork. In 1602, Cormac Mac Carthy More was held in irons in Shandon Castle, after he refused to surrender Blarney Castle. His son was being educated at Oxford, and his followers, who were numerous, wanted the son brought home, so that if the father was in gaol the son would be free to fight for him outside. The lord president found out the plot and defeated it. But it suited the president's policy to let Mac Carthy free. He escaped one evening through the barred windows of the castle, though his guards had received special and strict instructions for his safe keeping. He fled to the remnant of the Dunboy army, encamped in the wilds of Bear, but he was afraid of open rebellion. His son was a prisoner in England. His wife and daughter were in safe keeping at Cork. On 21st October 1602, he met the President, fell down on his knees, and beseeched mercy. Carew willingly granted it. He feared what might happen if Mac Carthy of Muskery remained in the mountains, and if his people added strength to the force already there. He was "fouly stained" with manifold treasons, but after all he was only a "juggling traitor," and Carew, having done a good deal in the jugglery line himself, had possibly some sympathy for him.

42. Naval battle in Bantry Bay between English and French fleets

    near Bantry Bay · bay · Cork · 1689

    After the French fleet of 28 men-of-war and 5 fire ships anchored in Bantry Bay, Admiral Herbert engaged them in a day-long battle. The French admiral eventually stood back into the bay; Captain George Aylmer and 94 seamen were killed and about 240 wounded on the English side.

    Read the passage

    Major-General Mac Cartby with as many Irish. The fleet were then attending the queen at Spain, which made the under¬ taking very easy to the French. 1689, April 14th, Admiral Herbert appeared with his fleet off the harbour of Kinsale. Mac Elligot, the governor, apprehending they were the French fleet then expected, was preparing to withdraw all his forces from the town, that the French may take possession of the place and forts, but upon his discovery of the mistake, he put all things in readiness to oppose them. These proceedings countenanced a report that King James had agreed to put Ireland into the French king’s hands, for assisting him to recover his dominions. The 29th of April, Admiral Herbert being on the south coast of Ireland, by his scouts discovered the French fleet, and next day had intelligence that they were gone into Baltimore, being forty-four sail, but on pursuing them the scouts had sight of them to the west of Cape Clear ; and upon steering after them found they were got into Bantry Bay. The admiral lay off the bay all night, and the next morning stood in, where he found the enemy at anchor, but soon got under sail, bearing down upon him, in a line composed of twenty-eight men of war and five fire ships. When they came within musket shot of, the Defiance, which led the van the French admiral put out the signal of battle, which was begun by firing their great and small shot at the Defiance and the rest as they came into the line. The English made several boards to gain the wind, or at least to engage them closer. Finding that way of working very disadvantageous, Admiral Herbert stood off to sea as well to have got his ships into a line, as to have gained the wind of the enemy, but found them so cautious in bearing down that he could not get an opportunity to do it ; so continued battering upon a stretch till five in the afternoon, when the French admiral stood into the bay. The admiral’s ship and some others being disabled in their rigging, they could not follow them, but con¬ tinued for some time after before the bay, and the admiral gave them a gun at parting. In this action Captain George Aylmer, of the Portland, with one lieutenant and 94 seamen,

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 301

43. Protestant prisoners sent to Blarney Castle

    near Blarney · townland · Cork · 1689

    On 10 September 1689 several Protestants seized in Cork city were sent to Blarney Castle as prisoners under Lord Clare's orders, part of the wider dragooning of the Protestant population during the Jacobite administration.

    Read the passage

    were killed, and about 240 wounded. On the 7th of May the admiral got into Plymouth with the fleet. On the 1 ith of August the Lord Clare, governor of Cork, committed all the Protestants of the city to St. Peter’s, Christ Church,, and the courthouses. On the 10th of September several were sent to Blarney castle ; on the 1 ith many to Macroomp ; and October the 1 3th all the churches were shut up. In several places the governors went into houses and shops, seized what they found without the formality of a pretence, and took it away. Mr. Baileau (who was governor of Cork with Lord Clare), not failing in any punctilio of dragooning his country, was supposed to have sent off to France to the value of ^30,000 in money, leather, and other commodities, the spoils of the Protestants of this rich city.”

