Name: A history of the city and county of Cork
Author: Mary Francis Cusack (1829–1899)

Marriage of Lady Ellen and Florence MacCarthy in Killarney

Killarney · town · Kerry

Lady Ellen MacCarthy married her cousin Florence MacCarthy in an old ruined church in Killarney, with Mass celebrated by the officiating priest. Only the countess and O'Sullivan More were present as witnesses to the secret ceremony.

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The lady Ellen, however, had doubts of her majesty s « most blessed government,” and proposed settling her matri¬ monial affairs for herself. That she was a woman of tolerably independent mind her future career gave ample evidence. The marriage took place in an old ruined church in Killarney, when Mass was said also by the officiating priest. No one was present except the countess and O’Sullivan More. The days of bridal joy were few. “ A Tudor hurricane” burnt
28o

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 235

Parliament prorogued from Dublin to Kilkenny

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1331

Sir Anthony de Lacy summoned a parliament in Dublin, but the great southern lords refused to attend, so he prorogued the assembly and convened it at Kilkenny where the Earl of Desmond and Lord William de Bermingham swore loyalty on the Gospels.

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Sir Anthony cle Lacy was made justiciary in the following year, 1331. He was connected through intermarriage with the Desmonds, De Berminghams, and De Burghs ; his kinsman, J ohn de Multon, baron of Egremont, having married Alianore De Burgh, a daughter of the Red Earl, and sister-in-law to the Earl of Desmond. He summoned a parliament in Dublin, but the great southern lords refused to attend. De Lacy then prorogued the assembly and convened it at Kilkenny. Here the Earl of Desmond, and his friend Lord William de Bermingham, swore on the Gospels to be “ loyal and faithful their subsequent career giving evidence of how little sincerity there was in their solemn protestations. Many of their followers purchased the “King’s peace” by the payment of heavy fines, and De Lacy declared that, for all time to come, he who might be found guilty of the “ death of an English¬ man,” should suffer for it — a threat easier uttered than executed.
By way of an exhibition of general justice, and, doubtless because of some private information, De Lacy seized the Earl of Desmond soon after at Limerick, and committed him to Dublin Castle. A parliament was held at Westminster in September, 1331, in which the evils of absenteeism were discovered, and those holding offices in Ireland were required to proceed thither forthwith, while the proprietors of large tracts of land were required to take measures for the security of their property. Projects were entertained for a royal visit to Ireland, and those who held property there were summoned to attend the king, but the Scotch wars proved an obstacle to the accomplishment of the expedition. In the meanwhile

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 125

Priests maintained by Cork aldermen and merchants

Cork · city · Cork · 1596

The author of a 1596 letter complains that seminary priests were resident in Cork city, maintained daily by the aldermen and merchants to perform masses and sacraments in private houses.

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“The cause of all these evills before rehearsed, is the want of dew execution of those godly lawes which are established, whereby (not obeying for conscience sake), they are em¬ boldened forwards in their ungodliness, disloyaltie, dis¬ obedience, and rebellion, and out of this cause springeth the boldnesse of the people. The Pope’s Legate, friars, priests, and seminaries, of whom this countrey is full, as also the city of Corck ; whereas there be X seminary and seducing priests resident within the city, maintayned and kept dayly by the aldermen and merchants of the city, to say masse, baptize, minister the sacraments, and other their popish and hereticall ceremonies in their private houses, and when I am out of the town they walk openly and comonly in the street, accom¬ panied with the aldermen and officers of the city, and con¬ veyed forth of the towne, when they goe to say their masses in the countrey abroad, neyther want they anything. I have their names, and who maintaineth them, and how farre I have dealt herein, to the discharge of my dewty, in my function to Godward, and my obedience to her Majesty, may appear by a letter written by me unto my honor, good Lord, the Lord Deputy.5 And therefore my honor, good Lord, I
5, Sir W. Russell, Lord Deputy, June 1594 to 1598.

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 168

As the companion tells it

As the road takes you through Cork, this city carries an old complaint from 1596. A letter from that year lays out the grievance. The writer says the want of due execution of godly laws has emboldened the people forward in ungodliness, disloyalty, disobedience, and rebellion. He says the Pope's Legate, friars, priests, and seminaries fill the country, and the city of Cork as well. 10 seminary and seducing priests were resident within the city, maintained and kept daily by the aldermen and merchants. Their purpose was to say mass, baptize, minister the sacraments, and perform other ceremonies in private houses. When the writer was out of town, the priests walked openly and commonly in the street, accompanied by the aldermen and officers of the city. They were conveyed out of town when they went to say their masses in the country abroad, and lacked nothing. The writer says he had their names, and knew who maintained them. He had written to the Lord Deputy, Sir W. Russell, to discharge his duty to God and his obedience to her Majesty.

Táin Bó Cuailgne, the cattle raid of Cooley

Cooley · locality · Louth

The Táin Bó Cuailgne (Cattle Spoil of Cuailgne), set in Cooley, County Louth, is one of the most interesting early bardic tales. It tells of Queen Meav's quest to seize the famous bull Finnbheannach from Ulster.

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9. The story of the Tain bo Cuailgne (Cattle spoil of Cuailgne) now Cooley, Co. Louth, is one of the most interesting of the early bardic tales. Meav was the daughter of Eachaidh, Monarch of Erinn, A.M. 5069. She was married to Conor, the Provincial King of Ulster, and then to Ailill, a Connaught prince. The lady and her husband were one day admiring and comparing their treasures, when it was discovered that neither could claim an advantage over the other, except in the matter of a certain bull, known as Finnbheannach or “The White-Horned.” This animal had been calved by one of Meav’s cows, but ( “ Women’s Rights’’ notwithstanding) “not deeming it honourable to be under

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 30

Wild roads between Cork and Bantry in snow

Bantry · town · Cork · 1796

The roads between Cork and Bantry were described as singularly wild and rugged, and a heavy fall of snow had rendered them almost impassable. Despite this, Mr. White's messenger travelled forty Irish miles on a single horse in just four hours.

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4 The roads between Cork and Bantry are even now singularly wild and rugged, and a heavy fall of snow had rendered them almost impassable. Nevertheless Mr. White s messenger was but four hours going forty miles (Irish) on a single horse .-Report of the Movements of the Irish Fleet in Bantry Bay, by Edward Morgan, printed at Cork in 1797-
408

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 328

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Bantry. Back in 1796, the roads between Cork and here were described as singularly wild and rugged, and a heavy fall of snow had made them almost impassable. Yet Mr. White's messenger still covered 40 Irish miles on a single horse in just 4 hours.

Franciscan friars withdraw to Curraheen after dissolution

Curraheen · townland · Waterford

When the Franciscan brethren were removed from their house at Youghal, they withdrew to Curraheen in County Waterford, a lonely spot among the mountains, where they were protected by the Fitzgeralds of Dromana and erected a new friary.

