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. Private masses and armed merchants in Cork, 1596

   Cork · city · Cork · 1596

   A 1596 letter from Cork reports that Catholic masses were conducted in private houses throughout the city, and that young merchants of Cork attended mass carrying daggers and pistols.

   Read the passage

   “ Are led by false teachers, that draw them away from their obedience to her Majesty’s goodly lawes, and proceeding to that palpable and damnable blyndnesse to obey her Majesty’s capital enemy that Antichrist of Rome, swearing the people to the Pope, and that they shall not come to divine service, taking XIId of everyone so sworne (this is true, and divers have confessed that they would gladly come to service, but that they are sworn to the contrary), and YId for every masse they heare after the oath so taken. And yf any will have his child baptized in the church, they shall hardly get gossips (as they call them), as the lawe apointeth, but one poor man, that is, the clerck, his wife, and a poor minister, these are comon gossips. In the city of Corck, all is done in private houses, by massing priests. About March last, was XII. months were committed by Sir Thomas Norreys,4 myself, and others, seven or eight recusants of the city of Cork, which would not by any persuasion conform themselves, upon whose comitment their wives preferred a petition to Sir Thomas, by whom I was made acquainted therewith. The contents of it in part was this, that it was her Majesty’s pleasure that none of her subjects in Ireland should be dealt withal for any matters of Religion, and that it was so knowne to some of the best in the kingdom. This was in their petition which Sir Thomas Norreys hath, and heereupon they stand very stubborne and are the more obstinate. Whether it be so I referre to your honor. My answer to them was that her Majesty had made lawes for hei subjects in Ireland, to observe one uniforme order in divine service and administration of sacraments (which is grounded

   4. President of Munster ; he was slain by Thomas Burke, at Kilteely, Co. Limerick, July, 1599-

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 168

   As the companion tells it

   As you travel through Cork, you are passing through a city where, in 1596, the old religion was still held in secret. A letter from that year reports that in the city of Cork, all masses were conducted in private houses, by massing priests. The writer describes people being sworn to the Pope, paying twelve pence for the oath and a fee for every mass they heard after taking it. Those sworn were told not to attend divine service, and some had confessed they would gladly come to service but were bound by the oath to the contrary. If a family wanted a child baptized in the church, they could hardly find proper godparents. The letter says they would get only one poor man, the clerk, his wife, and a poor minister, as the law appointed. Around March, a year before this letter, Sir Thomas Norreys, the President of Munster, and others committed seven or eight recusants of the city of Cork, who would not by any persuasion conform themselves. Their wives put forward a petition to Sir Thomas Norreys. The petition claimed it was her Majesty's pleasure that none of her subjects in Ireland should be dealt withal for any matters of religion, and that this was known to some of the best in the kingdom. Sir Thomas Norreys had the petition. The writer says the women stood very stubborn upon it and were the more obstinate. He answered them that her Majesty had made laws for her subjects in Ireland, to observe one uniform order in divine service and administration of sacraments.

2. 1515 report: Brehon law within 30 miles of Dublin

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1515

   A 1515 royal report on Ireland's military and political condition found that only five counties were truly subject to English rule, and that within thirty miles of Dublin the Brehon law remained in full force. The king's writs were not executed beyond those counties' boundaries, and residents near the borders paid blackmail to neighbouring Irish chieftains.

   Read the passage

   English rule were Loutli, Meath, Dublin, Kildare, and Wexford. Even the residents near the boundaries of these districts were obliged to pay “blackmail ’ to the neighbouring Irish chieftains. The king’s writs were not executed beyond the bounds described ; and within thirty miles of Dublin the Brehon law was in full force. This document, which is printed in the first volume of the “ State Papers relating to Ireland, contains a list of the petty rulers of sixty different states or “ regions,” some of which “ are as big as a shiresome more, some less.” The writer then gives various opinions as to the plans which might be adopted for improving the state of Ireland, which he appears to have taken prin¬ cipally from a curious old book, called Salus Populi ,s Both writers were of opinion that war to the knife was the only remedy for Ireland’s grievances. It was at least clear that if dead men could tell no tales, neither could dead men rebel against oppression ; and the writer of the report concludes, “ that if the king were as wise as Solomon the Sage, he shall never subdue the wild Irish to his obedience without dread of the sword.” Even this he admits may fail ; for he adds, “ so long as they may resist and save their lives, they will never obey the king.” He then quotes the Salus Populi, to show the advantages which England might derive if the Irish united with her in her wars on foreign countries, and observes, “ that if this land were put once in order, as aforesaid, it would be none other but a very paradise, delicious of all pleasaunce, in respect and regard of any other land in this world ;

   S. There is a copy of this book in MS. in the British Museum. The name of the author is not known.

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 157

   As the companion tells it

   As the road takes you through Dublin, consider what a royal report found here in 1515. Only five counties were truly subject to English rule: Louth, Meath, Dublin, Kildare, and Wexford. Even residents near the boundaries of these districts were obliged to pay blackmail to neighbouring Irish chieftains. The king's writs were not executed beyond those bounds. And within thirty miles of the city, the Brehon law was in full force. The report, printed in the first volume of the State Papers relating to Ireland, contained a list of the petty rulers of sixty different states or regions, some of which, the writer noted, "are as big as a shire, some more, some less." The writer then offered opinions on plans for improving the state of Ireland, drawn principally from a curious old book called Salus Populi. Both writers believed war to the knife was the only remedy for Ireland's grievances. The writer concluded "that if the king were as wise as Solomon the Sage, he shall never subdue the wild Irish to his obedience without dread of the sword." He admitted even this might fail, adding "so long as they may resist and save their lives, they will never obey the king." He then quoted the Salus Populi on the advantages England might derive if the Irish united with her in wars on foreign countries, observing "that if this land were put once in order, as aforesaid, it would be none other but a very paradise, delicious of all pleasance, in respect and regard of any other land in this world."

3. Countess of Desmond pleads with Pelham at Askeaton

   Askeaton · townland · Limerick · 1579–1580

   The Countess of Desmond obtained an interview with Lord Justice Pelham at Askeaton, attempting to use tears and pleadings to secure peace for her husband. Pelham was unmoved but wrote to Queen Elizabeth describing her abundance of tears betraying the miserable state of herself and her husband's fortunes.

   Read the passage

   “ I had left the earl without a rest anie where ; he flyebh from place to place, and seeketh mediation for peace by his countess, whom yesterday I did licence to have speeche with me here, whose abundance of tears sufficientlie betrayeth the miserable state of herself, her husband, and fortunes.

   Her child she had already given up to the Earl of Ormond, by whom he was sent to Dublin. Willing or unwilling, she followed her husband’s fortunes a short time longer ; but v hen she was aroused from her bed, in company with the earl, two daies before Twelfth Night,” and obliged to pass the remainder of the night in a ditch, up to her chin in water, she could not endure her privations any longer, and gave herself up to the lord general, only regretting that she could not persuade her lord to follow her example, “ whom reason could never rule.”

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 212

4. Cromwell's treacherous letter to Richard Magee at Mallow

   Mallow · town · Cork · 1649–1650

   Richard Magee of Mallow visited Cromwell in Cork to pay respects. Cromwell gave him a letter for Colonel Phair containing only the words 'execute the bearer.' Magee read it, then tricked the governor of Mallow into delivering it instead, saving himself.

   Read the passage

   While in Cork, Bichard Magee, of Mallow, went to pay his respects, probably from fear rather than affection. Cromwell got a hint that he might prove a troublesome enemy, and, after receiving him with the greatest show of kindness, gave him a letter to Colonel Phair. The contents were simple. The letter only contained the words — execute the bearer.

   Mr. Magee had no idea of delivering a letter from. a man of Cromwell’s character without making himself aware of the subject. He must certainly have congratulated himself on his penetration when he perused its contents. Magee was a man of resources. He set off to Mallow and deliveied the letter to the governor, against whom he had some ancient grudge, and informed him that Cromwell had requested him to be the bearer of it. The unsuspecting officer set out on his mission, but was happily saved from death by the prudence off

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 294

5. Dermod MacMurrough dies at Ferns, 1171

   Ferns · townland · Wexford · 1171

   Dermod MacMurrough died at Ferns on the 4th of May 1171, reportedly of a foul disease. His obituary records that he brought the Saxons to Ireland, plundered and burned churches including Ceanannus and Cluan-Iraired, and died without penance or unction.

   Read the passage

   I Dermod Mac Morough died at Ferns on the 4th of May, 1171- His miserable end was naturally considered a judgment for his evil life. His obituary is thus 'recorded : “Diarmaid Mac Murchadha, King of Leinster, by whom a trembling soil was made of all Ireland, after having brought over the Saxons, after having done extensive injuries to the Irish, after plundering and burning many churches, as Ceanannus, Cluan-Iraired, &c., died before the end of a year [after this plundering], of an insufferable and unknown disease ; for he became putrid while living, through the miracle of God, Colum-cille, and Finnen, and the other saints of Ireland, whose churches he had profaned and burned some time before ; and he died at Fearnamor, without [making] a will, without penance, without the body of Christ, without unction, as his evil deeds deserved.” The Annals of Clonmacnois give a similar account ; but in a papgr MS. in Trinity College, Dublin, it is said that he died “after the victory of penance and unction.” The old account is probably the more reliable, as it is the more consonant with his previous career.

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 103

6. False French fleet alarm in Bantry Bay (1779)

   near Bantry Bay · bay · Cork · 1779

   On the king's birthday in 1779, an express from Kinsale reported a fleet of warships and transports, supposed to be French, sighted in Bantry Bay, causing panic in Cork. Highland troops and armed societies marched to Bandon, but the alarm proved groundless—the fleet was English, firing guns in honour of the day.

   Read the passage

   “ Being the king’s birth- day, the morning was ushered in by the ringing of bells. At ten o’clock the different armed societies were reviewed in the camp field ; at noon they and the 8 1 st, or Highland Regiment, assembled on the mall and fired three rounds. About three o’clock an express arrived to the com¬ manding officer here frofti Major-General Flower Mocher, then at Kinsale, ordering the Highland Regiment to be ready . to march at the shortest notice, as the general had received a report stating that a fleet, consisting of several ships of the tine, and a great number of frigates and transports, supposed to be French, was seen in Bantry Bay. This communication threw the inhabitants into the greatest consternation. The commanders of the armed societies immediately ordered their drums to beat to arms, and in a very short space of time, the entire body collected again in the mall. At seven in the evening another express arrived from General Mocher, order¬ ing the Highlanders to march immediately to Bandon, where he would join them with his forces from Kinsale, and repair from thence to Bantry. This order was immediately com¬ plied with. A great number of Roman Catholic gentlemen immediately offered themselves as volunteers to join with their Protestant fellow-citizens, and were well received. The care of the city in the mean time devolved on the governor. The mayor summoned a council to consider what was necessary to be done on so alarming an occasion. The gentlemen of the True Blue Society immediately took the guard, and £ kept the police’ in the greatest regularity for the night. Early on the following morning the Highland Regiment returned to town, having received counter orders, as the express sent to Bantry had returned with an account that the alarm was groundless, the fleet having been found to be an English one, which had fired several guns in honour of the day. The lower classes of the people, between this and Bandon, showed their good wishes to the soldiers on their march, by offering them every provision their poor, but hospitable cabins, afforded. All the troops in Kinsale, consisting of upwards of 2,000 men, marched to Bandon, and lay all night under arms.