    Sir Thomas Southwell and some other gentlemen marched to Galway, but in trying to escape the troubles of the county Cork found worse where they went, for Sir Thomas was sen¬ tenced to be hanged.5

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 302

44. Barry's Court burned and ambush at Chore Abbey

    near Barryscourt Castle · street · Cork · 1580

    Captain Raleigh obtained a commission to seize Barry's Court and Lord Barry's estate. Barry, having notice, set Barry's Court on fire, and the seneschal of Imokilly placed an ambush for Raleigh at Chore Abbey, which Raleigh courageously attacked and broke through.

    Read the passage

    “ Soon after this action, Captain Raleigh (afterwards Sir Walter) went from Cork to Dublin, to his patron, the Lord Grey, who on the 7th "of September was made lord deputy of Ireland, With a complaint against the Barrys and Condons for assisting the rebels. He obtained a commission to seize on the castle of Barrys Court and the rest of Lord Barry’s estate, and had some horse added to his company to enable him to take possession of it ; but Barry having notice of it, set Barry’s Court on fire, and the sefieschal of Imokilly placed an ambush for him at Chore Abbey, which the young Raleigh courageously attacked, defeated, and broke through, so that a.d. 1580. he arrived safe at Cork. Captain Raleigh, Sir William Morgan, and Captain Piers, having received a commission to govern Munster, on the Earl of Ormond’s going to England, lay, for the most part, with the forces about Lismore. When the summer, was spent, Raleigh returned to Cork with eight horse and four-score foot. Hearing that David Barry was at Cloyne with several hundred rebels, he passed that way, met him, and attacked his men, but they fled at the first onset. Being on his journey, he observed a company of Irish in a plain, adjacent to a wood, and immediately attacked them with six horse, his foot being not yet come up. The Irish seeing so few persons to fight with, killed five of the horses, and Raleigh’s amongst the rest. One Nicholas Wright, a Yorkshireman, observing his master’s horse to plunge (beinowounded with a dart), cried out to an Irishman, one Patrick Fagan, who did so ; whilst he himself furiously attacked six of the enemy, and slew one of them. By this time James Fitz Richard came with one kern to Raleigh’s assistance, which kern was slain, and himself in much danger. Where¬ upon Raleigh cried out, ‘Wright, if thou be a man, charge above hand and save the gentleman.’ Wright, at his master’s command, pressed among the Irish, slew five of them, and

    thereby saved Fitz Richard, in which* skirmish his horse’s leo-

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 226

45. Blarney Castle seized from Cormac Mac Carthy More

    near Blarney · townland · Cork · 1602

    Cormac Mac Dermot Mac Carthy More, lord of Muskery, possessed Blarney Castle and had served the English interest, but was accused through the depositions of his cousin Tiege of complicity with the Spaniards. After imprisonment in Shandon Castle he was compelled to surrender Blarney along with his other castles at Kilcrea and Macroom.

    Read the passage

    bribe through his brother-in-law to deliver up “ his strong castle of the Blarney, situated within two miles of Corke and in fact he was playing a double game, which is always dangerous, when you are found out, and Tiege having involved himself in all kinds of treason when it suited his convenience, goes into a fit of virtuous indignation at his cousin’s disloyalty, and is very anxious indeed that he should not escape un¬ punished.

    So Mae Carthy is to be arrested, and Blarney castle is to be seized. The President goes off to Kinsale to be entirely out of the way, and Sir Charles Wilrnot was ordered to go on a pretended chase, and to arrive at Blarney castle and ask for “ wine and usquebaugh, whereof Irish gentlemen are seldom disfurnished.” Sir Charles came and saw, but he did not conquer. Mac Carthy had his suspicions, and Wilrnot. had to do without the wine and the usquebaugh, and, worse still, without his prisoner : in fact, he was hardly allowed to look within the gates of the bawn. The capture had to be effected some other way, and it was effected before the President came back from Kinsale.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 258

46. Dermod Mac Murrough's outrage at Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    Dermod Mac Murrough began his career of treachery by abducting the Abbess of Kildare from her convent and killing 170 people of Kildare who tried to prevent the sacrilegious act. This occurred before his later expulsion from Ireland and appeal to Henry II for aid.