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cc j £42, 3rd August. — The Lord Deputy ctnd Council agreed that a commission should issue to James, fifteenth, earl of Desmond, and others, to take inventories for the king s use ol all the religious houses in the counties of Limerick, Cork, Kerry, and °Desmond, to dissolve the said houses, .. and put them into safe custody. (Smith’s Hist . Cork , vol. ii.. p. 40.) When the Franciscan brethren were removed from their house they withdrew to Curraheen, county Waterford, three quarters of a mile from Aglish, and. about eight from Youghal, a lonely and retired spot among the mountains, where they were pro¬ tected and re-established by the Fitzgeralds of Dromana. At Curraheen they erected a new friary. Inquisition taken -1 st March 1604, finds that Sir Walter Raleigh, Bart.,, was seized in fee of this friary and of all its possessions, spintua and temporal. This friary had ten acres of land of the small measure, with the chapel of St. Anne, near Youghal with an acre of land. The townlands of Ratknowlane, Knoeknaorippaghe, and Curraghmoneoore, in said county, containing one1 carucate and a half ; townlancl of Balling, m said county ; Liscarroll, three quarters of a small carucate ; m county Mayo, Knockfarrin, near Ballinrobe, half a quarter; m county Waterford, the great burgage of Lismore, half a carucate , m
36-2 ..

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 447

Bandon revolt against Irish garrison

Bandon · town · Cork · 1689

The English inhabitants of Bandon revolted and expelled the Irish garrison. An army of Irish horse and foot under Justin MacCarthy, afterwards Lord Mountcashel, then gathered at Cork to reduce the town.

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

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 302

Battle of Affane: Desmond wounded and captured

Affane · townland · Waterford · 1564

The famous battle of Affane was fought around 1564, with the Earl of Ormond victorious and the Earl of Desmond wounded and carried off the field as a prisoner. When taunted by soldiers asking where the great lord of Desmond was, he replied he was 'on the necks of the Butlers.'

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The famous battle of Affane was fought in 1564? i-n which the Earl of Ormond was victorious, and Desmond, when taunted as he was' carried off the field, wounded and a prisoner, made his historically famous speech. “ Where,’ cried the soldiers who bore him, “where is now the great lord of Desmond ?” With grim humour he replied, “ In his proper place— on the necks of the Butlers.” The veracity of this speech as been questioned apparently only because of its extreme cleverness. It does not require very much knowledge of the world, or very brilliant powers of observation, to know that more witty and pointed speeches are made every day in common conversation than are ever recorded in books. It was just such a speech as the haughty Earl of Desmqpd would have been likely to utter, and we, at least, see no reason to doubt that he did use these very words.
The two earls were ordered to England to account for their conduct, and examined before the privy council. As their case could not be understood in that country, or probably any¬ where else, so contradictory was their testimony, the matter

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 195

Bearna Dhearg: traditional murder site of King Mahoun

near Barnaderg · population centre · Galway · 974–976

Tradition holds that King Mahoun of Munster was murdered at Bearna Dhearg, the Red or Bloody Gap, in the mountain of Sliabh Caein on the Cork-Limerick border. The site lies one mile south of the church of Kilflin on the road from Kilmallock to Cork.

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Some of the Cork clergy went with Mahoun, in entire ignorance of the premeditated treachery. There is a difference in the accounts as to the exact locality where the foul deed was done. But there is a gap or pass called Bearna Dhearg , in the mountain of Sliabh Caein , where tradition says the murder was committed.
Molloy carried “the Gospel of Barri”3 on his breast for protection ; but when he found that treaehery was intended, he flung it ‘'from him “the full flight of an arrow, to save it from desecration, and it fell into the breast of a priest of the bishop’s people.

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 71

Bishop Courcy enriches Franciscan convent at Timoleague

Timoleague · town · Cork · 1494–1603

Dr. Edmund Courcy, a Franciscan who ruled the diocese of Ross for twenty-four years, was a special benefactor of the Franciscan convent at Timoleague. He enriched it with a library, built an additional dormitory and infirmary, erected its steeple, and decorated the church with precious ornaments. The convent was later reduced to ruins during the reign of Elizabeth.

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from the See of Clogher to Ross by Brief of 26th September, 1494. He was a Franciscan, and for twenty-four years ruled over the diocese. The obituary book of the Franciscans of Timoleague, when recording his death on 10th March, 1518) describes him as a special benefactor of their convent, both during his episcopate and at his death. He enriched it with a library, and built for its convenience an additional dormitory and an infirmary. He also built its steeple, and decorated the church with many precious ornaments. This Franciscan church continued for nearly one hundred years a special devotional resort of the people, until its fathers were dispersed, and the convent reduced to a heap of ruins in the reign of Elizabeth.
Before giving his sanction to the newly-elected bishop, Pope Leo ordered a consistorial invsstigation to be made, as was usual with the Sees of all Catholic countries, and fortunately the minute of this inquiry is still preserved in the Vatican Archives. The following interesting particulars are taken from this source : —

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 162

As the companion tells it

As the road brings you through Timoleague in Cork, this is a town with a Franciscan story. Edmund Courcy was a Franciscan transferred from the See of Clogher to Ross by a brief dated 26 September 1494. He ruled the diocese of Ross for 24 years. The obituary book of the Franciscans of Timoleague, recording his death on 10 March 1518, describes him as a special benefactor of their convent, both during his episcopate and at his death. He enriched the convent with a library, and built for its convenience an additional dormitory and an infirmary. He also built its steeple, and decorated the church with many precious ornaments. This Franciscan church continued for nearly 100 years as a special devotional resort of the people, until its fathers were dispersed, and the convent reduced to a heap of ruins in the reign of Elizabeth.

Bishop Creagh of Cork and Cloyne active in Munster despite Elizabethan rule

Cloyne · town · Cork · 1592

A 1592 government memorial listed Dr. Creagh, Bishop of Cloyne and Cork, as the chief enemy of Elizabethan rule in Munster, having lived in the country for eleven or twelve years consecrating churches and making priests without pardon or protection.

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Dr. Creagh, as Peter Lombard informs us, was at one time the only bishop in the province of Munster. Soon after his arrival in Ireland, the agents of Elizabeth mainly directed their efforts towards his apprehension, and so chagrined were they at his escape that they even accused Sir John Perrot of having secretly favoured him and thus baffled their designs. In a memorial presented to government in 1592, “Doctor Creagh, Bishop of Cloyne and Cork,” appears first on the list of those who in Munster were enemies of the Elizabethan rule, having lived “ in the country these eleven or twelve years past, without pardon or protection, consecrating churches, making priests,” etc. ; and it is further added that “ he did more evil,” that is, he was more zealous in propagating the faith, even “ than Dr. Sanders in his timed 7 Another State
7. Essays by Rru. Dr. M'Carthy.p. 424.

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 180

Bishop of Ross intercepted at Macroom

Macroom · town · Cork · 1650

The Catholic bishop of Ross marched with 4,000 foot and 300 horse to relieve Clonmel, which Cromwell was besieging, but was intercepted and seized by Lord Broghill at Macroom.