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 320

7. French convalescent troops landed on Whiddy Island

   near Whiddy Island · island or archipelago · Cork · 1796

   On 30 December 1796 a French squadron sailed into Bantry Bay and landed about 500 men on Whiddy Island. They were convalescent troops sent for their health, not an invasion force, and they paid for their provisions.

   Read the passage

   with, some transports, sailed into the bay, and landed about 500 men on Whiddy Island, but not for the purpose of invasion, as it afterwards appeared that they were convalescent troops who were sent there for their health, and had paid for such provisions as they required.

   , “ On the 2nd of January there were thirteen ships at anchor across the mouth of the bay from Beer Island to Sheep Head, of which two were line-of-battle ships, six other ships lay south-west of the island of Whiddy, and one a league from Bantry. At about two o’clock in the day a brig having worked up the bay from the principal fleet, made a signal to those ships, which was returned by a shot from one of them. They then set fire to a prize which they had taken, and five of them weighed anchor, and sailed down the bay, leaving the ships of the line behind them, which appeared to be disabled. On the 3rd none of the ships were visible, except these last mentioned vessels. Previous to their leaving the bay a council of war was held, and the troops had decided for landing, under the guidance of some Irishmen, who were with them, but La Fraternite, the admiral’s ship, being still missing, and General Hoche being on board, they resolved to put to sea. On the 1 5th Paris papers were received, which announced the total failure of this expedition. The greatest loyalty was exhibited by the country people on this occasion. They received the troops who marched to Bantry in the kindest manner, sharing their provisions with them. In their absence the loyal Cork Legion and Cork Volunteers mounted their different guards in the city of Cork.”

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 324

8. Lady Ellen's escape through the gates of Cork

   Cork · city · Cork

   On a dark February evening, Lady Ellen MacCarthy escaped from Cork disguised as one of two females who passed quietly and unquestioned through the city gates. She was joined by a peasant waiting on the road, and for two years the government vainly tried to find her.

   Read the passage

   In the meantime, the lady Ellen had been confided to the care of “ certain servants of the earle,” according to the lord deputy’s account ; according to Sir Thomas Norreys, she was in charge of “ a merchant of the town ” [Corke] ; and accord¬ ing to St. Leger, she was in the safe keeping of the “ gentleman porter.” Moreover, it was said that Sir Valentine Browne had pleaded to be allowed the custody of the bride, possibly in the hope that the attractions of his son, Nicholas, and of his fair estate at Killarney, might prove, should she be com¬ pelled to wed again, a strong element in determining her choice. It certainly seems rather strange that there were so many different and conflicting statements as to the wardship of so important a charge. But whoever may have had the guardianship, the lady contrived to outwit them, and her husband had only been a few days confined in the Tower of London when she escaped from Cork, to the blank amaze¬ ment and consternation of lord deputy, warders, and all. As the night fell one dark evening in February, two females passed quietly and unquestioned through the gates of Cork, and were joined by a peasant who was waiting on the road. Thus disappeared the lady Ellen Mac Carthy, and for two years the baffled government in vain endeavoured to

   ascertain whither she had fled.

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 237

9. Martyrdom of Brother Dominick Collins at Youghal

   Youghal · town · Cork · 1602

   Brother Dominick Collins, a Jesuit lay brother and former soldier, was taken from Cork to Youghal for execution on 3 October 1602. After refusing to embrace Anglicanism, he was dragged at a horse's tail to the place of execution and hanged from a gibbet, where soldiers transfixed his breast with their weapons.

   Read the passage

   were offered to him should he embrace the tenets of Anglicanism. On his rejecting these things with disdain, he was dragged at a horse’s tail to the place of execution, and whilst he was still hanging from the gibbet, the soldiers transfixed his breast with their weapons.”

   The events which occuned immediately after the death of Elizabeth are the best evidence how entirely Catholic were the hearts of the people. There was universal joy, not merely because an oppressor had been removed, but because it was hoped that the nation might once more have freedom to worship God. This was specially manifested in the south, which had been especially oppressed. Waterford, of which Dr. Lyons had complained more than once, was first in its demonstration of joy. The churches were opened ; the services of the church were once more openly celebrated ; Dr. Miagh re-dedicated the Cathedrals of Cork and Cloyne, and the mass, as sung and said by Finbar and Colman, was sung and said once more.

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa

10. Mayor of Cork nearly hanged for refusing brass money

    Cork · city · Cork · 1689

    After King James issued his proclamation for coining brass money on 18 June 1689, Richard Maunsell, Mayor of Cork, narrowly escaped hanging for refusing to accept it, becoming an example of the consequences of resistance to the Jacobite currency decree.

    Read the passage

    King James issued his celebrated proclamation for the coining of “brass money” on the 18th of June, 1689, and the Mayor of Cork, Richard Maunsell, had a narrow escape of hanging for refusing it,6 and becoming a very exalted example of the blessing of his Majesty’s presence in the country.

    After the king’s arrival in Dublin he issued various pro¬ clamations, which were almost as valuable as the paper they were written on, and paid the Irish many compliments on their loyalty, which must have been exceedingly gratifying after his ignominious and disgraceful flight from the Boyne.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 302

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this is the city where, in 1689, King James issued his proclamation for coining brass money on the 18th of June. Richard Maunsell, the Mayor of Cork, had a narrow escape of hanging for refusing it. He became what the book calls a very exalted example of the blessing of his Majesty's presence in the country.

11. Miles de Courcy overthrew Florence MacCarthy More near Ringroane

    Ringrone · townland · Cork

    Miles de Courcy, Baron of Kingsale, defeated Florence MacCarthy More and a great army at a battle near Ringroane. The fleeing forces were driven into the Bandon river, where many drowned.

    Read the passage

    j3QO “John de Courcy, Baron of Kingsale and Ringroane, together with his brother, Patrick, were slain in tho Island of Inchydony, by Daniel Moel Mac Carty Reagh and the Irish of Carbery. His grandson, Miles de Courcy, Baron of Kingsale, overthrew Florence Mac Carty More, with a great army of his followers, at a battle near Ringroane, and drove them into the Band on river, where many of them were drowned.

    “ Edmund Plantagenet, son and heir of Edmund, who was surnamed Langley, the fifth son to King Edward I.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 139

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ringrone, Miles de Courcy, Baron of Kingsale, overthrew Florence MacCarthy More and a great army of his followers in battle. He drove the fleeing forces into the Bandon river, where many of them drowned.

12. Milo de Cogan murdered at Lismore

    Lismore · town · Waterford · 1185

    Milo de Cogan and young Fitz Stephen were invited to Lismore by Mac Tirid, who treacherously murdered them along with five of Henry II's servants. This provoked the Irish to take up arms under Mac Carty and besiege Cork.

    Read the passage

    “ Milo de Cogan, and young Fitz Stephen, having occasion to treat with the people of Waterford, went to Lismore, to which place they were invited by one Mac Tirid,5 who treacherously murdered them, and five of their

    Henry ii servants, upon which the Irish took up arms, joining

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 111

13. One hundred labourers drowned at Cappoquin

    Cappoquin · town · Waterford · 1641

    In 1641 the neighbouring English garrison of the county of Cork murdered above three thousand persons in the Decies country and led one hundred labourers as prisoners to Cappoquin, where they were tied by couples, cast into the river, and drowned for sport.

    Read the passage

    “1641. In Decies country, the neighbouring English garrison of the county of Cork, after burning and pillaging all that county, murdered above three thousand persons, men, women and children, and led one hundred labourers prisoners to Caperquine (Cappoquin), where, being tied by couples, they were cast into the river, and made sport of to see them drowned. This was before any rebellion began in Munster.”

    t

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 296

14. Priests seized in Dublin and Cork, one hanged

    Cork · city · Cork · 1606

    The Vicar-Apostolic reported that soldiers had seized three priests: one detained in Dublin prison, another in Cork prison, and a third who declared himself a priest and was hanged on the spot without trial.

    Read the passage

    they have only succeeded in seizing three : one is detained in Dublin prison, another in Cork, and a third, in my opinion, is the happiest of all, triumphing in heaven with Christ our Lord ; for in the excess of the fury of the soldiery, without any further trial or accusation, having expressed himself to be a priest, he was hanged upon the spot.”

    He then narrates the sufferings of the Catholic laity, many of whom, he says, are reduced to “extreme poverty and misery;” “ if they have any property, they are doubly persecuted by the avaricious courtiers. But so many have given a glorious testimony of their faith, he thinks their enemies and persecutors have gained but little. Thus, while one party was rejoicing in their temporal gain, the other was rejoicing in temporal loss ; and while the former were preaching liberty of conscience as their creed, the latter were martyrs to it.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 284

15. Sidney captures Castlemartyr castle from Fitz Gerald

    Castlemartyr · townland · Cork · 1575

    After receiving intelligence of the disloyalty of Fitz Gerald, seneschal of Imokilly, Sidney marched from Cork with two hundred citizens and his forces to Ballymartyr and took the castle. Fitz Gerald narrowly escaped through a hole at night; the spoils were given to the soldiers and a garrison of twenty men was left.

    Read the passage

    “ Sir Philip Sidney, Lord Deputy of Ireland, came to iS7S- Waterford, where the Earl of Desmond waited on him, and passing through Dungarvan, they arrived at Cork, and staid there six weeks, during which time the citizens supplied the army with diet, lodging, and firing, for half their pay. The earls of Thomond and Clancare attended the lord deputy, who kept his Christmas in Cork ; after which he held sessions of gaol delivery, when Condon, and a younger son of the Lord Roche, were condemned, but afterwards pardoned, and twentythree malefactors were executed. During the deputy’s stay he had informations of the disloyalty of Fitz Gerald, seneschal of Imokilly ; and received an account of several depredations of his upon the Queens loyal subjects. Upon which his lordship attended with two hundred of the citizens and his own forces, marched to Ballymartyr, and took that castle, Fitz Gerald narrowly escaping through a hole, in the dead of night. There were several things of value found in the castle, with a

    2. The English in Ireland, vol. I., P. 57-He further states that “the pries* .made themselves apostles of insurrection.” Were the priests then to join with those who treated , ■ 1 like « ;ackalls ” and not only deprived them of the right to exercise thei

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 202

16. Sidney takes Carrigaline Castle from James Fitzmaurice

    Carrigaline · town · Cork · 1568

    Lady St. Leger retreated to Cork for protection during her husband's absence. Sidney relieved her, marched from Cork to Kerrycurrihy, and captured Carrigaline Castle, which then belonged to James Fitzmaurice.