    Read the passage

    Yet it must not be forgotten that an Irish traitor, Dermod Mac Murrough, was the direct cause of the subjection of Ireland to English rule. Dermod commenced his career of perfidy by carrying off the Abbess of Kildare from her cloister, killing i 70 of the people of Kildare, who interfered to prevent this wanton and sacrilegious outrage. In 1141 he endeavoured to crush the opposers of his atrocious tyranny by a barbarous onslaught, in which he killed two nobles, put out the eyes Df anothor, and blinded7 seventeen chieftains of inferior rank. A fitting commencement of his career of treachery towards his unfortunate country ! In 1 148 a temporary peace was made by the Primate of Armagh between the northern princes, who bad carried on a deadly feud ; but its duration, as usual, was brief. Turlough O’Brien was drp osed by Teigue in 1 1 5 1 . He was assisted by Turlough O’Connor and the infamous Dermod . The united armies plundered as far as Moin Mor,8 where they encountered the Dalcassian forces returning from the plunder of Desmond. A sanguinary combat ensued, and the men of north Munster suffered a dreadful slaughter, leaving 7,000 dead upon the field of battle. This terrible sacrifice of life is attributed to the mistaken valour of the Dal-Cais, who would neither fly nor ask quarter.

    7. In 1165, Henry II. gratified his irritation against the Welsh by laying hands upon the hostages of their noblest families, and commanding that the eyes of the males should be rooted out, and the ears and noses of the females cut off ; and yet Henry is said to have been liberal to the poor, and though passionately devoted to the chase, he did not inflict either death or mutilation on the intruders in the royal forests.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 100

47. Discovery of Desmond's hiding place at Glanaquintie

    Glanageenty · townland · Kerry · 1583

    Donnel and Owen Moriarty tracked Desmond's party to Glanaquintie at Slieve Luachra, where they spotted a fire in the wood at night. At daybreak they entered the cabin where the Earl of Desmond lay and captured him.

    Read the passage

    They got to Bellieore by daylight, and by moonlight to Glanaquintie, at Slieve Luachra. Here Donnel and Owen Moriarty got “ above the glinne to view whether they might see anie fire in the woode, or hear any stirre, and having come to the heyghte over the glinne they saw a fire under¬ neath them.” Donnel then went to spy, and reported that the cattle had not arrived, but that some persons were there. At day-break on Monday, the nth of November, they set out for the “ cabins,” Donnel and Owen going first, and ordering the soldiers to keep the rere. One of the soldiers, however, came forward, and dashed into the cabin where the earl lay. Owen, according to his own account, “ ranne round throwe the cabin after the earle’s companaye (by whom certayne he knoweth not, but that all the footemenne and soldiers were together within the cabin), he discovered himself, sayinge, ‘ I am the Earle of Desmond — save my life !” Owen replied : “ Thou hast killed thyself long agone, and now thou shalt be prisoner to the queen’s Majestie, and to the Earle of Ormond, lord general of Munster.” •.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 230

48. Duke of Grafton mortally wounded storming Cork breach

    Cork · city · Cork · 1690

    During the assault on Cork, Danes and English troops passed the river into the East Marsh to storm the breach in the city wall. The Duke of Grafton received a mortal wound in his shoulder during the approach.

    Read the passage

    “ 28th. The enemy not accepting of the conditions offered, our cannon and bombs began to play most fiercely, in so much that a breach in the city began to appear plainly, and when the enemy appeared on the wall near it they were raked off by our small ordnance from • the Cat. Last night a captain and lieutenant and forty men were posted in the brick-yarcl near Gill Abbey, to hinder the enemy from making their escape that way through the Marsh ; and, accordingly, some attempting it about midnight, Captain Swiney and four more were killed, and Captain Mac Carthy taken, being desperately wounded, and the rest forced into the city again. About one of the clock, the tide being out, the Danes from the north, and the English from the south, passed the river into the East Marsh, in order to storm the breach that was made in the city wall, and immediately the van posted themselves under the bank of the Marsh, which seems to be a counter-scarp to the city wall, in which approach the noble Duke of Grafton received a mortal wound in the point of his shoulder. The Salamander^ also, and another vessel which came up by the morning tide, lay at the Marsh end, directly before the wall, and played their cannon at the breach, and shot bombs into the city, in the midst whereof the Earl of Tyrone and Lieutenant-Colonel Rycant came out and made articles for a surrender — the fort to be ours in an hour and the city next morning, all in arms to be prisoners of war. In the evening the fort was received by us, and the Protestants were set at liberty, and all was full

    of joy.”