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Crom\Vell now marched northwards, but Lord Broghill con¬ tinued the work of extermination in the south. The Catholic bishop of Ross headed an army of 4,000 foot and 300 horse, and marched to the relief of Clonmel, which Cromwell was besieging, but he was intercepted and seized by Broghill at Macroom.
He offered a pardon to the bishop if he would induce the garrison of Carrigdrohid Castle to yield. But when the bishop was brought before the walls he exhorted the people to hold out to the last, and was hanged instantly.

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 294

Burning of O'Sullivan Beare's house and massacre at Bantry

Bantry · town · Cork

The English party burned O'Sullivan Beare's house in Bantry and killed men, women, and children throughout the county, forcing many into their burning houses. Among the dead were Thomas de Bucke, a cooper aged about eighty, and his wife.

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( “ 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.
“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.”

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 296

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Bantry, this is where O'Sullivan Beare's house stood before the English party of the county burned it. They did not stop at the house. They burned homes across the whole county and killed men, women, and children, forcing many back into their burning houses to die there. Among the dead were Thomas de Bucke, a cooper about 80 years old, and his wife, who was near the same age. The same garrison went on into the neighbouring Decies country, where they murdered above 3000 people and led 100 labourers prisoner to Cappoquin. There they tied them by couples and cast them into the river to drown. This was before any rebellion began in Munster.

Carties' depredations in Desmond and Muskerry

near Muskerry · street · Cork

According to Hanmer, the Carties burned, spoiled, and killed in Desmond for twelve years, preventing the Desmond from ploughing his own land. Discord eventually broke out between the Carties and the O'Driscolls, O'Donovans, MacDonoghs, MacMahons, MacSweeneys, and the inhabitants of Muskerry, weakening them all.

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4. Hanmer gives the following account of the rise of the Desmonds : — The Carties plaied the divells in Desmond, where they burned, spoiled, preyed, and slue many an innocent. They became so strong and prevailed so mightily, that for the space (so it is reported) of twelve yeeres the Desmond durst not put a plow in ground in his own country. At length, through the operation of Satan, a love of discord was thrown between the Carties and the O'Driscolls, Odonovaines, Mac Donoch, Mac Mahouna, Mac Swines, and the inhabitants of Muserie, insomuch that, by their cruel dissension, they weakened them¬ selves on all sides, that the Desmond in the end overcame and overtopped all.
Account of the much disputed1 and perplexing origin of the Desmonds : — “ Thomas, the son of Maurice, surnamecl Nappagh, was constituted Lord Justice of Ireland ; and being captain of all Desmond, or south Munster, was so great and powerful a man that he is frequently styled prince and ruler of Munster. •• He claimed to be the king’s sheriff in the counties of Cork, Waterford and Kerry, founding his pretensions on King Edward

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 123

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Muskerry, Hanmer tells of the Carties who plaied the divells in Desmond. They burned, spoiled, preyed, and slue many an innocent. They became so strong and prevailed so mightily that for the space, so it is reported, of twelve years the Desmond durst not put a plow in ground in his own country. At length, through the operation of Satan, a love of discord was thrown between the Carties and the O'Driscolls, the O'Donovans, the MacDonoghs, the MacMahons, the MacSweeneys, and the inhabitants of Muskerry. By their cruel dissension, they weakened themselves on all sides, that the Desmond in the end overcame and overtopped all. Hanmer also gives an account of the origin of the Desmonds. Thomas, the son of Maurice, surnamed Nappagh, was constituted Lord Justice of Ireland. Being captain of all Desmond, or south Munster, he was so great and powerful a man that he is frequently styled prince and ruler of Munster. He claimed to be the king's sheriff in the counties of Cork, Waterford and Kerry, founding his pretensions on King Edward.

Cathedral of St. Fachnan at Ross with furnishings and staff

Ross Carbery · town · Cork · 1517

The cathedral of St. Fachnan at Ross had a sacristy well supplied with vestments, silver chalices, and a silver crozier. A belfry tower with one large bell stood in the cemetery outside. The diocese was twenty miles in extent, with the bishop's residence situated pleasantly on the seashore half a mile from the city.

Read the passage

cross, and in size corresponded with the church of St. Maria del Popolo in Eome. Its central nave was separated by stone pillars from the aisles. Its choir was of wood, and at the head of the choir was placed the high altar. Its sacristy was well supplied with vestments and other sacred ornaments. It had a mitre and crucifixes ; its chalices were of solid silver, some of them being gilt, and its crozier was also of silver. In the cemetery outside the church there was a belfry built in the form of a tower, in which there was one large bell. As for the dignitaries of the church, there was a dean with a yearly income of 12 marks, an archdeacon with 20 marks, and a chancellor with 8 marks. There were also twelve canons, each having a revenue of 4 marks, and four vicars with a similar income. All these assist daily in choir, and celebrate low mass. On the festival day a solemn mass is sung. The canons reside here and there through the diocese, which is twenty miles in extent. The bishop’s residence is about half a mile from the city, and is pleasantly situated on the sea¬ shore, The episcopal revenue consists of corn, tithes, and pasturage, and amounts annually to 60 marks. There are also twenty -four benefices in the bishop’s collation.”4
Before the close of 1517 Dr. O’Herlihy was duly proclaimed in consistory Bishop of Ross. He governed the See, however, for a little more than one year, and had for his successor a Spaniard named Bonaventura, of whom it is recorded that he founded a monastery in the small island of Dursey, which lies at the head of the peninsula between Bantry and Kenmare.5 This monastery, and its adjoining church of St. Michael, shared the fate of most of the Catholic institutions during the persecution of Elizabeth, and in 1602 was levelled to the ground.

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 163

As the companion tells it

Coming up now is Ross Carbery in Cork. In 1517 this was the seat of the Cathedral of St. Fachnan at Ross, a church whose central nave was separated by stone pillars from the aisles, with a wooden choir and a high altar at its head. The sacristy was well supplied with vestments and sacred ornaments. It had a mitre and crucifixes. Its chalices were of solid silver, some of them gilt, and its crozier was also of silver. In the cemetery outside the church stood a belfry built in the form of a tower, holding one large bell. The cathedral had its full complement of clergy. A dean with a yearly income of 12 marks, an archdeacon with 20 marks, and a chancellor with 8 marks. There were twelve canons, each with a revenue of 4 marks, and four vicars with a similar income. All of them assisted daily in choir and celebrated low mass. On festival days a solemn mass was sung. The canons resided here and there through the diocese, which was twenty miles in extent. The bishop's residence stood about half a mile from the city, pleasantly situated on the seashore. The episcopal revenue consisted of corn, tithes, and pasturage, amounting annually to 60 marks. There were also 24 benefices in the bishop's collation. Before the close of 1517, Dr. O'Herlihy was proclaimed Bishop of Ross in consistory. He governed the see for a little more than one year. His successor was a Spaniard named Bonaventura, who founded a monastery on the small island of Dursey, at the head of the peninsula between Bantry and Kenmare. That monastery and its adjoining church of St. Michael were levelled to the ground in 1602.