    Read the passage

    During the absence of St, Leger his wife was obliged to retire for protection to Cork, as the Irish not unnaturally resisted the terrible exactions he had inflicted on them, and took advantage of his absence to revenge themselves. Lady St. Leger was relieved by Sidney, who went from Cork to Kerrycurrihy, and took Carrigaline castle, then belonging to James Fitzmaurice. From thence he marched to Kilmallock,

    9. They say:— “There will be few wastes after this year, if your Grace ensue our

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 202

17. Governor MacGillicuddy burns Cork after taking payment

    Cork · city · Cork · 1690–1691

    Governor MacGillicuddy burned the city of Cork after having been paid to spare it. Cox described Cork as one of the most thriving cities in Europe for its size and lamented the hundreds of Protestants reduced to beggary by the destruction.

    Read the passage

    Cox complains of the burning of Cork by the governor, Mac Gillicuddy, after he had been paid to spare it.9 He says the city “ wms one of the most thriving cities for bignes in

    9. The Friends, however peaceful, have always been sufficiently distinguished for worldly wisdom, and Joseph Pike relates “ how he removed the best of his goods and thereby saved them,” having little faith in Mac Gillicuddy’s promises.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Cork now. In 1690, the governor, MacGillicuddy, burned the city after he had been paid to spare it. Cox called Cork one of the most thriving cities for its size. Joseph Pike, one of the Friends, removed the best of his goods and saved them, having little faith in MacGillicuddy's promises. Hundreds of Protestants were left reduced to beggary by the destruction.

18. Iconoclasm of Queen's Bishop Sheyn in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1572–1582

    Sheyn, appointed Queen's bishop of Cork in 1572, committed outrages against Cork's Catholics and took pleasure in destroying religious art, notably burning the image of St. Dominic in Cork.

    Read the passage

    “ In that year died one Sheyn, or Sheehan, whom Queen Elizabeth made bishop of Cork in 1572. Little has been ascertained of this schismatic’s antecedents, and for that little we are indebted to a poem, composed in 1577, by Eugene O’Duffy, a celebrated Franciscan, who was intimately acquainted with the flagitious lives of the so-styled bishops of Cashel, Cork, and Limerick. Sheyn, it would appear, was a low-bred, ruffianly fellow, lewd and ribald, whose obscene blasphemies had secured him the countenance of the Deputy, Sir W, Fitzwilliams. Invested with all the power the state could place at his disposal, Sheyn, during the ten years he held the important place of Queen’s bishop, inflicted every manner of outrage on the Catholics of Cork, amercing them for absent¬ ing themselves from the novel liturgy; and taking a barbarous delight in destroying objects of art, which, for centuries, had been endeared to popular devotion. One of his greatest feats was the burning of the image of St. Dominic in Cork ; and so far as iconoclasm was concerned, he proved himself the most ruthless member of that impious triumvirate which, in his day, persecuted the Catholics of Munster.

    “Meanwhile, Lyon was not overlooked by his friend and patron, Lord Grey. The services of such a man could not be forgotten, and the year 1582 saw him installed Protestant bishop of Ross. In the following year he obtained the Sees of Cork and Cloyne from the Queen, who, in 1586, annexed the two Sees to that of Ross in his person. In 1595 he was named member of a commission appointed ‘ to find out ways and means to people Munster with English Inhabitants,’ after the ‘ Irish Papists’ of that province had been almost exter¬ minated by sword, fire, and famine.”

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 167

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Cork, this city carries a story from the 1570s. In 1572, Queen Elizabeth made a man named Sheyn bishop here. Little is known of his background except what survives in a poem composed in 1577 by Eugene O'Duffy, a Franciscan who knew the lives of the so-styled bishops of Cashel, Cork, and Limerick. O'Duffy's poem paints Sheyn as a low-bred, ruffianly fellow, lewd and ribald, whose obscene blasphemies won him the backing of the Deputy, Sir W. Fitzwilliams. Given all the power the state could place at his disposal, Sheyn spent the ten years he held the post inflicting every manner of outrage on the Catholics of the city. He fined them for absenting themselves from the novel liturgy. He took a barbarous delight in destroying objects of art that for centuries had been endeared to popular devotion. One of his greatest feats was the burning of the image of St. Dominic. In iconoclasm he proved himself the most ruthless member of that impious triumvirate which persecuted the Catholics of Munster. After Sheyn died, Lyon was installed Protestant bishop of Ross in 1582. The following year he obtained the Sees of Cork and Cloyne from the Queen. In 1586 she annexed the two Sees to that of Ross in his person. In 1595 he was named to a commission to find ways and means to people Munster with English inhabitants, after the Irish Papists of that province had been almost exterminated by sword, fire, and famine.

19. Battle of Desmond and MacCarthy near Mourneabbey, 1521

    Mourneabbey · townland · Cork · 1521

    In September 1521, James Earl of Desmond fought a pitched battle against Cormac Oge MacCarthy and Sir Thomas (the earl's uncle). Desmond lost over a thousand men and fled; the battle was fought near Mourneabbey between Cork and Mallow.

    Read the passage

    “ This year, 1521, James, Earl of Desmond, began to ravage and lay waste the barony of Muskery, belonging to Cormac Oge Mac Carthy, with fire and sword. The Archbishop of Dublin, William Rokesly, with other commissioners, went from Dublin to Waterford to appease him, but in vain ; for Dermod persisted to burn and destroy Mac Carthy ’s lands, who was not backward in his turn to revenge the injury, and confederating with Sir Thomas, the earl’s uncle, (but implacable enemy), they came to a pitched battle with the earl in September, which proved a bloody engagement, wherein Desmond’s soldiers forsaking him, he was obliged to save himself by flight, having lost above a thousand men, and had two of his uncles, John and Gerald, made prisoners. This battle was fought, according to some writers, between Cork and Mallow, near Mourneabbey. Mac Carty Reagh, with the Carbery forces, assisted his kinsman in this battle. The victory, according to the same authors, was chiefly owing to Sir Thomas, the earl’s uncle, who charged at the head of the horse, and broke the earl’s main body of galloglasses, and adds that the Irish continued to boast of this overthrow given by them to the Earl of Desmond to their time, £ not remembering,’ say they, £ how very often they have been worsted by the Geraldines.’ ”2

    being elevated with the title of Earl of Desmond, supported by great alliances, and having enlarged their possessions by marriage, purchases and tyranny, and more especially by the damned exaction of coyn and livery, did all they could to suppress their competitors, and especially the Mac Carthys, being the most powerful and chief of them.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 137

20. Bishop of Cloyne and papal legate dies

    Cloyne · town · Cork · 1192

    Matthew O'Mougach, bishop of Cloyne, died in 1192. He was legate of the Holy See for Ireland at the time of the English invasion, and was succeeded as legate by Mathew O'Herlihy, archbishop of Cashel.

    Read the passage

    AD 1162. — Diarmid Ua-Laighmen, lector of Cluam- Uamha, was killed. He is called by Lynch . “ Dermicius O’Leio-hnin, archedeaconus Cluanenses et Momomae Doctor A.D. 1167— Ua Flannain, bishop of Cluam-Uamha, died. A.D. 1192.— Matthw O’Mougach, bishop of Cloyne, died. He was legate of the Holy See for Ireland at the time of the English invasion, and was succeeded in his legating authority by the celebrated Mathew O’Herlihy, archbishop of Cashel. The Piper Roll of Cloyne , a document of no great interest,

    has been lately published. . .

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 424

21. Black Maurice rules Kerricurrihy

    Kerrycurrihy · barony · Cork

    Maurice Dubh, described as cruel, mercylesse and bloody, ruled the tract of country known as Kerricurrihy, given to him by his brother James to keep him at a distance and occupy his belligerent propensities through continual guerilla warfare.

    Read the passage

    All authorities confirm this statement, and agree in repro¬ bating the conduct of Black Maurice. Russell declares that he was a man “ without faith in his promise, and truth in his word, cruel, severe, mercylesse, and very bloody.” He ruled the tract of country known as Kerricurrihy, which was given to him by his brother James to keep him at a distance, and to afford occupation for his belligerent propensities by the continual guerilla warfare which the position required ; not¬ withstanding which he lived to an old age, and was at last slain by his own son-in-law, Teige Mac Carthy. The affair seems to have been little better than a cattle raid, in which Maurice was taken prisoner. His father-in-law left four of his men to guard him, while he pursued the flying Desmond’s troops. Thus was Maurice murdered in cold blood. Russell preaches a homily thereupon, the substance of which is, in brief, that it served him right. O’Daly, with more regard for propriety of expression, though evidently of the same way of thinking, says that the guard “ only meted out to him the same treatment which he gave to all those whom fortune of war made his prisoners.” Maurice left two sons and three

    daughters.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 136

22. Castle Lough forfeited by Florence MacCarthy

    Castle Lough · lake or lakes · Clare

    Florence MacCarthy had entered recognizances for his wife's safety in Cork and forfeited them upon her escape, losing 'a castell and lands of great importance, called Castle Lough.' The queen thereby gained the castle, which also contained a great store of orient pearls.

    Read the passage

    There was, however, one scrap of consolation for the Queen. Florence Mac Carthy had entered into recognizances for the safety of his lady in the town of Cork, until she should be delivered by order from her Highness out of England, and he forfeited his recognizances, and thereby a “ castell and lands of great importance, called Castle Lough. So the queen had the castle, where, moreover, there were great store of orient pearls ; and Florence had his gay bride, whom he valued more than all the pearls.

    The order for the release of Florence Mac Carthy came from the Privy Council, on the 19th January, 1 5 9 1 » and was, no doubt, mainly obtained by the generosity of the Earl of Ormond, who stood security for him in the sum of £ 1 ,000. His enemies were, indeed, many and powerful, but they were opposed to him rather because they hoped to profit by his downfall than from any personal dislike. He had, indeed, a rare quality of making friends, even of his most bitter foes, when once they came within the sphere of his influence, and throughout his long and chequered career, he lost no opportunity of winning those around him.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 237

23. Cistercian abbey of Fermoy and its abbots

    Fermoy · townland · Cork · 1226–1591

    A Cistercian abbey dedicated to the Virgin Mary was founded at Fermoy, with monks brought from an abbey on the Suir in Tipperary and later a colony from Furnes in Lancashire. The abbey's history is recorded through named abbots and events from 1226 to the late sixteenth century.