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 303

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this city carries a story from 1690. On the 28th, the enemy would not accept the conditions offered, so the cannon and bombs began to play fiercely, and a breach in the city wall began to appear plainly. When the enemy appeared on the wall near the breach, they were raked off by small ordnance from the Cat. The night before, a captain, a lieutenant, and 40 men were posted in the brick-yard near Gill Abbey, to stop the enemy escaping through the Marsh. Some attempted it about midnight. Captain Swiney and four more were killed. Captain Mac Carthy was taken, desperately wounded, and the rest were forced back into the city. About one o'clock, the tide being out, the Danes from the north and the English from the south passed the river into the East Marsh, in order to storm the breach in the city wall. Immediately the van posted themselves under the bank of the Marsh, which served as a counter-scarp to the city wall. In that approach the noble Duke of Grafton received a mortal wound in the point of his shoulder. The Salamander, and another vessel that came up by the morning tide, lay at the Marsh end, directly before the wall, and played their cannon at the breach and shot bombs into the city. In the midst of it, the Earl of Tyrone and Lieutenant-Colonel Rycant came out and made articles for surrender. The fort was to be theirs in an hour and the city next morning, all in arms to be prisoners of war. In the evening the fort was received, the Protestants were set at liberty, and all was full of joy.

49. Earl of Desmond besieges Waterford (1497)

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1497

    In July 1497, Maurice, Earl of Desmond, and the Earl of Lincoln besieged Waterford with 2,400 men in favour of Perkin Warbeck. The citizens defended themselves so vigorously that the besiegers were repulsed with loss and forced to raise the siege on 3 August.

    Read the passage

    “ In July, this year, Maurice, Earl of Desmond, and the Earl of Lincoln besieged Waterford with 2,400 men in favour of Perkin ; but the citizens defended themselves so vigorously that they were repulsed ivith loss, and on the 3rd of August were obliged to raise the siege. The same year, J ohn Walters, citizen of Cork, was summoned to appear before the parliament

    power to commit felons, and to erect a gallows for their execution ; all fines, waifs, strays, goods of felons, etc., to go to the use of the city. The same prince, in the 28th year of his reign, for the honour and munificence of this city, granted to William Coppenger, then mayor, and to his successors, to have a sword, decently sheathed and adorned, carried before them in the said city and liberties thereof ; and granted the custody of the king’s castle to him and his successors until the king should signify his pleasure to the contrary ; and that in the meantime no sheriff of the county of Cork shall have anything to do with the said castle or any matter touching the same. And that the mayor, bailiff, and commonality may employ an agent for them in England to provide and buy them forty suits of armour, with liberty to ship them from England to Cork without molestation. (Tiste Rege apud, Westmon 11, Martii Au Regu, Sui 28, viz., 1587).

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 148

50. Earl of Desmond summoned to Kilmallock by Drury

    Kilmallock · town · Limerick · 1579

    Lord Justice Sir W. Drury marched against Sir John Desmond and summoned the Earl of Desmond and other Munster chiefs to join him at Kilmallock. The earl obeyed, gave up his only son as hostage, and was promised his territory would not be plundered, but the promise was broken.

    Read the passage

    After the death of James, Sir John Desmond took the com¬ mand. The lord justice, Sir W. Drury, marched against him , and desired the Earl of Desmond, and other Munster chiefs, to join him at Kilmallock. The Four Masters say that he obeyed the summons, and “ endeavoured to impress on their minds that he himself had no part in bringing over James, or in any of the crimes committed by his relatives and that he delivered up to the lord justice “ his only son and heir, as a hostage, to insure his loyalty and fidelity to the crown of England. A promise was therefore given to the earl that his territory should not be plundered in future ; but, although this promise was given, it was not kept, for his people and cattle were destroyed, and his corn and edifices burned.”