Cork bailiffs refuse oath of supremacy, 1596

Cork · city · Cork · 1596

In 1596, the bailiffs of Cork refused to take the oath of supremacy to Queen Elizabeth and did not attend Protestant church services.

Read the passage

“ In Waterford, the Mayor and Sheriffs of the citie come not to church, neyther will they take the oath of supremacy, and in this citie of Corck the bayiiffs refuse the oath, neyther come they to the church, and I questioning with one of the last year’s baylifs named Richard Rawley, for whom I sent to know the cause why he would not come to the church, nor obey any of her Majesty’s ecclesiastical lawes, he made me answer that he was sworn to the league, that he should never come to the church nor obey any of her Majesty’s ecclesias¬ tical lawes touching the same.”
In this letter was enclosed another letter addressed to Sir William Russell, then Lord Deputy of Ireland, in which he complains how her Majesty’s “ stile and title ” were torn out of the grammars by the ruffianly boys of Cork :

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 168

Cork Butter Market regulations established, 1769

Cork · city · Cork · 1769–1770

In 1769, principal merchants of Cork met and drew up a code of regulations for the city's declining butter trade, establishing a system of inspection by sworn officers who classified butter quality by brand on the cask. The integrity of the Cork brand became so renowned that Cork inspected butter sold readily in England and foreign markets, with 105,809 firkins and kegs passing through the Weigh House in 1770.

Read the passage

The Cork Butter Market, 1769. For some years pre¬ ceding that date the Butter Trade of Cork had been, from various causes, in a declining state ; and to provide a remedy for this state of things, the principal merchants of the city met together in 1 769, and drew up a code of regulations for the better management of the trade, to which they bound themselves to conform, and which in principle continue in operation to the present time. They furthermore determined that a committee of merchants should be annually elected, charged with the duty of enforcing those regulations, and having also delegated to them the supervision and control of the staff required for carrying them into execution. The essential feature of those regulations was, the establishment of a system of inspection by skilled officers, sworn to classify, according to a recognized standard, the quality of butter sent to them for examination, and which, when so ascertained, was indicated by a brand impressed on the cask, corresponding to the award of the inspecting officer.
The scheme so inaugurated possessed many advantages, not the least important of which wras the doing away with the necessity of subjecting to repeated examinations consequent upon re-sale, a commodity so easily deteriorated as butter. Owing to the good faith with which the integrity of the brand of quality fixed in this manner continued to be maintained, it became in course of time of considerable mercantile value, and carried with it such repute, that Cork inspected Butter found a ready sale in England, whilst in foreign countries, where a heavy import duty was levied, purchasers had no hesitation in releasing out of bond, Butter which had its quality guaranteed by the “ Brand of the Committee of Merchants of Cork.

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 453

As the companion tells it

The road takes you through Cork, a city whose butter trade was once renowned. For some years before 1769, the butter trade here had been in decline, from various causes. The principal merchants of the city met together in 1769 and drew up a code of regulations for the better management of the trade, to which they bound themselves to conform, and which in principle continue in operation. They furthermore determined that a committee of merchants should be annually elected, charged with the duty of enforcing those regulations, and having delegated to them the supervision and control of the staff required for carrying them into execution. The essential feature was the establishment of a system of inspection by skilled officers, sworn to classify, according to a recognized standard, the quality of butter sent to them for examination. When the quality was so ascertained, it was indicated by a brand impressed on the cask, corresponding to the award of the inspecting officer. The scheme possessed many advantages, not the least important being the doing away with repeated examinations consequent upon re-sale of a commodity so easily deteriorated as butter. Owing to the good faith with which the integrity of the brand of quality was maintained, it became in time of considerable mercantile value, and carried with it such repute that inspected butter found a ready sale in England. In foreign countries, where a heavy import duty was levied, purchasers had no hesitation in releasing out of bond butter which had its quality guaranteed by the “Brand of the Committee of Merchants of Cork.” In 1770, 105,809 firkins and kegs passed through the Weigh House.

De Lacy seizes Earl of Desmond at Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1331

Sir Anthony de Lacy seized the Earl of Desmond at Limerick and committed him to Dublin Castle, after the southern lords had refused to attend a parliament summoned in Dublin and it was prorogued to Kilkenny. Desmond and Lord William de Bermingham swore loyalty oaths at Kilkenny.

Read the passage

By way of an exhibition of general justice, and, doubtless because of some private information, De Lacy seized the Earl of Desmond soon after at Limerick, and committed him to Dublin Castle. A parliament was held at Westminster in September, 1331, in which the evils of absenteeism were discovered, and those holding offices in Ireland were required to proceed thither forthwith, while the proprietors of large tracts of land were required to take measures for the security of their property. Projects were entertained for a royal visit to Ireland, and those who held property there were summoned to attend the king, but the Scotch wars proved an obstacle to the accomplishment of the expedition. In the meanwhile
134

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 125

As the companion tells it

As you come through Limerick, this city holds a story from 1331. Sir Anthony de Lacy seized the Earl of Desmond here and committed him to Dublin Castle. It was, in the words of the source, an exhibition of general justice, and likely driven by private information. That September, a parliament at Westminster found the evils of absenteeism among those holding offices in Ireland, and ordered them to proceed there without delay. Landowners with large tracts were told to take measures for the security of their property. There were plans for a royal visit to Ireland, and property holders were summoned to attend the king. But the wars in Scotland stood in the way, and the expedition never came about.

Edward IV charter describes ruined Cork churches

Cork · city · Cork · 1442

The 1442 charter of Edward IV noted that the city and suburbs of Cork had lately possessed eleven parish churches, but these churches and suburbs were then ruinous, waste, burned, and destroyed by Irish enemies and English rebels for over fifty years.

Read the passage

“The charter of Edward IV., 1442, lays down the city limits, and notices that the city and suburbs had lately eleven parish churches to the same belonging, which churches and suburbs were then ruinous, waste, burned, and destroyed by Irish enemies and English rebels, and had been so for the term of fifty years and upwards. This charter shews what passed to the citizens under that of Henry III., and that the suburbs consisted of an ambit of an Irish mile around the city 011 every side.
“ The sixth charter is that of Henry VII. (1500)- If extends the franchise and liberties over the entire of Cork harbour, wheresoever the tide ebbs and flows. There are other charters of Henry VIII., (1537) ; Edward VI,. (1541), and Elizabeth, (1571)/ The charter of James I., (1609), constitutes Cork a free city, and the mayor, etc., a body politic by the name of Mayor, Sheriffs, and Commonality, (the previous title of incor¬ poration had been that of Mayor, Bailiffs, and Citizens) ; and that said city, and the soil and ground extending from the outward part of the walls thereof, by the space and circuit of three miles, should be the liberties and franchises of said city, and a distinct county of itself. Hence it appears that the county of the city is not a county by prescription, but a creation of the charter, and it was afterwards defined by an ambit, made in pursuance of it ; by this charter the mayor is empowered to punish whores, scolds, and disorderly persons.