    Read the passage

    Archidall says : — -“ An abbey was founded here under the invocation of the Virgin Mary for Cistercean monks, who were brought hither from an abbey on the Suir, in the county of Tipperary ; and a new colony was afterwards introduced from the abbey of Furnes, in Lancashire.”

    A.D. 1226. — Patrick, the prior, was made bishop of Cloyne, according to Sir James Ware ; but from records it appears that

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 427

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Fermoy there was a Cistercian abbey dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The monks were brought from an abbey on the Suir in Tipperary, and later a colony came from the abbey of Furnes in Lancashire. In 1226, Patrick, the prior, was made bishop of Cloyne, according to Sir James Ware.

24. Cork Grand Jury raises funds to provision French fleet

    Cork · city · Cork · 1688

    On 12 March 1688 the Cork Grand Jury presentment ordered £420 to be raised in County Cork and paid to George Crofts to furnish the French fleet with 50 fat oxen and 400 fat wethers, as an acknowledgment of thanks for transporting King James to Ireland.

    Read the passage

    6. The following proclamation is from the Cork Grand Jury Book, 12th March, 1688 : — “We present that four hundred and twenty pounds be raised in the county of Cork, to be paid to George Crofts, Esq., who is forthwith to furnish the French fleet with fifty fat oxen and four hundred fat wethers, the same to be given to the admiral, officers, and seamen of the said fleet, as a small acknowledgment of the universal thanks due to them from this kingdom in general, but from us more particularly, for transporting his Majesty hither, we having the first blessings of his Majesty’s presence in this country, for which we and our posterity shall ever praise God. George Crofts to be satisfied for grazing the said cattle till the return of the French fleet"

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 302

    As the companion tells it

    On the twelfth of March 1688, the Cork Grand Jury ordered that four hundred and twenty pounds be raised in the county of Cork and paid to George Crofts. He was to furnish the French fleet with fifty fat oxen and four hundred fat wethers, given to the admiral, officers, and seamen of that fleet. The Grand Jury called it a small acknowledgment of the universal thanks due to them from this kingdom for transporting his Majesty hither. They said they had the first blessings of his Majesty's presence in this country, and that they and their posterity shall ever praise God. Crofts was to be satisfied for grazing the cattle until the French fleet returned.

25. Cork manufacturers protest English woollen auction on South Mall

    South Mall · street · Cork · 1784

    Two to three thousand distressed manufacturers assembled at the stores on South Mall to prevent the auction of English woollen goods, declaring such sales would ruin them and that poverty and unemployment left them desperate. The mayor and sheriffs promised the goods would not be sold locally, and the crowd dispersed peacefully.

    Read the passage

    “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

    400

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 321

26. Desmond's body kept in Glanaquinty wood

    Glanageenty · townland · Kerry · 1583

    After the Earl of Desmond's beheading, his mutilated body was left where it lay. In Glanaquinty wood, tradition holds that the body was kept in a roadside recess for eight weeks until the Fitzgeralds of Ardnagragh carried it off for burial.

    Read the passage

    The ghastly and bleeding head was carried to Castlemaine, to be kept there until it could be taken to the lord general , the poor mutilated body was left where it lay. The Irish¬ speaking peasant will still show you the site of the murder— the Boher-an-Earla, , or Earl’s road— the Labig-an-Earla, or Earl’s bed, where he was flung upon the ground after his head was cut off; and in Glanaquinty wood they still point out a recess by the side of a road where tradition affirms that the body was kept for eight weeks, until the Fitzgeralds of

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 231

27. Famine relief sent from Ivrea to Maynooth, 1847

    Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1847

    On 23 June 1847, Archbishop Murray of Dublin received at Maynooth a letter and bill of exchange for £40 (1,000 francs) sent by the Bishop of Ivrea for the relief of the famine-stricken poor of Ireland. The donation was motivated by the memory of Blessed Thaddeus, the Irish bishop buried in Ivrea.

    Read the passage

    On the 23rd June, 1847, the Most Rev. Dr. Murray, Archbishop of Dublin, received at Maynooth a letter covering a bill of Exchange for /40 (1,000 francs), sent for the relief of the famine-stricken poor of Ireland, by order of the Bishop of Ivrea. The town of Ivrea (anciently Exporenia) is the capital of the Piedmontese province of the same name, which extends from the Po to the Alps. The province contains a population of over one hundred thousand, of whom about eio-ht thousand reside in the town, where is also the Bishop’s

    O

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 153

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Maynooth now. In 1847, on the 23rd of June, Archbishop Murray of Dublin received here a letter and a bill of exchange for 40 pounds, 1,000 francs, sent by the Bishop of Ivrea for the relief of the famine-stricken poor of Ireland. The donation was given in memory of Blessed Thaddeus, the Irish bishop buried in Ivrea. Ivrea is the capital of a Piedmontese province of the same name, in northern Italy, stretching from the Po to the Alps, with over 100,000 people in the province and about 8,000 in the town itself.

28. Galway jurors punished for resisting crown land claims

    Galway · city · Galway · 1635–1641

    Galway jurors put up stern resistance to the crown's land claims but faced severe reprisals: each was fined £4,000, imprisoned, and had their estates seized until the sum was paid. The sheriff, unable to pay his £1,000 fine, died in prison.

    Read the passage

    It was now discovered that the lands and lordships of De Burgo, adjacent to the Castle of Athlone, and, in fact, the whole remaining province, belonged to the crown. It would be useless here to give details of the special pleading on which this statement was founded ; it is an illustration of what I have observed before, that the tenure of the English settler was quite as uncertain as the tenure of the Celt. The jury found for the king ; and as a reward, the foreman, Sir Lucas Dillon, was graciously permitted to retain a portion of his own lands. Lowther, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, got four shillings in the pound of the first year’s rent raised under the Commission of “ Defective Titles.” The juries of Mayo and Sligo were equally complacent ; but there was stern resistance made in Galway, and stern reprisals were made for the resistance. The jurors were fined ^4,000 each, and were imprisoned, and their estates seized until that sum was paid. The sheriff was fined £ 1 ,000, and being unable to pay that sum, he died in prison. And all this was done with the full knowledge and the entire sanction of the “ royal martyr.”

    The country was discontented, and the lord deputy demanded

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 286

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this city saw stern resistance to the crown's land claims between 1635 and 1641. It was discovered that the lands and lordships of De Burgo, adjacent to the Castle of Athlone, and the whole remaining province, belonged to the crown. The jury found for the king, and the foreman, Sir Lucas Dillon, was permitted to retain a portion of his own lands as a reward. Lowther, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, got four shillings in the pound of the first year's rent raised under the Commission of Defective Titles. The juries of Mayo and Sligo were equally complacent. But this city showed stern resistance, and stern reprisals followed. The jurors were fined 4,000 pounds each, imprisoned, and their estates seized until that sum was paid. The sheriff was fined 1,000 pounds, and being unable to pay, he died in prison. All this was done with the full knowledge and sanction of the royal martyr.

29. Great Munster assembly at Killarney plain (~690)

    Killarney · town · Kerry · 690

    Around 690, the Munster men commissioned scholar Amargin to compile a revised code of laws and held a massive assembly on the plain between Killarney and Mangerton Mountain to ratify it. The land's owner, chief Cormac (probably a MacCarthy), insisted the laws be named after him, yielding 'Cain Chormaic' or Cormac's law.

    Read the passage

    The plain between Killarney and Mangerton mountain was chosen, and here one of the most important Irish “ monster meetings” was held. How little does the modern traveller

    O

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 27

30. John Langley's Will in Bandon

    Bandon · town · Cork

    John Langley, a Cromwellian soldier of Bandon, ordered in his will that his body be kept above ground for six days, with fifty Irishmen invited to his wake and well supplied with beer, hoping they would get drunk and kill each other to lessen the 'damned breed.' The document's genuineness was vouched for in Bennett's History of Bandon.

    Read the passage

    from the Roman Catholic subjects several sums for christening, purification, burying, and book money, and sue them in their spiritual courts, and commit them to prison, so dis¬ peopling the country, etc., that therefore your lordship would favourably present the same to the government, or otherwise make such order that may hinder these in con¬ veniences, and the rather because the like duties are not demanded in any other Christian country by the clergy, nor from any others but the Roman Catholics. ” The bitter hatred between Catholics and Protestants was terribly intensified by all this. As an example we may notice the will of John Langley, of Bandon, who ordered his body to be kept above ground for six days and nights, and to have fifty Irishmen invited to the wake, and well supplied with beer, “ so that when they get drunk they may kill each other, and in this way do something towards lessening the damned breed.” See Bennett's History of Bandon , where the genuineness of the document is vouched for ; it is still in existence. It is simply horrible to think of any man going before his Maker in such dispositions. Langley was one of Cromwell’s soldiers.

    5. Remarks on the religions, trade, government, police, customs, manners, and maladies of the city of Cork, by Alexander the Coppersmith, 1737.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa

31. Kilmallock burned by Lord James before Sidney's arrival

    Kilmallock · town · Limerick · 1568

    Lord James, despite his English descent, opposed Sidney's proceedings. He forced a march, reached Kilmallock before the deputy, and burned the town to the ground.

    Read the passage

    but as Lord James, notwithstanding his English descent, could not be got to see the justice of such proceeding, he forced a march, reached Kilmallock before the deputy, and burned it to the ground.

    A recent writer on Irish history says,1 that “ all this,” — he includes in one vast sweep of his pen, all the confiscations, evictions, burnings, and plunderings of Sir Philip Sidney, of St. Leger, of Perrott, and of others, who came to rule Ireland according to English ideas — that “all this could have been prevented” if a further series of acts of injustice could have been perpetrated on the unhappy Irish. If, in fact, they had been dummy toys, who could have been swept off the face of the earth with a glance of the eye ; or half-witted idiots, who could not discern between justice and injustice, and so would have submitted in silence to wrong.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 202

32. Lady Fanshawe's eyewitness account of the Cromwellian seizure of Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1649

    Lady Fanshawe, left alone in Cork while her husband was in Kinsale, was roused at midnight by gunfire. Colonel Jefferies had seized the town in Cromwell's name, and Irish inhabitants were stripped, wounded, and turned out. She gathered her husband's papers and valuables and fled through the market place at three in the morning.

    Read the passage

    Lady Fanshawe was in Cork at this time, and has given a most graphic description of the misery and destruction caused by the parliamentary army. She was aroused at midnight by the firing of guns, and at once called up her family. Her husband had left the day before for Kinsale, and this woman, a lady of no ordinary energy and talent, had the whole respon¬ sibility of the flight.1 She enquired from the shrieking crowds what was the cause of the uproar, and was told that Colonel Jefferies had taken possession of the town in the name of Cromwell, and that “ the Irish were stripped and wounded and turned out.”