    7. The same countess, as will be seen further on, was certainly a strong-minded woman ; and, we suspect, ruled the earl in more matters than the question of James Fitzgerald’s request for land. The Ormonds of that day and the Desmonds were most curiously inter¬ married, a circumstance which does not seem to have contributed to family affection. The relationship was this Ormond’s mother was Joan Fitzgerald, only child of James, eleventh Earl of Desmond. She died a.d. 1534, having been married three times, and the last time to her second cousin, Earl Gerald. So that Ormond was actually both step¬ son and third cousin to the Earl of Desmond, whom he hunted down so relentlessly. The ?a,rl’s second wife was the Dame Eleanor above mentioned, and she was a Butler also,

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 210

51. Edward Bruce crowned king at Dundalk

    Dundalk · town · Louth · 1315

    Edward Bruce returned to Ireland with a powerful army, committed ravages, and had himself crowned king at Dundalk before marching south through Limerick, Cashel, and Nenagh, wasting the Lord Justice's lands at Nenagh.

    Read the passage

    “ But the following year he returned with a more powerful army, committed great ravages, and caused himself to be crowned king at Dundalk. From the north he marched to Limerick ; about Palm Sunday came to Cashel ; and thence to Nenagh, where he wasted all the Lord Justice’s lands.

    “ The English assembled an army of 30,000 men at Kilkenny ; and in Easter week, 1317, Sir Roger de Mortimer, who was appointed Lord Justice, landed at Youghal with 38 knights, upon whose arrival Bruce fled into Ulster, but he was pursued by the Lord Justice, who encountering him slew him and most of his men, and presented his head to King Edward II. The Connaught rebels being animated with the success gained by Bruce on his first arrival, entered this province and slew the Lord Stephen of Exeter, Miles de Cogan, and eighty of the Barrys and Lawlers.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 115

52. Irish prisoners hanged after Kinsale battle

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1601

    After the battle at Kinsale, no mercy was shown to the Irish. Some of the Irishry taken prisoners offered great ransoms, but were immediately hanged upon being brought to the camp. The Earl of Clanricarde refused to allow any Irish prisoners to be taken, ordering his men to kill the rebels.

    Read the passage

    “ The Earl of Clanricarde had many great escapes being shot through his garments, and no man did bloody his sword more than his lordship that day, and would not- suffer any man to take away one of the Irish prisoners, but bid "them kill the rebels. After the retreat was sounded, the lord deputy did give the.order of knighthood to the Earl of Clan¬ ricarde in the field in the midst of. the dead bodies, and returning back to the camp, drew out the whole army, and gave God thanks for this victory with their prayers. ‘ The enemy’s army, as Alonso O’Campo doth assure us, was 6,000 foot, and 500 horse. There were some of the Irishry taken prisoners that offered great ransoms, but presently upon their bringing to the camp they were hanged.’”

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 252

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming into Kinsale, in Cork. After the battle here in 1601, the Earl of Clanricarde refused to let any Irish prisoners be taken, ordering his men to kill the rebels, and no man bloodied his sword more that day. The lord deputy knighted him on the field among the dead bodies. Some of the Irishry who were captured offered great ransoms, but as soon as they were brought to the camp they were hanged.

53. Mahoun seeks protection of Bishop of Cork before murder

    Cork · city · Cork

    Mahoun (Mathgamhain), brother of Brian Boroimhe, placed himself under the protection of the Bishop of Cork after a conspiracy formed against him. The Bishop was unable to avert the crime and 'maledicted' all who were concerned in it.