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 408

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, this city carries a mark of ruin recorded in 1442. The charter of Edward IV in that year laid down the city limits and noted that the city and suburbs had lately possessed eleven parish churches. But those churches and the suburbs themselves were then, in the words of the charter, "ruinous, waste, burned, and destroyed." The charter names those responsible as Irish enemies and English rebels, and states that this destruction had gone on for the term of fifty years and upwards. The charter also shows what had passed to the citizens under an earlier charter of Henry III. It recorded that the suburbs consisted of an ambit of an Irish mile around the city on every side. So the Cork of 1442 was a city that remembered itself with eleven churches serving its people and its suburbs, but had lost them to decades of burning and waste. The charter set down the damage in plain terms and fixed the city's bounds at the same time. Later charters followed. The charter of Henry VII in 1500 extended the franchise and liberties over the entire of Cork harbour, "wheresoever the tide ebbs and flows." The charter of James I in 1609 constituted Cork a free city and made the mayor, sheriffs, and commonality a body politic. The earlier title had been mayor, bailiffs, and citizens. That charter defined the city's soil and ground extending from the outward part of the walls by the circuit of three miles as the liberties and franchises of the city, a distinct county of itself.

English garrison at Ardfert consumes the country

Ardfert · town · Kerry · 1581–1582

A company of foot soldiers and half a company of cavalry were left at Ardfert from 1581 to September 1582. Despite receiving provisions from the sovereign, they continually consumed and spent the country around them, compelling the sons of every tribal head to be delivered as hostages.

Read the passage

Zouch had left a “ company of foot soldiers and a half a company of cavalry” at Ardfert, in the preceding year, 1581, and they remained there until the September of this year ; and “ though they had received a great quantity of provisions and stores from the sovereign, they never ceased consuming and spending the country around them, and they compelled the son of every head of a tribe in the country to be delivered up into their hands.” They were attacked by Lord Kerry’s sons, Patrickin, Edmund, and Robert, who seized the pro¬ visions which they had collected in the town, and killed the captain : —
267

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 228

Franciscan convent at Youghal founded by Maurice FitzGerald

Youghal · town · Cork · 1257

The Franciscan convent at Youghal was founded by Maurice FitzGerald, who later became a Franciscan friar and distributed his possessions to his children. He died in 1257 and was buried in the convent, which also contained tombs of the earls of Desmond and other nobles.

Read the passage

death by the English Protestants. It seemed desolate till the year 1627, when a residence was built in the town, and Father Francis Mede was appointed its first superior. The first founder of the convent was Maurice Fitz Gerald, from whom sprang the earls of Kildare and Desmond, the barons of Luxnaw, and several other most noble families. He was for many years lord justiciary of Ireland, and headed an army against the Scots, in aid of the king of England. The war being victoriously concluded, he returned home, distributed his possessions, to his children, and became a Franciscan friar. • .He lived till the year 1257, distinguished for profound humility and holiness of life, and died and was buried in the convent. There are from, ancient times the tombs of the earls of Desmond, the lord of Desies, and several other nobles of the same family and country. At the right hand side of the altar, in the convent, a certain friar is buried, whose tomb is illustrated by miracles, and also another friar, who was put to death by the heretics, lies buried
in the same place.”

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 447

King Street cattle carcass trade, Cork, 1797

King Street · street · Cork · 1797

In 1797 live animals were not shipped from Cork; instead they were slaughtered and their carcasses sent to England. King Street, running parallel to the shipping quay, was filled with vehicles hurrying carcasses for export, creating a chaotic and unhygienic scene.

Read the passage

Trade in Cattle. — In tlge year 1797 live animals were not shipped, but they were slaughtered and the carcases sent over. At that time King-street, which runs parallel to and at the back of the shipping quay, must have presented a lively spectacle. I have said lively, but deadly would be the fitter word. The whole length and breadth of King-street must

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 385

As the companion tells it

Along here on King Street in 1797, live animals were not shipped from Cork. They were slaughtered, and their carcasses were sent over to England. King Street runs parallel to and behind the shipping quay. The whole length and breadth of it must have presented a lively spectacle. The source says lively, but deadly would be the fitter word.

Lord De Courcy expelled from Kilbritton by Mac Carthy Reagh

near Kilbrittain · street · Cork · 1449

Lord De Courcy was driven out of his castle and lands at Kilbritton by Mac Carthy Reagh, recorded by Smith under the year 1449.

Read the passage

6. It is curious to note how Smith’s anti-Irish feelings come out. Under the year 1449 he notes the murder of the Barnewalls at Bearhaven, and how the Lord De Courcy was “driven ” out of his castle and lands at Kilbritton by Mac Carthy Reagh. But when he came to speak of the Irish being expelled, he uses the gentlest terms for the expel! ers ; and when he comes to write of one English brother murdering another, it is simply called a ‘ ‘ sad accident. ”
There were four families or septs of Mac Carthys at this time— the Mac Carthys Mor, who were Lords of Desmond, and from them spring the Mac Carthys Reaghs of Carbery the Donough Mac Carthys of Duhallow, and the Muskery Mac Carthys.

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 143

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Kilbrittain, in 1449, Lord De Courcy was driven out of his castle and his lands by Mac Carthy Reagh. That word

Mallow expedition against John Mac Redmond

Mallow · town · Cork · 1600

In August 1600, Captain Huxley marched from Mallow with 70 foot and 24 horse towards Condon's country in pursuit of rebel John Mac Redmond. The army mistakenly burned a house in a White Knight village, leading to a skirmish with John FitzGibbon.

Read the passage

“ In August, Captain Huxley, with 70 foot and 24 horse, marched from Mallow towards Condon’s country, in pursuit of an arch rebel called John Mac Redmond. The army by mis¬ take burned an house in a village of the White Knight, which they imagined belonged to the rebels ; but, upon discovering their error, the captain offered to pay the damage. John Fitz- Gibbon, son to the White Knight, was by no means satisfied, but gathered 160 foot and some horse, and attacked the Euglish, to whom he did no hurt, although they slew 60 of his men.
a.d. 1600. “ The White Knight stormed at first, but when he

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 244

News of French fleet sent from Leamcon to Seafield Park

Leamcon · townland · Cork · 1796

Mr. Hall of Leamcon sent news of the French fleet to Mr. White of Seafield Park, who was the first to inform the Irish government. White was rewarded with elevation to the peerage as Lord Bantry.

Read the passage

Mr. Hall, of Leamcon, sent the news to Mr. White, of Seafield Park, who was the first to inform the Irish govern¬ ment, and who was rewarded by an elevation to the peerage as Lord Bantry.4
When the news arrived the Bishop of Cork took prompt action, and addressed the following letter to his flock : —

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 328

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here in 1796, a man named Hall got word that the French fleet was coming. He sent that news to Mr. White of Seafield Park, and White was the first to tell the Irish government. For that, White was raised to the peerage as Lord Bantry.

Parley with Cormac Oge near Cork (1535)

Cork · city · Cork · 1535

Lord James and his forces arrayed on a hill half a mile from Cork, where Cormac Oge descended into the valley for a parley. The young gentleman claiming the Desmond earldom, who spoke good English and followed English fashion, also presented himself to Lord James at Cork.