    But as Lady Fanshawe was as loyal to the loyal cause as they were, she knew too well that the same fate awaited her, and she prepared at once for flight. We shall let her describe the rest :

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 293

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Cork, this is a city that saw a violent night in 1649. Lady Fanshawe was here alone, her husband having left for Kinsale the day before, when gunfire woke her at midnight. Colonel Jefferies had seized the town in Cromwell's name, and the Irish inhabitants were, in her words, "stripped and wounded and turned out." She knew the same fate awaited her, gathered her husband's papers and valuables, and fled through the market place at three in the morning.

33. Martyrdom of Daniel O'Melan at Youghal

    Youghal · town · Cork

    Daniel O'Melan, a priest of the diocese of Cloyne, was seized and brought under military guard to Youghal, where he was flung from the summit of Trinity Tower. Surviving the fall, he was taken to a mill and tied to a water wheel, from which he soon died.

    Read the passage

    One of the most eminent of these martyrs was Daniel O’Melan, a priest of the diocese of Cloyne. His execution was one of peculiar cruelty. He was seized and conducted by military guards to Youghal, where he was flung from the summit of Trinity Tower ; but as this barbarous deed did not terminate his life, he was taken to a mill and tied to a water wheel, from whence in a few moments he went to his eternal

    reward.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 184

34. Mayor of Youghal hanged at his own door

    Youghal · town · Cork · 1579–1580

    The Mayor of Youghal, Mr. Coppinger, was tried by court-martial by the Duke of Ormond and hanged at his own door for supposed complicity in admitting the Earl of Desmond into the town. Smith notes the mayor was hanged to appease the Queen, and Ormond threatened to make an example of the townsmen of Youghal.

    Read the passage

    The fact was that the Irish mayors and governors who wished to keep their heads on their shoulders were often obliged to have two faces. Their hearts were with the “rebels,” yet policy obliged them to make a decent show of resistance. Nevertheless, the Mayor of Youghal, Mr. Coppinger, was not successful on this occasion, foi the Duke of Ormond had him tried by court-martial and hung at his own door for his supposed complicity in admitting Desmond/ Desmond carried his spoils to Strancally and Kilfinan,5 which were garrisoned by Spaniards. These places were of course plundered by the queen’s soldiers soon after.

    Smith gives the following account of an exploit of “ Captain Raleigh’s,” which is certainly but little credit to his fame for

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 225

35. Mermaid sloop cattle trade from Cork to New Passage, 1814

    Cork · city · Cork · 1814

    In 1814 the one-masted sloop Mermaid of Newport left Cork port for New Passage with 140 pigs aboard, evading Bristol harbour dues. An estimated 600 head of cattle left the port every three weeks, with cattle dying wholesale from exhaustion, hunger and thirst during voyages lasting up to ten days.

    Read the passage

    have been piled with vehicles containing these carcases, hurrying off to be shipped, and the air must have rung with Celtic exclamation, with now and then the language of the Sassenach babbled out by the Celt. Of this time I have not been able to obtain any reliable information, and must make a jump into 1814, when the one-masted sloop the Mermaid , of Newport, left this port for New Passage, with 140 pigs on board. She went to New Passage, which is about 12 miles from Bristol, to evade the harbour dues of Bristol. With this vessel there were other sailing vessels carrying on the trade, and it is computed that in every three weeks 600 head of cattle left this port. Seventy-two hours was the average time for the journey over, but frequently seven or ten days. And it has often happened that a vessel had been out three or four days, and has. been obliged to put back. The animals were slung into the holds in any way as long as they were embarked, and on the other &ide were slung again into a tender which carried them on shore. Cattle died by wholesale from ex¬ haustion, consequent upon hunger and thirst. Since i860 these vessels have ceased to ply.

    About 1825 the first steamer, George IV., left this port, carrying 200 calves and 600 pigs. This seems a surprising number, but the pigs were small and would occupy about as much space as 100 would do at the present day. About this time we may estimate the trade in cattle to be about 600 every three weeks. I say three weeks, because this gives time for the vessel to go over, for the stock to be disposed of, for the dealers to return to purchase a fresh lot.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 386

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Cork, you are moving through what was once a great port for shipping livestock across the water. In 1814 the one-masted sloop the Mermaid of Newport left this port for New Passage, carrying 140 pigs on board. New Passage was about 12 miles from Bristol, and the Mermaid went there to evade the harbour dues of Bristol. Other sailing vessels carried on the same trade, and it is computed that every three weeks 600 head of cattle left this port. The average journey over was 72 hours, but frequently the voyage lasted seven or ten days. It often happened that a vessel had been out three or four days and was obliged to put back. The animals were slung into the holds in any way as long as they were embarked, and on the other side were slung again into a tender which carried them on shore. Cattle died by wholesale from exhaustion, consequent upon hunger and thirst. The trade went on for decades after 1814. About 1825 the first steamer, the George IV, left this port carrying 200 calves and 600 pigs. The pigs were small and would occupy about as much space as 100 would do in later days. The three-week cycle gave time for the vessel to go over, for the stock to be disposed of, and for the dealers to return to purchase a fresh lot.

36. Miraculous ivory image of the Virgin at Youghal Dominican convent

    Youghal · town · Cork · 1450–1644

    The Dominican convent at Youghal was famous for a carved ivory image of the Madonna and Child of Italian workmanship, about three inches high. According to tradition, a piece of wood washed ashore by the tide could not be moved by fishermen or horses until two monks carried it to the convent, where the image was discovered within.

    Read the passage

    image of the Virgin, formerly held in the greatest reverence in Ireland, which arrived there in a miraculous manner. The tide brought a piece of wood on to the sands opposite to the town, which several fishermen tried to carry oil, the wood being rare in this country ; but they could not move it ; they harnessed ten horses to it without effect, and the reflux of the tide brought it near the Dominican convent. Two monks raised it on their shoulders, and put it into the court-yard of the convent, and the prior had in the night a vision that the image of our Lady was in the piece of wood, which was found there. So say the citizens, who have still a great devotion towards it : but the Dominicans having been persecuted by the English settlers, carried it elsewhere.

    1493. _ This friary was reformed by Bartholomew Corna-

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 449

37. Murder of Mahoun in the Macroom Mountains

    Macroom · town · Cork

    The treacherous murder of Mahoun, Brian Boroimhe's brother, is associated with a site in the Macroom Mountains in Co. Cork. The conspiracy was led by Ivor, the Danish King of Limerick, Donovan, and Molloy.

    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

38. Papal expedition squadron reaches Dingle, July 1579

    Dingle · town · Kerry · 1579

    James Fitz Maurice's expedition, accompanied by Dr. Saunders as legate and the Bishop of Killaloe, reached Dingle on 17 July 1579 with three small vessels. The squadron had been ignorant of Stukeley's desertion until their arrival in Ireland.

    Read the passage

    squadron, and joined the expedition which Sebastian, the romantic king of Portugal, was preparing to send to Morocco. Fitz Maurice had travelled through France to Spain, from whence he proceeded to Ireland, with a few troops. He had three small vessels besides his own, and on his way he captured two English ships. He was accompanied by Dr. Saunders, as legate, the Bishop of Killaloe, and Dr. Allen. They were entirely ignorant of Stukeley’s desertion until their arrival in Ireland. The squadron reached Dingle on the 1 7th of July, 1579. Eventually they landed at Smerwick Harbour, and threw themselves into the Fort del Ore, which they fortified as best they could. If the Earl of Desmond had joined his brother at once, the expedition might have ended differently ; but he stood aloof, fearing to involve himself in a struggle, the issue of which could scarcely be doubtful.

    The fact was that the earl was not very earnest about the Catholic interest, while James was devoted to it heart and soul.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 204

39. Perkin Warbeck returns to Cork and enlists soldiers (1497)

    Cork · city · Cork · 1497

    Perkin Warbeck returned once more to Cork on 26 July 1497, where he enlisted 120 soldiers. With the assistance of the Earl of Desmond he procured ships to transport them into Cornwall, to which place he had been invited.

    Read the passage

    between the two nations, Perkin was forced to quit Scotland, and embarking with his wife and family, he came once more to Cork, where on the 26th of July, 1497) he enlisted 120 soldiers, and by the assistance of the Earl of Desmond procured ships to transport them into Cornwall, to which place he was invited. The citizens of Waterford, being loyal to King Henry, fitted out four galleys and pursued him ; but fortune did not crown their loyal endeavours with the success of taking him. IT pon his landing he assumed the title and name of Richard IV. , King of England, and, being joined by several thousands, besieged the city of Exeter in form, but was soon obliged to raise the siege, the king’s forces being at hand. Finding his army decreasing he privately withdrew to the sanctuary of Beaulieu, in Hampshire, where he surrendered himself, and Avas sent prisoner to the Tower, from whence he made his escape, but was retaken.

    “ 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

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 148

    As the companion tells it

    Cork, 1497. Perkin Warbeck had been forced to quit Scotland, and he came back here, to this city, with his wife and family. On the 26th of July 1497 he enlisted 120 soldiers. With the assistance of the Earl of Desmond he procured ships to transport them into Cornwall, to which place he had been invited. The citizens of Waterford, loyal to King Henry, fitted out four galleys and pursued him. But fortune did not crown their loyal endeavours with the success of taking him. Upon landing he assumed the title and name of Richard the Fourth, King of England. Being joined by several thousands, he besieged the city of Exeter in form, but was soon obliged to raise the siege, the king's forces being at hand. Finding his army decreasing, he privately withdrew to the sanctuary of Beaulieu in Hampshire, where he surrendered himself and was sent prisoner to the Tower. From there he made his escape, but was retaken. That same July, Maurice, Earl of Desmond, and the Earl of Lincoln besieged Waterford with 2,400 men in favour of Perkin. The citizens defended themselves so vigorously that the besiegers were repulsed with loss, and on the 3rd of August were obliged to raise the siege.

40. Queen Elizabeth's gowns for Irish chieftains' wives

    Cork · city · Cork · 1578–1579

    Queen Elizabeth sent some of her royal dresses to the wives of Irish chieftains, including the Countess of Desmond and O'Neill's wife. The front breadths of the gowns were 'slobbered' and a memorial was sent requesting replacements.

    Read the passage

    The virgin queen was very desirous that her subjects should conform to her royal will and pleasure in matters of dress, as well as in matters of belief. Nor was she by any means ignorant of the appreciation of rich raiment peculiar to the female sex. She sent some of her royal dresses to the "wives of Irish chieftains, and these ladies appear to have accepted her old clothes in some cases with a gratitude which was eminently practical.3 The Countess of Desmond discovered some of her husband’s bad qualities and general unmanage¬ ableness after the gift of a dress of cloth of gold.