    Read the passage

    Doubtful conversion of the Danes to Christianity — Sketch of the general state of Ireland at this period — Brian Boroimhe and his brother Mahoun ( Mathgamham) Brian will have nothing to do with the “Grim Black Gentiles”— The Eoghanists ally themselves with the Danes — Quarrels between the Eoghanists and the Dalcassians The result The treacherous murder of Mahoun in the Co. Cork — Different accounts of this event He places himself under the protection of the Bishop of Cork, who is unable to avert the crime— The Bishop “ maledicts ” all who were concerned— Desecration of the “Gospel of St. Barri” — The site of the murder in the Macroom Mountains The conspiracy by Ivor, the Danish King of Limerick, Donovan, and Molloy The Bishop remains at R ait hen Mor , near Fermoy— One site of the murder at Kilflyn, another shown in the Mushera Mountains— Molloy is cursed for his treachery Brian Boroimhe s vengeance — Elegy on Mahoun’s death, supposed to have been spoken by him Brian revenges his brother’s murder — The battle of Glen-Mama , and its results The sub¬ jugation of the Danes — What led to the battle of Clontarf Brian s marriage with Gormley — Her character — A scene at the palace of Kincora — The war begins in earnest — The battle of Clontarf — The places of the Cork men — Raids on Cork after this battle.

    ^ he year 948 has been assigned as the date of the conversion of the Danes to Christianity ; but if conversion is to be tested by deeds, the less said on the subject the better. Plundering and .burning went on as usual, while the unhappy divisions of the Irish prevented any effectual resistance to the oppressor.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 65

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this city carries a story of betrayal from the time of Brian Boroimhe and his brother Mahoun, whose Irish name was Mathgamhain. Mahoun found himself the target of a conspiracy led by Ivor, the Danish King of Limerick, along with Donovan and Molloy. The Dalcassians, Brian and Mahoun's people, had quarrelled with the Eoghanists, who allied themselves with the Danes. Brian would have nothing to do with what the source calls the "Grim Black Gentiles." Facing this conspiracy, Mahoun placed himself under the protection of the Bishop of Cork. But the Bishop was unable to avert the crime. Mahoun was treacherously murdered. Different accounts place the site of the murder in different locations, one in the Macroom Mountains, another at Kilflyn, and another in the Mushera Mountains, all in County Cork. The Bishop "maledicts" all who were concerned in the deed. He remained at Raithen Mor, near Fermoy. Molloy was cursed for his treachery. The crime also involved the desecration of the "Gospel of St. Barri." Brian Boroimhe took vengeance. The battle of Glen-Mama followed, and its results led to the subjugation of the Danes. That in turn set the course toward the battle of Clontarf. The year 948 has been assigned as the date of the conversion of the Danes to Christianity, but if conversion is tested by deeds, the less said the better. Plundering and burning went on as usual, while the unhappy divisions of the Irish prevented any effectual resistance to the oppressor.

54. Papal expedition arrives at Dingle, July 1579

    Dingle · town · Kerry · 1579

    James Fitz Maurice's expedition, backed by the Holy See and maintained by Philip of Spain, arrived at Dingle in July 1579 with troops and clerics including Dr. Saunders as legate and the Bishop of Killaloe. He had sailed from Galicia with three shallops and captured two vessels en route.

    Read the passage

    James Desmond sailed from a port called Ferol, in the kingdom of Galicia, on the 17th of June, 1579. He had three shallops with him besides his own vessel. On the way he captured two vessels, one English and the other French, which were set on fire ; and on the 16th of July he arrived at Dingle. On the 25th he was joined by two galleys, which carried a hundred fighting men, but they were captured a few days after by the English.3

    The Earl of Desmond wrote at once to the president of

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 204

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dingle, this is where James Desmond landed in July 1579. He had sailed from Ferol, in Galicia, on the 17th of June that year, with three shallops besides his own vessel. On the way he captured two vessels, one English and one French, and set them both on fire. He arrived on the 16th of July. Nine days later two galleys joined him, carrying a hundred fighting men, but the English captured them within days.

55. Patrick Hackett hanged at Dungarvan despite pass

    Dungarvan · town · Waterford

    Patrick Hackett, a shipmaster from Waterford, was driven by a storm into Dungarvan and hanged there along with his men by order of the commander-in-chief, despite producing a pass from the lords justices and Ormond for his safe return.