Read the passage

“ Next day, upon a hill half a mile this side Cork, my Lord James commanded me and all his captains to put the men into array. ‘ Upon a hill, half a mile or more, Cormac Oge was with his host, and so down came Cormak Oge into the valley with certain . . . and my Lord James with
a certain . . . with him, as then was appointed ; and

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 199

As the companion tells it

As you come through Cork, this is where Lord James and Cormac Oge met in 1535. Lord James drew up his men in array on a hill half a mile outside the city. Cormac Oge stood with his host on another hill, then came down into the valley to parley. A young gentleman claiming the Desmond earldom also came to Lord James here at Cork.

Re-dedication of Cathedrals of Cork and Cloyne after Elizabeth's death

Cork · city · Cork · 1603

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth, there was universal joy in the south of Ireland. Dr. Miagh re-dedicated the Cathedrals of Cork and Cloyne, and the Mass was once more openly celebrated as it had been in the time of Saints Finbar and Colman.

Read the passage

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.
But these rejoicings were of short duration. The English monarchs were always ready to promise everything to the Irish when they needed their assistance, and were equally prompt to perjure themselves when they really needed their help no longer. When James found himself safe on the English throne he drank eternal damnation to all Papists,3 and advanced, as far as in him lay, their temporal ruin. He had a parliamentary proclamation, issued in Dublin on the 28th September, 1605, which runs thus : —

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 185

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, this city was the scene of a brief moment of hope in 1603. When Queen Elizabeth died, there was universal joy across the south of Ireland. The people were glad not merely because an oppressor had been removed, but because they hoped the nation might once more have freedom to worship God. The south had been especially oppressed, and the rejoicing was specially manifested there. Waterford, where Dr. Lyons had complained more than once, was first in its demonstration. The churches were opened, and 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 Saints Finbar and Colman, was sung and said once more. But these rejoicings were of short duration. When James found himself safe on the English throne, he drank eternal damnation to all Papists, and advanced their temporal ruin as far as in him lay. A parliamentary proclamation was issued in Dublin on the 28th of September, 1605.

Round Tower of Cloyne struck by lightning, 1749

Cloyne · town · Cork · 1749

The round tower of Cloyne, built of reddish sandstone and standing over a hundred feet high, had its conical stone roof destroyed by a lightning strike on the night of January 10, 1749. The bolt threw down the bell, shattered galleries, and blasted through the tower walls, but the vaulted roof was never properly repaired.

Read the passage

“ Nearly opposite to the west of the Cathedral, at a distance of thirty yards, stands the beautiful round tower of Cloyne. Its present height is a little more than a hundred feet. Its diameter at the doorway is nine feet two inches, with a thick¬ ness of a wall of three feet eight inches. At the upper floor the diameter of the tower is seven feet two inches, with a thickness of a wall of two feet nine inches. The tower is divided internally into storeys by seven offsets, taken from the thickness of the wall, so that drawn in section the internal line of wall would show a zig-zag outline. The tower was originally crowned by the usual conical stone roof, which is stated to have been destroyed by lightning on the night of the ioth of January, 1749. Bennett gives the following des¬ cription of this storm : — ‘ A storm of lightning, with thunder, on the night of January 10th, 1 749, passed through the country from west to east, after killing some cows in a field south if

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 421

Sidney's six-week stay in Cork with army provisioning

Cork · city · Cork · 1575

Sir Philip Sidney stayed six weeks in Cork, where citizens supplied the army with diet, lodging, and firing for half pay. He kept Christmas there, held gaol delivery sessions, and twenty-three malefactors were executed.

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

As the companion tells it

As you come through Cork, you pass through a city where Sir Philip Sidney, Lord Deputy of Ireland, arrived in 1575. He had come first to Waterford, where the Earl of Desmond waited on him, and travelled through Dungarvan before reaching Cork. He stayed six weeks. The citizens supplied the army with diet, lodging, and firing, for half their pay. The earls of Thomond and Clancare attended him, and he kept his Christmas in Cork. After Christmas he held sessions of gaol delivery. Condon and a younger son of the Lord Roche were condemned, but afterwards pardoned. Twenty-three malefactors were executed. During his stay Sidney received word of the disloyalty of Fitz Gerald, seneschal of Imokilly, and accounts of several depredations of his upon the Queen's loyal subjects. Sidney marched with two hundred of the citizens and his own forces to Ballymartyr and took that castle. Fitz Gerald narrowly escaped through a hole in the dead of night. Several things of value were found in the castle.

Smerwick fort attacked and Castlemaine constable slain

Smerwick · townland · Kerry · 1580

Ormond's men skirmished with Italians who had fortified at Smerwick, driving them back into the fort after a musket exchange. Andrew Martyne, Constable of Castlemaine, was killed during the skirmish when the Italians issued from the fort and fired upon Ormond's scouting party.

Read the passage

“ The 1 2th of that month (October), I took a few of my company with me to take a view of the forte, and drawing neare them, there issued from the forte one hundred and twelve Italians, and bestowed musket shot on me, at which time Andrew Martyne, Constable of Castel-Mayne, being with me, was slain. Whereupon, having with me 80 shotte we skir¬ mished with the Italians and drove them into the forte, after which they saluted us with their great shot.
256

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 218

Spanish despatch bearers robbed near Cork

Cork · city · Cork · 1602

Men bringing despatches by Spanish pinnace for Don Juan were robbed by bandits five miles from Cork, in what the deputy called a handsomely done theft rather than a robbery. Sir George Carew enjoyed the exploit of capturing the despatches.

Read the passage

Meantime a Spanish pinnace has arrived with despatches for Don Juan, and these despatches the deputy and the president are determined to see. The deputy would like to have the theft “ handsomely done.” He would not call it a robbery, only a transfer. Sir George Carew enjoys the exploit. The men who bring the despatches are robbed by bandits, five miles from Cork, and the news of the capture is
by seven that morning called upon me to attend him to the court, where he presented me to her majesty in her bed chamber, who remembered me, calling me by my name, telling me that she was glad that I was the happy man to bring the first news of that glorious victory, and after her majesty had interrogated me upon sundry questions very punctually, and that therein I had given her full satisfaction in every particular, she again gave me her hand to kiss, and recommended my despatch for Ireland, and so dismissed me with grace and favour.” — Earl of Cork's True Rememb., MS.

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 252

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, this is where a story from 1602 unfolds. A Spanish pinnace arrived carrying despatches for Don Juan, and the deputy and the president were determined to see those despatches. The deputy wanted the theft, in his words, handsomely done. He would not call it a robbery, only a transfer. Sir George Carew enjoyed the exploit. The men bringing the despatches were robbed by bandits five miles from Cork. The deputy framed the whole thing as something clever rather than criminal, a neat transfer of papers rather than a violent act on the road. The news of the capture spread quickly. What those despatches contained, and what Don Juan lost that day, the record does not say.