    Lord Clanrickarde’s tailor’s bill, as proffered to him in the year of grace 1578, is still extant, and also a bill for the raiment of his lordship’s sons, Mr. Bourke and Mr. Darby, which goes to show that while he ruffled it himself in very fine attire, his sons did penance for his extravagance in something very like sackcloth.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 264

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this is a city touched by a strange gift from Queen Elizabeth. She wanted her subjects to follow her will in dress as well as belief, and she was not ignorant of how women valued rich clothing. She sent some of her own royal dresses to the wives of Irish chieftains. These ladies accepted her old clothes in some cases with a gratitude that was eminently practical. The Countess of Desmond discovered some of her husband's bad qualities and his general unmanageableness after she received a dress of cloth of gold. Lord Clanrickarde's tailor's bill from 1578 is still extant, along with a bill for the clothing of his sons, Mr. Bourke and Mr. Darby. While he ruffled it himself in very fine attire, his sons did penance for his extravagance in something very like sackcloth.

41. Richard II licences Desmond's son to be fostered in Thomond, 1388

    Thomond · street · Dublin · 1388

    In 1388, Richard II granted a licence to Gerald, Earl of Desmond, allowing his son James to be sent to Conor O'Brien of Thomond to be brought up and educated as an Irishman. The stated object was the better preserving of peace for the future.

    Read the passage

    5. The king having been credibly informed of the constant good repute which Gerald Fitzmaurice, Earl of Desmond, held and supported, above all others of his part of Ireland, for fidelity to him and his liege subjects in Munster ; and on that account, and for the better preserving the peace and the said liege people for the future, being willing to shew his favour, did, at his request, grant him licence to send his son James to Conor O’Brien of Thomond, an Irishman, to be brought up or educated, and there to remain as long as he should think fit, notwithstanding any statutes made to the contrary.

    It is curious and instructive to observe that in 13S1, or some years previous to the above demand for Irish fosterage, the Earl of Desmond had-been sent “ to assuage the malice” of O’Brien, who had endeavoured to make a “general conquest” of Limerick, Cork, and

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 142

42. Siege and capture of Castleisland

    Castleisland · town · Kerry · 1346

    Viceroy D'Ufford marched with a powerful force to Castleisland, the Earl of Desmond's great stronghold. After a fortnight's siege the castle was taken and the earl's knights Eustace le Poer and William le Grant, along with his seneschal John Cotterel, were hanged.

    Read the passage

    Some of the earl’s followers obeyed the Viceroy’s writs, and refused to attend at Callan, whither D’Ufford marched with a powerful force to subdue the refractory noble. He marched through the country as far as Castleisland, which was the earl’s great stronghold. The earl’s knights, Eustace le Poer and William le Grant, refused to obey the summons ; but after a fortnight’s siege the castle was taken, and the knights were hanged, with the earl’s seneschal, John Cotterel. Desmond, however, still remained at large, and the Viceroy bethought himself of the bond executed twelve years before, in which so many nobles had so imprudently proffered their sureties for the Desmond. The “ muinpernoms ” were pro¬ ceeded against, their lands forfeited, and many were completely ruined in consequence. In the meantime, another phase in the history of disorder was effected by the death of D’Ufford, on Palm Sunday, 1346. He was generally disliked, and his proud widow left the country amidst the openly expressed contempt of the populace.

    Sir John Moritz was now sent to rule the troublesome colony, and on his arrival in Dublin he liberated the Earl of Kildare; and soon after the Earl of Desmond sailed for England from Youghal with his wife and two sons, and surrendered himself to the king on honourable terms, obtaining an allow¬ ance from the treasury of twenty shillings per diem. During his detention he obtained favourable terms for himself, and

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 128

43. Sir Roger de Mortimer lands at Youghal

    Youghal · town · Cork · 1317

    In Easter week 1317, Sir Roger de Mortimer, appointed Lord Justice, landed at Youghal with 38 knights. Upon his arrival Bruce fled into Ulster but was pursued and slain.

    Read the passage

    “ 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.

    Edward 11., “ Alexander Becknor, Archbishop of Dublin and

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 115

44. Spanish fleet arrives at Kinsale harbour

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1601

    On 20 September 1601, the Spanish fleet arrived in Kinsale harbour. The Sovereign of Kinsale immediately sent word to Sir Charles in Cork to inform him of the fleet's arrival, with intelligence that it was bearing down on Cork before the wind changed.

    Read the passage

    the beginning of the year 1601 rumours of a Spanish invasion were again rife, to the extreme discomfort of the English court ; and in the beginning of August, Cecil received definite intelligence from the spy whom he employed at the Spanish court. On the 1 3th September a Captain Lowe arrived in Cork harbour, and declared that he had sighted the fleet ; on the 20th September the Spaniards really arrived in Kinsale harbour, and the Sovereign of Kinsale sent in all haste to Sir Charles, who was in Cork, to inform him of the arrival of the fleet, with the additional intelligence that it was

    300

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 248

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Kinsale, you're entering a town where, on 20 September 1601, a Spanish fleet sailed into the harbour. Rumours of invasion had been rife all year, and Cecil had received intelligence from a spy at the Spanish court in August. On 13 September, a Captain Lowe arrived in Cork harbour saying he had sighted the fleet. A week later the Spaniards really arrived here, and the Sovereign of Kinsale sent word in all haste to Sir Charles in Cork, with intelligence that the fleet was bearing down on Cork before the wind changed.

45. Spanish landing at Castlehaven during Kinsale siege

    Castlehaven · townland · Cork · 1601

    Spaniards landed at Castlehaven and brought six ensigns to Tyrone's camp, joining with the Irish forces of Munster who had revolted. The combined Irish and Spanish army sat down on 21 December a mile and a half from Kinsale, between the English camp and Cork.

    Read the passage

    “■ ‘Tyrone, accompanied with O’Donnell, O’Rourke, Maguire, Mac Mahound, Randoll, Mac Saurlie, Redmond Bourke, O’Connor, Sligoe Brothers, and Tirrell, with the choice force, and, in effect, all the reliefs of Ireland, being drawn into Munster, and joined with Spaniards that landed at Castlehaven, who brought to Tyrone’s camp six ensigns of Spaniards and the greatest part of the Irishry of Munster, who being revolted, were joined with them, and entertained into the king’s pay in several companies, and under their own lords, resolved to relieve the town of Kinsale, and to that purpose sat down the 21st of December a mile and a half from the town, between the English camp and Corke, and on that side of the army kept from them all passages and means for forage, the other side over the river of Ownybuoy being wholly at their disposition by reason of the general revolt of those parts. It seemed they were drawn so far by the impor¬ tunity of Don Juan D’Aquila, as we perceived by some of his letters intercepted, wherein he did intimate his own necessity, their promise to succour him, and the facility of the enterprise, our army being weak in numbers and tired, as he termed us with assurance from himself that whensoever he should advance to our quarter he would give the blow soundly from the town. During the abode of the rebels in that place we had continual intelligence of their purpose to give alarms from their party, and sallies from the town, but to little other effect than to weary our men by keeping them continually in arms, the weather being extreme, tempestuous, cold and wet.

    “ On the 23rd of December, late in the night, Captain

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 251

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1601, Spaniards came ashore at Castlehaven. They brought six ensigns of Spanish soldiers to Tyrone's camp, where the greatest part of the Irishry of Munster had already revolted and joined them. These Irish were taken into the king's pay in several companies, under their own lords. Tyrone was there with O'Donnell, O'Rourke, Maguire, Mac Mahound, Mac Saurlie, Redmond Bourke, O'Connor, the Sligoe Brothers, and Tirrell, with the choice force of Ireland drawn into Munster. Together, Irish and Spanish, they resolved to relieve the town of Kinsale. On the 21st of December they sat down a mile and a half from the town, between the English camp and Cork. On one side they kept all passages and means for forage from the English. On the other side, over the river of Ownybuoy, they had full freedom, because those parts had generally revolted. They were drawn so far by the importunity of Don Juan D'Aquila. Some of his letters were intercepted, and in them he spoke of his own necessity, their promise to succour him, and how the enterprise would be easy, the English army being weak and tired. He gave assurance that when he advanced to the English quarter he would, as the record says, "give the blow soundly from the town." During the time the rebels stayed in that place, the English had continual intelligence of their purpose to give alarms from their party and sallies from the town. It came to little other effect than to weary the English men by keeping them continually in arms. The weather was extreme, tempestuous, cold and wet. On the 23rd of December, late in the night, a Captain —

46. Thaddeus Mac Carryg usurps See of Ross temporalities

    Ross Carbery · town · Cork · 1480–1494

    After the bishop of Ross died around 1480, Odo was canonically elected but Thaddeus Mac Carryg seized the temporalities of the See using his influence with civil authorities. He was excommunicated by Pope Sixtus, promulgated at a synod of southern bishops in Cashel in 1484 and repeated by Innocent VIII in 1488.

    Read the passage

    A letter of this Pontiff addressed to Odo, bishop of Ross, 01 the 2 1st of July, 1488, has happily been preserved, and it presents to us the following particulars connected with the See. No sooner had the See of Ross become vacant, by the demise of its bishop about 1480, than Odo was elected its chief pastor, and his election was duly confirmed at Rome. A certain person, however, named Thaddeus Mac Carryg, had aspired to the dignity of successor of St. Fachnan, and as he enjoyed high influence with the civil authorities he easily obtained possession of the temporalities of the See. Several monitory letters were addressed to him from Rome, exhorting him to desist from such an iniquitous course ; but as these were of no avail, sentence of excommunication was fulminated against him by Pope Sixtus, and promulgated in a synod of the southern bishops, held in Cashel in 1484 ; it was repeated by Innocent VIII. in 1488. Thus, then, the individual who is described by Ware as Bishop of Ross was merely an usurper of the temporalities of the See, whilst the true bishop, Odo, continued to govern the diocese till his death in 1494.

    His successor was Dr. Edmund Courcy, who was translated

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 161

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through or near Ross Carbery in Cork, this town is tied to a dispute over the See of Ross. Around 1480, the bishop of Ross died, and Odo was elected as his successor. His election was confirmed at Rome. But a man named Thaddeus Mac Carryg also wanted the position. He had strong influence with the civil authorities, and he took control of the temporalities of the See. Rome sent him several warning letters, telling him to stop. He did not. Pope Sixtus excommunicated him, and that sentence was promulgated at a synod of the southern bishops held in Cashel in 1484. Pope Innocent VIII repeated it in 1488. A letter from Innocent VIII to Odo, bishop of Ross, dated the 2nd of July 1488, preserves these details. Thaddeus Mac Carryg, described by Ware as Bishop of Ross, was only a usurper of the temporalities. The true bishop, Odo, continued to govern the diocese until his death in 1494. His successor was Dr. Edmund Courcy, who was translated to the See.