    Read the passage

    were all inhumanly murdered, and the hearts of some of them pulled out and put into their mouths ; and many other massacres were committed the same time there upon women and children. At Lislee twenty- four men in protection were murdered by Colonel Mynn’s soldiers. At Bellanere eight poor labourers were killed by Captain Bridge’s men whilst in protection, and engaged in saving the harvest of the English. In 1642, at Clogheiulty, about 238 persons were murdered, of which number seventeen children were taken by the legs by the soldiers, who knocked out their brains against the walls. This was done by Forbes’s men and the garrison of Bandon Bridge. At Garanne, near Ross, Conner Kennedy, who had protection for himself and his tenants to save their harvest, were murdered by the garrison of Ross as they were reaping their corn. In 1641 the garrison of Bandon Bridge tied eighty-eight Irishmen of that town back to back, and threw them ofl the bridge into the river, where they were all drowned. Patrick Hackett, master of a ship in Waterford, when the Duchess of Ormond was desirous to be conveyed to Dublin, left her safe with her family and goods there, and received from the lords justices and Ormond a pass for his sale return, but being driven by a storm into Dungarvan, ' e and his men were hanged by direction of the commander-inchief ihere, notwithstanding that he produced the said pass.

    ( “ Tlie English party of this comity burned O’Sullivan Beare’s In.use in Bantry, and all the rest of that county, kdling man, woman, and child, and turning many into their houses, then on fire, to be burned therein, and among others Ihomas de Bucke, a cooper, about eighty years old, and his wife who was almost as asfed.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 296

56. Perkin Warbeck lands in Cork (1492)

    Cork · city · Cork · 1492

    Perkin Warbeck, claiming to be Richard, Duke of York, arrived in Cork from Lisbon in 1492. He was kindly received by the citizens and caressed by John Walters, an eminent merchant of Cork who was mayor two years later. Warbeck wrote to the Earls of Kildare and Desmond seeking assistance before departing for France.

    Read the passage

    “ Perkin Warbeck, who assumed the person' of Richard, Duke of York, second son of King Edward IV., arrived in Cork from Lisbon. Upon his landing he was kindly received by the citizens, and caressed by John Walters, an eminent merchant of Cork, who was mayor two years after. Perkin from thence wrote letters to the Earls of Kildare and Desmond for their assistance against King Henry, but before he received their answers he had letters from the French king, inviting him into France, to which place he directly set sail, and was there royally entertained, and a peace was concluded between France and England, upon which he retreated into Flanders to his supposed aunt, the Duchess of Burgundy. Three ye?rs Henry vn aftcr he set sail from Flanders with 600 men, and •495- arrived on the Kentish coast, where 160 of his

    followers were made prisoners, and afterwards executed. Thence he sailed into Ireland, and remained for some time in Cork ; but meeting with very little assistance, he passed over into Scotland, where by the king’s consent he married a daughter of the Earl of Huntly, and procured the Scots to invade England in his favour ; but a peace being concluded

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 147

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this is the city where Perkin Warbeck first landed in 1492, claiming to be Richard, Duke of York, second son of King Edward the Fourth. He arrived from Lisbon, and the citizens of Cork received him kindly. John Walters, an eminent merchant of the city, caressed him warmly. Walters would become mayor two years after. From Cork, Warbeck wrote letters to the Earls of Kildare and Desmond, seeking their assistance against King Henry. But before their answers came, he received letters from the French king inviting him to France. He set sail directly, and was royally entertained there. A peace was then concluded between France and England, so Warbeck retreated into Flanders, to his supposed aunt, the Duchess of Burgundy. He later returned to Irish shores with a small following, and remained for some time again in Cork, but met with very little assistance on that second visit. He passed over into Scotland, where the king gave consent for him to marry a daughter of the Earl of Huntly.

57. Dominican friary at Glanworth founded by the Roches

    Glanworth · town · Cork

    A Dominican friary was founded at Glanworth by the Roche family and dedicated to the Holy Cross. The Irish name Gleann-Amhnach means 'the glen of the north.'

    Read the passage

    Glanworth. — Gleann-Amhnach, the glen of the north. A Dominican friary was founded here by the Roches, and dedi¬ cated to the Holy Cross.

    Glanmire. — Gleann-Maghair, the valley of the little fishes. A village near Cork, remarkable for beautiful scenery.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 430

58. St. Cieran's pillar and ruined church on Cape Clear Island

    Cape Clear · electoral division · Cork

    On Cape Clear Island, a pillar stone with a rudely carved cross, attributed to St. Ciaran, stands near a cove called Tra-Kieran. A ruined church under St. Kieran's invocation adjoins the pillar, and pilgrims assemble there annually on 5th of March.