St. Cairthage at Kerrycurrihy and the royal castle miracle

Kerrycurrihy · barony · Cork

St. Cairthage (Mochuda) came to Kerrycurrihy where he met Carbery Crimthan, king of Munster. A royal castle there was destroyed by a thunderbolt, killing the queen and prince Áedán. The king sought the saint's intercession and the queen and son were restored to life.

Read the passage

In the Irish Life of the Saints it is said that he came untc Ciaraighe Cuirche , now Kerry Currihy, where he met Carbery Crimthan, king of Munster, One of the royal castles was des¬ troyed by a thunderbolt, and his queen and son iEdan were killed. The king asked the help and intercession of St. Cairthage, and he seeing the faith of the king, obtained the restoration to life of the queen and her son. The king then bestowed many favours on him to enable him to extend his great work of establishing religious houses in Munster. Cairthage also cured Cathel Mac MCdan, another king of Munster, who was afflicted with blindness, and also became deaf and dumb.
“ Mochuda came where the king was, and the king and his friends implored Mochuda to relieve his distress. Mochuda made prayers to God for him, and put the sign of the holy cross on his eyes, and ears, and mouth, and he was cured of all his diseases and troubles, and the king, Cathel, gave extensive lands to God, and to Mochuda for ever, namely, Cathel Island, and Ross Beg and Ross More, and Pick Island (now Spike Island), and Mochuda sent holy brethren to build a church in Ross Beg in honour of God, and Mochuda himself commenced building a monastery in Pick Island, and he remained there a full year.”9

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 91

Synod at Mellifont Abbey, 1157

Mellifont · townland · Louth · 1157

A synod was held in 1157 at the Abbey of Mellifont, attended by the Bishop of Lismore as papal legate, the Primate, and seventeen other bishops, along with Murtough O'Loughlin the Monarch of Ireland and several other kings. The principal business was the consecration of the abbey church and the excommunication of Donough O'Melaghlin.

Read the passage

In 1157 a synod was held in the Abbey of Mellifont, attended by the Bishop of Lismore, Legate of the Hoi} See, the Primate, and seventeen other bishops. Murtough O’Loughlin, the Monarch of Ireland, and several other kings, were also present. The principal object of this meeting was the consecration of the abbey church and the excommunication of Donough O’Melaghlin, who had become the common pest of the country. He was, as might be expected, the particular friend and ally of Dermod Mac Murrough. His last exploit was the murder of a neighbouring chief, despite the most solemn pledges. In an old translation of the Annals of Ulster, he is termed, with more force than elegance, “ a cursed atheist. After his excommunication, his brother Dermod was made King of Meath, in his place.
When Dermod Mac Murrough was driven in disgrace from Ireland, he fled to Bristol. There he learned that Henry was still in Aquitaine ; and thither, with a perseverance worthy of a better cause, he followed the English king. Henry was only too happy to listen to his complaints, and forward his views ; but he was too much occupied with his personal affairs to attempt the conquest of a kingdom. Letters patent were incomparably more convenient than men-at-arms, and with letters patent the renegade was fain to be content. Dermod only asked help to recover the kingdom from which he had been expelled for his dimes ; Henry pretended no more than to give the assistance asked, and for all reward only wished that Dermod should pay a vassal’s homage to the English king. Henry may have known that his client was a villian or he may not. Henry may have intended to annex Ireland

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 101

James O'Brien lights Tuckey Street shop with gas

Tuckey Street · street · Cork · 1816

On 1 May 1816 Mr. James O'Brien lit his shop in Tuckey Street, Cork, with gas, the first such use in the city. The brilliance of the exterior lamp, the neatness of the arrangement, and the extent of lighting through his manufactory and workshop excited general admiration.

Read the passage

“ May 1, 1816. — Mr. James O’Brien lit his shop in Tuckeystreet with gas. The brilliancy of the lamp„outside the house, the neatness and novelty of the arrangement, and the extent to which the light was conveyed through his manufactory and workshop, excited general admiration.
“ May 1, 1816. — The Limerick mail coach travelled, for the

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 331

As the companion tells it

Along here on Tuckey Street, on the 1st of May 1816, Mr. James O'Brien lit his shop with gas. The lamp outside the house was brilliant, the arrangement neat and novel, and the light carried all through his manufactory and workshop. People admired it. This was the first time gas was used this way in Cork.

Archbishop of Armagh defies royal spiritual supremacy

near Armagh · town · Armagh

The Archbishop of Armagh actively opposed Henry VIII's spiritual supremacy, withdrawing his suffragans and clergy from accepting it. He declared that Ireland as insula sacra belonged to the Bishop of Rome and laid a curse on anyone who accepted the king's supremacy.

Read the passage

Everything was going wrong, although he says : — “ I had endeavoured, almost to the danger and hazard of my temporal life, to procure the nobility and gentry of this nation to due obedience in owning of his Highness their supreme head, as well spiritual as temporal ; and- do find much oppugning therein, especially by my brother Armagh, who had been the main oppugner, and so had withdrawn most of his suffragans and clergy within his see and diocese. He made a speech to them, laying a curse on the people who¬ soever should own his Highness’s supremacy, saying, that isle
_ as it is in their Irish chronicles, insula sacra — belongs to

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 158

Battle of Bealach-Leachta near Macroom

Macroom · town · Cork · 978

Brian Boru engaged the Eoghanachts and their Danish allies at Beelach-Leachta in Muskery near Macroom in 978, defeating them with dreadful havoc and ending their rivalry for the government of Munster.

Read the passage

XI. Cinfaele. — Nothing is known of this chieftain except that he was the first of his race who embraced the Christian religion, about the year 439, and that the following generations descended from him : — XII. Oilioll Leanufada, XII. Laipe, XIV. Aengus, XV. Aedh, XVI. Crummael, XVII. Eoghan, chief of Ui-Figeinte, who was killed according to Tighernach, in the year 667; XVIII. Aedh Roin, XIX. Duvdavoran, XX Kinfaela, XXL Cathal, chief of Ui-Cairbre Aebhdha ; XXIII. Cathal, chief of the Ui-Figeinte, slain by the celebrated Callaghan Cashel, king of Munster. He had two sons Uainidh rex Coirprke, who died in 964, according to the old Annals of Innisfallen, and XXIV. Donovan, the progenitor, after whom the family name, O’Donovan, has been called. At this period surnames became for the first time hereditary in Ireland, for we find that many of the chieftain families in Ireland took surnames from ancestors who were living at this period. Cathal Mac Donovan Brian Borumha did not satisfy his revenge by the slaughter of Donovan and his people of Ui-Figeinte, together with their allies, the Danes of Munster. In the year 978 he marched a second time against the rival race of Eoghan, or Eoghanachts, and came to an engagement with them at Beelach-Leachta in Muskery, near Macroom, in the county of Cork, where he vanquished them and their Danish allies with dreadful havoc. After this defeat the race of Eoghan were more glad to give up their rivalship for the government of Munster, and to make peace with Brian on his own conditions. Accordingly, we find these two great races of the blood of Oilioll Olum at peace with each other for a period of thirty-six years, that is from the year 978 to 1014.
XXVI. Amhlaoibh Auliffe, or Amlaff O’Donovan, XXVII. Murchadh 0 Donovan, XXVIII. Aneslis O’Donovan.