47. Thomas Fitzgerald endows collegiate church at Youghal

    Youghal · town · Cork

    Thomas Fitzgerald, sixth Earl of Desmond, known as the learned earl, endowed a collegiate church at Youghal. He subsequently met what the author terms a 'most tragical death' after making rash remarks about Elizabeth Gray.

    Read the passage

    The learned earl— Russell’s account of the Geraldines— Thomas Fitzgerald, sixth Earl of Desmond, endows a collegiate church at Youghal — Desmond’s “most tragical death” The earl’s rash remarks about Elizabeth Gray, and the consequences — How the Irish were “ quieted,” and why— Death of Mac Carthy More, the best protector of the poor —Difficulties of tracing the Desmond pedigree— Black Maurice— The Mac Carthys behave themselves “ briskly.”

    0N the reign of Edward III. the insolence of the English lords in Ireland had grown so great that a parliament was assembled in Dublin for repressive measures. But the English in Ireland had their own aggrandisement too entirely at heart to pay much attention to royal enactments, and they were too far away from the arm of the law to be subjected to any compulsion. The result was a chronic state of misery and confusion throughout the island, ..which leaves it a subject of wonder, especially when succeeding events are considered,

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 119

48. Thirteenth Earl of Desmond ambushed and murdered near Fermoy

    Fermoy · townland · Cork · 1535

    James, thirteenth Earl of Desmond, landed at Youghal on August 7, 1535, but as he passed through the Viscount of Fermoy's country, an ambush was laid by his kinsman Maurice Dubh ('the Murderer'). All his followers were allowed to escape unhurt after the deed.

    Read the passage

    James had been educated in England, whither he had been sent as a hostage. On hearing that he was heir to the Desmond title and property, he requested permission of the “King’s Majesty” to take possession of the “lands and territorys, and quietly to settle his affayres.” How little he could have anticipated his fate when he set forth on his journey with a troop of friends and soldiers. He landed at Youghal, August 7, 1535, but as he passed “ through the Lord Roch, Viscount of Fermoy, his country,” an ambush was laid for him by his treacherous kinsman, Maurice — known, from this and other crimes, as Maurice the Murderer, or “ Maurice Dubh ” (the black). There can be no doubt that the object of this ambush was solely to murder the young earl. As soon as the bloody deed had been effected, all his followers were allowed to escape unhurt.9

    Maurice was succeeded by his grand-uncle John, of whom Burgh gives the following account : —

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 135

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1535, the thirteenth Earl of Desmond was ambushed and killed. His name was James. He had been educated in England, sent there as a hostage. When he learned he was heir to the Desmond title and property, he asked the King's Majesty for permission to take possession of his lands and quietly settle his affairs. He landed at Youghal on August 7, 1535, with a troop of friends and soldiers. But as he passed through the country of the Lord Roch, Viscount of Fermoy, an ambush was laid for him by his kinsman Maurice, known from this and other crimes as Maurice the Murderer, or Maurice Dubh, the black. The object of the ambush was solely to murder the young earl. As soon as the bloody deed had been done, all his followers were allowed to escape unhurt.

49. Arrest of Desmond and origin of Munster rebellion

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1565

    Sir John of Desmond and his brother the Earl were summoned to Dublin for conference with the lords justices, then sent as prisoners to the Tower of London for about seven years. Sidney considered this unjust treatment the origin of James Fitzmaurice's rebellion and all subsequent turmoil in Munster.

    Read the passage

    “ Within a few dales after I was charged for not redressing the damages done to Ormonde, and his followers, by Sir John of Desmond, whom I left seneschal and captaine of his brother’s countrie, his brother still remaining with me in captivitie, and then it was openlie spoken, that the Butlers could have no justice against Sir John of Desmond, either by Sidney or St. Ledger, whom I had left chief in commission to mynister justice in Munster, and, unwitting to me, the Earl of Desmond and Sir John, his brother, were sent for; which Sir John being come to Dublin for conference with the lords justices, was, together with his brother the earl, sent prisoners and committed to the Tower of London, where they remained, I think, seven years after ; and truly, Mr. Secretarie, this kind of dealing with Sir John of Desmond was the origin of James Fitzmaurice’s rebellion, and, consequently, of all the royle and mischief in Munster, which I can prove hath cost the crowne of England and that countrie one hundred thousand pounds.”

    There were other causes, certainly, for James Desmond’s revolt ; and a principal cause was that he and the Irish in general were denied the free exercise of their religion, and those rights of conscience of which God alone should be the judge; but there is no doubt that Sidney tdok a clear and,

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 209

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, you are moving through a city where, in 1565, a summons turned into a trap. Sir John of Desmond had been left seneschal and captain of his brother's country. His brother, the Earl of Desmond, was still being held in captivity. Sir John was charged with doing damage to Ormonde and his followers, and it was openly spoken that the Butlers could get no justice against him, either from Sidney or from St. Ledger, who had been left chief in commission to administer justice in Munster. Then, unwitting to Sidney, the Earl of Desmond and Sir John were sent for. Sir John came to Dublin for conference with the lords justices. Together with his brother the earl, he was sent as prisoners and committed to the Tower of London, where they remained, in Sidney's words, "I think, seven years after." Sidney called this dealing with Sir John of Desmond the origin of James Fitzmaurice's rebellion, and consequently of all the turmoil and mischief in Munster. He said he could prove it had cost the crown of England and that country one hundred thousand pounds. There were other causes for the revolt, including that the Irish were denied the free exercise of their religion and those rights of conscience of which God alone should be judge.

50. Blessed Thaddeus McCarthy, Bishop of Cork and Cloyne, died at Ivrea

    Cloyne · town · Cork · 1490–1492

    Thady McCarthy, Bishop of Cork and Cloyne, died at Ivrea in Piedmont on 24 October 1492 while on pilgrimage. His body was placed under the high altar of the cathedral there, and miracles were attributed to his intercession. He is remembered as a Cork saint of the MacCarthy family.

    Read the passage

    “ Thady McCarthy (succ. 1490). Upon the resignation of William, Thady McCarthy, by some called Meehar, succeeded the same year by a provision from Pope Innocent VIII., as may be seen from the collectancea of Francis Harold.”

    The way in which this Cork saint came to be more specially

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 153

51. Charleville founded by Earl of Orrery

    Charleville · town · Cork

    Charleville was founded by and named after the Earl of Orrery, who sought to exclude Presbyterians, Catholics, and dissenters from settling there. Despite this, only fourteen of the town's 475 houses were occupied by Protestants. A charter school was established where Barry Yelverton (Lord Avonmore) learned his classics.

    Read the passage

    Charleville. — This town was founded by, and obtained its name from, the Earl of Orrery. He writes to the Duke of Ormond “ that he would not allow either a Presbyterian or Papist or fanatic to plant here.” Yet out of the 475 houses, which now form the town, only fourteen are in the occupation of Protestants. A charter school was established here, at which Barry Yelverton (Lord Avonmore) learned his classics.

    There is a burial ground near Charleville, called Ballysah, but I am informed that a document left by a parish priest of Charleville, says that it should be called Holy Cross. An Irish poet, John Mac Donnell, is buried here. He was born in 1691, and his memory is still held in affectionate remembrance amongst the people.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 420

52. Cork churches and suburbs burned and wasted (1462 charter)

    Cork · city · Cork · 1462

    A charter of 1462 recorded that eleven parish churches had existed in Cork city and suburbs within a one-mile radius, but these churches and suburbs had been burned and laid waste for fifteen years by Irish enemies and English rebels. The citizens sought and received a pardon of their fee-farm rent due to their inability to pay.

    Read the passage

    dated Apud, Castellum Suum, the 1st of December, the 2nd of his reign— viz., anm . 1462. This charter takes notice of eleven parish churches having been in the city rnd suburbs thereof for one mile round it, for which they paid 80 marks to the crown, as long as the said suburbs remained undestroyed ; and that now the aforesaid churches and suburbs by reason of the wars of Irish enemies and English rebels, were burned and laid waste for the space of fifteen years past, by reason thereof the citizens were become unable to pay his Majesty the said sum, and did seek a pardon for the same from his Majesty’s noble father, upon consideration of which he remits the aforesaid fee-farm rent ; and the said king grants the custom called cocquet to the city for the rebuilding of their walls, to liold the same until they could travel a mile round their city in safety.

    King Henry VII. confirmed all the former grants with the port of the city, from Rew Rone on the west to Denowdram on the east ; and in regard to the poverty of the city and the ruin and spoil of the same, he grants a release for all rents due before the date of these letters patent, and in lieu thereof accepts of 2olbs. of wax, to be paid every Easter unto his exchequer in Dublin, during the king’s pleasure. This charter also restores the city to the king’s favour, it being disfranchised for aiding Perkin Warbeck. (Tiste Rege apud Westmouart, 1°, Die Augusti, Au Regu, 15°, A.D. 1500).

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 147

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Cork, there is a story in a charter from December 1462. It records that eleven parish churches had stood in the city and its suburbs, for one mile round. For those churches the citizens paid 80 marks to the crown, so long as the suburbs remained undestroyed. But the churches and suburbs had been burned and laid waste for fifteen years past, by Irish enemies and English rebels. The citizens had become unable to pay, and they sought pardon from the king's noble father. He remitted the fee-farm rent. The king also granted the custom called cocquet to the city for the rebuilding of their walls, to hold until they could travel a mile round their city in safety. Later, King Henry the Seventh confirmed all the former grants, with the port of the city, from Rew Rone on the west to Denowdram on the east. In regard to the poverty of the city and its ruin and spoil, he granted a release for all rents due before the date of these letters patent, and in place of them accepted 20 pounds of wax, to be paid every Easter to his exchequer in Dublin, during the king's pleasure. This charter also restored the city to the king's favour, for it had been disfranchised for aiding Perkin Warbeck. That was dated the 1st of August 1500.

53. Cork citizens alarmed and armed against invasion

    Cork · city · Cork · 1796

    On 23 December 1796 the people of Cork were thrown into consternation by news of a large fleet off Bantry. Militia and fencible regiments were despatched to Bantry, cavalry escorted artillery to Bandon, and all citizens capable of carrying arms enrolled as yeomanry.

    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

54. Earl of Desmond sails from Youghal to England

    Youghal · town · Cork

    The Earl of Desmond sailed from Youghal to England, where he was made Viceroy. In a bid to give general satisfaction, he hanged some of his own relatives upon taking office.