    Read the passage

    “ A little to the east of the Castle of Dunanore, on the north¬ west point of Cape Clear Island, is a cove called Tra-Kieran, i.e., St. Cierans strand, where we find a pillar of stone, with a cross rudely cut towards the top, supposed to have been the work of that saint. This stone is held in great veneration by an incredible number of pilgrims, who assemble round it every 5th of March, on which day the festival is celebrated. A church in ruins under the invocation of St. Kieran, adjoins this pillar.

    The race of Eiderscel, son of Nathe, who was contemporary with St. Ciaran and his relative, as will appear from the following genealogical table : —

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 428

59. Bandonians disarm garrison and raze their own walls

    Bandon · town · Cork · 1689

    Hearing the Earl of Clancarty was marching reinforcements to Bandon, the townspeople disarmed the garrison, killed some soldiers, seized horses and arms, and shut their gates. They ultimately purchased their pardon for £1,000, with their walls razed to the ground and never rebuilt.

    Read the passage

    Bandonians hearing that the Earl of Clancarty was marching with six companies to reinforce the troop of horse and two companies of foot there, commanded by Captain Daniel O’Neill, disarmed the garrison, killed some soldiers, took possession of all their horses and arms, and would have done much more if they were assisted. They shut their gates, and generously refused giving up any of their leaders ; but at last purchased their pardon for ^1,000, with the demolation of their walls, which were then razed to the ground, and never since rebuilt* About this time a large party of Irish horse and foot entered Cork, who, ad midnight, disarmed all the Protestants of the town, and next day seized their horses, as they likewise did in all the neighbouring villages. They also broke into the houses of several principal citizens, from whence they took great sums of money. Lieutenant-General Mac Carthy having thus} with the spoil of the English, increased his horse and mounted several more foot, marched wfith two field pieces towards Castle Martyr, the seat of Colonel Henry Boyle, who had with him about 140 gentlemen and servants to defend themselves against the violence of the Irish. He was persuaded by his friends not to make any resistance, upon the promise of the lieutenantgeneral that neither their persons or estates should be molested, but, without any regard thereunto, he caused the house to be plundered, and Colonel Boyle, with many of the gentlemen, to be carried prisoners to Cork.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 300

60. James Fitzgerald lands at Youghal as claimant to Desmond title

    Youghal · town · Cork · 1600

    James Fitzgerald, son of the last Earl of Desmond, was sent from England to counteract the sugane earl's influence. He landed at Youghal on 14 October 1600, accompanied by Captain Vine, as part of Elizabeth's strategy to divide the Geraldines.

    Read the passage

    Patrick, lord of Kerry, joined the sugane earl, and the English - government finding that the Geraldines cause was prospering, attempted the never-failing policy of division. James Fitzgerald, son to the last earl of Desmond, had been given up to the English by his mother in one of her fits of anxiety about her personal safety. He had been taken to London, and kept in the Tower half prisoner and half ward ; and as . he was the legitimate heir to the tide and estates, Elizabeth bethought her of putting him forward to counteract the rapidly increasing influence of the earl, who could only lay claim to the nomination of Tyrone. The plan was wisely laid, and at first gave every promise of success. The youth was sent to Ireland, accompanied by Captain Vine, and landed at Youghal on the 14th of October, 1600. On the 18th he visited the lord president at Mallow, and proceeded from thence to Kilmallock. The people came to welcome him with shouts of joy, and so far the plan seemed to prosper even beyond the expectations of its framers.

    The young earl, educated in England, and taught indifference and contempt for everything Irish, must have been amazed at his reception. He was little prepared for what followed. The next day being Sunday, the people, still waiting to welcome him with acclamation whenever he appeared, saw with amazement, and then with indignation, that he had forsaken, or had never been taught, the faith of his fathers and of theirs. He went to the Protestant church. It was enough — the acclamations gave place to murmurs of contempt, but even that seemed too much notice to bestow on one whom they believed faithless to his church. It did not require much penetration to see that the scheme had failed.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 238