    Read the passage

    The conduct of the English lords during the reign of Edward III. — Policy of the English in Ireland — The Norman nobles obliged to seek the assistance of the native Irish — Quarrels between the English by blood and the English by birth — The English in Ireland cared more for their own than for English interests — The Anglo-Norman settlers did not like being ejected by new comers, and forgot how they had ejected the Irish — The Desmonds defy the mandates of the Lord Justices — How the Earl of Desmond got into trouble, and how he got out of it — Ireland never defrayed the expense of keeping it — How “the Mac Carties plaied the divell,” and Ilanmer’s account of the rise of ihe Desmonds — Sir John Davis’s account of how the English lords lived — The king’s sheriffs were by no means as honest as they might have been — The English king obliged to secure the allegiance of the Desmonds by granting them favours — The earl peremp¬ torily refuses to swear fealty to the English Crown — A Parliament held at Westminster, in which the evils of absenteeism were discovered— Orders given for the Anglo-Norman lords to remain in Ireland— De Lacy makes an example of some Anglo-Norman lords by hanging them— Some pertinent queries sent to the English court— TheEarl of Desmond sails from Youghal to England — He is made Viceroy', and hangs some of his relatives to

    give general satisfaction— The English lords forbidden to make war on each other _

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 119

55. Eighty-eight Irishmen drowned at Bandon Bridge

    Bandon · town · Cork · 1641

    In 1641 the garrison of Bandon Bridge tied eighty-eight Irishmen of that town back to back and threw them off the bridge into the river, where they were all drowned. This was one of several massacres perpetrated against the Irish population.

    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. English fleet appears off Kinsale harbour

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1689

    On 14 April 1689 Admiral Herbert's English fleet appeared off Kinsale harbour. The governor, Mac Elligot, initially mistook them for the expected French fleet and prepared to withdraw his forces so the French could take possession, before discovering his error and preparing to oppose them.

    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

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Kinsale, you're passing the town whose harbour saw a strange false alarm in April 1689. On the 14th of that month, Admiral Herbert appeared with his English fleet off the harbour. Mac Elligot, the governor, thought they were the French fleet he was expecting, and he was preparing to withdraw all his forces from the town so the French could take possession of the place and forts. When he discovered his mistake, he put everything in readiness to oppose them instead. The incident fed a report that King James had agreed to put Ireland into the French king's hands in exchange for help recovering his dominions. Two weeks later, on the 29th of April, Herbert's scouts on the south coast spotted the real French fleet, forty-four sail, gone into Baltimore. He pursued them past Cape Clear into Bantry Bay. The next morning he stood in and found the enemy at anchor. They got under sail and bore down on him in a line of twenty-eight men of war and five fire ships. The French admiral opened fire when they came within musket shot of the Defiance, which led the van. The English tried to gain the wind and engage closer but found it disadvantageous. Herbert stood off to sea to form a line, but the French were too cautious in bearing down to give him the chance. The battering continued on a stretch until five in the afternoon, when the French admiral stood back into the bay. Herbert's ship and others were disabled in their rigging and could not follow. In this action, Captain George Aylmer of the Portland, one lieutenant, and 94 seamen were lost.

57. Florence MacCarthy detained in Dublin, Lady Ellen prisoner in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1583–1600

    Florence MacCarthy was detained in Dublin while Lady Ellen MacCarthy was made a prisoner in Cork following their romantic marriage, which Queen Elizabeth was anxious to prevent. Lady Ellen escaped and hid for two years before Florence was eventually released.

    Read the passage

    • — Efforts to get the marriage undone — Florence is detained in Dublin, and Lady Ellen made prisoner in Cork — How she escapes, and hides for two years — Florence is released — O’Neill and the sugane earl— Carew, the President of Munster, has a troublesome time — The sugane earl bought over, and the consequences — St. Leger’s letter announcing the marriage— The Countess of Clankertie the cause of all the mischief, as her Ma’ties “ deepe concepte” may see — The perils of the match— All the Clan Kerties were at Florence’s devotion, and he was exceeding “embrased” by them— He had the audacity to be “marryed with masse”—

    How Florence gets round them all, and pleads ignorance of the royal will— The English governor says the cruelties of their

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa

58. Florence MacCarthy refuses to enter Cork for talks

    Cork · city · Cork · 1600

    Florence MacCarthy met English officials by a woodside outside Cork, refusing to come into the city itself, appearing armed and timorous. Later, Carew invited him to Cork for conferences where Florence wrote insincere letters to the English court while secretly combining with the rebels.

    Read the passage

    Bonewes by a wooclside (for be would not come into Cork). Tlieetker went to Sir Henrie, and Sir George Thornton, and Sir Charles Wellmott ; and Florence comes out of the wood all armed with a pistoll at his gerdeel, very, timorous. First con¬ ferred with him Sir Henrie and Sir George, and after Sir Charles with them. His speeches in defense of his doings are so frivolous, as that F will trouble your honor therewith, as if her Mad.e would have him to leave all and beg in England he would do it, with other vam words. But no* likelihood of any hope that he is, or will be, a thankful subject for so many great favours and graces received of her highness. The general opinion of him heere is that he will show an Irish trick — ingratitude for a good turn — and, whatsoever he allegeth, sure it is his joining with O’Neyll was voluntary ; he might have kept him from him, but he aimeth to be as great in the South as the other in the North.

    “ May the Lord of Hosts confound them both I pray in charity.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 242

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this is the city Florence MacCarthy would not enter. In 1600 he met the English officials by a woodside outside the walls, refusing to come into Cork itself. He came out of the wood all armed, a pistol at his girdel, very timorous. Sir Henrie and Sir George conferred with him first, and then Sir Charles with them. His speeches in defense of his doings were called frivolous. He said that if her Majesty would have him leave all and beg in England, he would do it, but those were counted vain words. There was no likelihood, the officials wrote, that he would be a thankful subject for the many great favours he had received of her highness. The general opinion of him here was that he would show an Irish trick, ingratitude for a good turn. And whatsoever he alleged, sure it was his joining with O'Neill was voluntary. He might have kept from him, but he aimed to be as great in the South as the other in the North. The record closes with the words:

59. Gerald of Desmond devastates Meath and Kildare

    Meath · county · Meath · 1467

    Following the execution of Earl Thomas of Desmond, his son Gerald immediately took up arms with a host of followers and spread terror and desolation through Meath and Kildare in retaliation.

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    The dismay and consternation which was caused by the news of Desmond’s execution may well be imagined. The , earl’s surviving sons were still young, but his clan were most powerful ; and the very fact of his death having been caused by an English viceroy was sufficient to obtain the most active sympathy of the native Irish. Gerald, (styled by the Irish, Gearoith) of Desmond, immediately took up arms, and, with a . host of followers, spread terror and desolation through Meath and Kildare. The parliament attainted him, and devised the confiscation of his property ; but all their acts remained a dead letter, and after the experience of what had so recently occurred, he took care not to trust his person in any English settlement. Russell says that the earl’s five sons joined in

    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.”

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 133

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Meath, you are moving through a county that felt the fury of Gerald of Desmond in 1467. Earl Thomas of Desmond, his father, had gone to Drogheda to meet the English Lord Justice and the English of Meath. They acted treacherously, the Four Masters say, and beheaded him without any crime on his part. The greater number of men of Ireland were grieved at the news. His body was afterwards conveyed to Tralee and interred in the burial place of his predecessors and ancestors with great honour and veneration. Gerald, called Gearoith by the Irish, immediately took up arms. With a host of followers, he spread terror and desolation through Meath and Kildare in retaliation. The parliament attainted him and devised the confiscation of his property, but all their acts remained a dead letter. After what had happened to his father, he took care not to trust his person in any English settlement. The Four Masters remembered Thomas as the most illustrious of his tribe in Ireland in his time, for his comeliness and stature, for his hospitality and chivalry, his charity and humanity to the poor and the indigent, his bounty in bestowing jewels and riches on the laity, the clergy, and the poets, and his suppression of theft and immorality. His death at English hands was enough to win the active sympathy of the native Irish for his sons.

60. Harvey captures Castlehaven from its Spanish garrison

    Castlehaven · townland · Cork · 1602

    Captain Harvey seized Castlehaven, which was in charge of a Spaniard. While Harvey and the Spanish commander conversed over wine, the O'Driscolls attempted to quietly take possession of the castle, but the arrival of two ships commanded by Harvey's brothers frustrated their efforts.

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    Captain Flowers and Harvey were ordered to take possesion of these castles if they could. Harvey got Castlehaven, but not without some risk. It was in charge of a Spaniard, and while he and the commander were in high conversation over their wine, the O’Driscolls were quietly getting possession of the castle. Two ships commanded by Harvey’s brothers came into the harbour at the moment, and their attempts were thus frustrated. On the 26th of July, Donnelong and Donneshed were both delivered into the hands of the English, but Dunboy was to come. Flowers had shipped in “ a hoy, or vessel of a hundred and twenty tons, with two companies of soldiers, but the weather was rough ; he could not effect a landing, (/ Sullivan got into his own castle once more. He had indeed been allowed a run of the place, and appears to have been on pleasant terms with the Spanish commander even after they had ceased to be allies through Don Juan’s treachery.

    There were a few Irish, also, with the Spanish soldiers, and some of these men contrived a breach in the wall, and admitted eighty armed men at midnight, amongst them were Donnell Mac Carthy, Captain Farell, Burke, and Florence Fitzmaurice, the Anglo-Norman descendant of Raymond le Gros, now lord of Lixnaw — for these same Fitzmaurices were gener¬ ally on the “rebel” side in Ireland. There were, also, Father

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 254

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in 1602, Captain Harvey took Castlehaven from its Spanish garrison. The castle was in the charge of a Spaniard, and Harvey sat down with the commander. They were in high conversation over their wine. While they talked, the O'Driscolls were quietly getting possession of the castle. Two ships commanded by Harvey's brothers came into the harbour at that moment, and the O'Driscolls' attempts were frustrated. On the 26th of July, Donnelong and Donneshed were delivered into the hands of the English. Dunboy was still to come. Captain Flowers had shipped in a hoy, a vessel of 120 tons, with two companies of soldiers. The weather was rough and he could not effect a landing. Sullivan got into his own castle once more. He had been allowed a run of the place and was on pleasant terms with the Spanish commander even after they ceased to be allies through Don Juan's treachery. There were a few Irish with the Spanish soldiers. Some of these men contrived a breach in the wall and admitted 80 armed men at midnight. Among them were Donnell Mac Carthy, Captain Farell, Burke, and Florence Fitzmaurice, the Anglo-Norman descendant of Raymond le Gros, now lord of Lixnaw.