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 402

Butler marches through Clonmel, Dungarvan, Youghal to Cork

Cork · city · Cork · 1539

In 1539 Lord James Butler marched to Clonmel, then with his brother-in-law Garret Mac Shane to Dungarvan, which surrendered, and on to Youghal. He then proceeded to Cork, where Lord Barry complained of Cormac Oge of Muskery and Mac Carthy Reagh.

Read the passage

From thence he marched to Cork, when Lord Barry made great complaints of Cormac Oge of Muskery, and of Mac Carthy Reagh, who could not by any means be got to see public affairs in a proper light. In fact, Mac Carthy Reagh said "that which he had got by the sword he would keep by the sword.”
In 1331 Dermot O’Sullivan (Bear) took the liberty of capturing an English and a Spanish vessel which lay off his coast. The Spanish vessel was sailing near the Durseys, and was seized by the English captain. O’Sullivan (Bear) settled the dispute by hanging the English captain, whom he mani¬ festly considered the aggressor.

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 144

As the companion tells it

In 1539 Lord James Butler marched to Cork, having passed through Clonmel, Dungarvan with his brother-in-law Garret Mac Shane, and Youghal. Lord Barry made great complaints of Cormac Oge of Muskery and Mac Carthy Reagh, who could not be got to see public affairs in a proper light. Mac Carthy Reagh said "that which he had got by the sword he would keep by the sword." In 1331 Dermot O'Sullivan Bear captured an English and a Spanish vessel off his coast. The Spanish vessel, sailing near the Durseys, had been seized by the English captain. O'Sullivan settled the dispute by hanging the English captain, whom he considered the aggressor.

Chairing of Christopher Hely Hutchinson in Cork

Cork · city · Cork · 1812

The chairing of the Honourable Christopher Hely Hutchinson in Cork was described in the Cork Mercantile Chronicle of 6 November 1812 as an unprecedented scene of enthusiastic public gratitude, unmatched in the city or its environs by any traditionary description.

Read the passage

“November 6, 1812. — The following is extracted from the Cork Mercantile Chronicle of this date, as illustrative of the style of a party provincial newspaper of this day : — £ Chairing of Mr. Hutchinson. — If an angel could envy the situation of a human being, elevated to the pinnacle of honour by the enthusiastic gratitude of his fellow beings, he would yesterday have envied The Honourable Christopher Hely Hutchinson. Never did we witness such a scene ! Never did the oldest person in our city hear from his progenitors the traditionary description of such an exhibition in Cork, or its environs.
“February 13. — Dr. Moylan, titular Bishop of Cork, was buried in the north chapel with great pomp.

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 331

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, this city was the scene of a remarkable event in 1812. The Cork Mercantile Chronicle reported on November 6 of that year on the chairing of the Honourable Christopher Hely Hutchinson. The newspaper wrote that if an angel could envy the situation of a human being elevated to the pinnacle of honour by the enthusiastic gratitude of his fellow beings, he would have envied Hutchinson the day before. The paper declared they had never witnessed such a scene. They wrote that never did the oldest person in the city hear from his progenitors the traditionary description of such an exhibition in Cork, or its environs.

Coleman O Cluasiaghe, head master of St. Finbar's school

Cork · city · Cork · 600–664

Coleman O Cluasiaghe served as Fer-leighinn (head master) of St. Finbar's school in Cork. He was a poet whose works survive in the Liber Hymnorum at Trinity College Dublin, including a hymn written as protection against the 'yellow disease' that raged in Ireland around 664.

Read the passage

they had no difficulty in obtaining scholars, for they had to do with a people singularly eager for instruction. One of the most famous of the many famous men connected with St. Finbar’s schools or college in Cork was Coleman O Cluasiaghe , the Fer-leighinn , or “ head master.” O’Cluasiaghe was a poet, and some of his poems are happily still extant as a specimen of the literary ability of Corkmen in the seventh century. A fragment of a few lines remains which were written in honour of his pupil St. Cumain Foda, son of Fiochna, king of West Munster, who was bishop of Clonfert, and died in 66 1. He says : —
“ The Luimneach did not bear on its bosom, of race of Munster unto Leath-Chuinn,

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 46

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, you are in a city that once held one of the most famous schools in early Ireland. St. Finbar's school here drew scholars easily, for the people were singularly eager for instruction. Its head master, the Fer-leighinn, was Coleman O Cluasiaghe, a poet whose work survives as a specimen of the literary ability of Corkmen in the 600s. A fragment of a few lines remains, written in honour of his pupil St. Cumain Foda, son of Fiochna, king of West Munster, who was bishop of Clonfert and died in 661. The words are:

Cork's self-governance and soldier conflicts in the 16th-17th centuries

Cork · city · Cork · 1582–1645

Cork was a populous trading town whose mayor and bailiffs governed nearly independently, levying taxes, coining money, and judging offenders. Citizens clashed with visiting soldiers who insulted them, and fought daily battles with Irish enemies outside the walls, which had to be guarded day and night.

Read the passage

seem to have been an active, stirring race. Camden tells ns that Cork was then c a populous little tradinge towne much resorted to.’ ‘ Its inhabitants,’ says Hollingshed, * were industrious and opulent.’ They travelled much, and many foreign merchants resided with them. ‘ Their haven,’ he truly says, ‘ is an haven roiall.’ ‘ Hie eh a m ewes,’ says Stonihurst, ‘ capias satis locupletes , operam mercuhirce navant .’ The mayor and bailiffs, with the advice of the town council, governed the city. They were practically almost independent of external authority Their edicts had nearly the force of laws. They levied taxes, and regulated commerce. They judged, pilloried, and hanged offenders. They modified the English laws of property. They had a mint and coined their own money, some of which, however, was declared by Act of the English Parliament (16, Edw. IV.) to be ‘ utterly damned.’ They cared little about the Parliament — English or Irish. Sometimes they refused to send representatives, and declined to pay any taxes which their representatives had not voted. But they had their troubles both inside the Avails and without. Inside they were at constant loggerheads with the soldiery, who came in attendance on the great Anglo-Norman lords that often visited Cork, or the Lord President of Munster, whose official residence was in Cork. The citizens liked to receive the great lords. In a mercantile view, I suppose then visits were profitable. But their attendants were lollickmg, SAvao’O'ering rascals whom it was hard to endure. The Bishop of Rosscarbery wrote to the Lords Justices in October, 1582; a curious complamt about this. He tells their lordships, that ‘unless these soldiers’ insolence be checked, the city people will not stand them.’ ‘ They esteem,’ he says, ‘no more of a mayor than they do of his horseboy, and their words are these to the best of the town : Ye are but beggars and traitors : we are soldiers and gentlemen.’ Outside the walls, the Cork folk had to do almost daily battle with ‘the Irish enemys. The walls themselves had to be guarded day and night. ‘ The townspeople could not,’ says Hollingshed, £ walk out for re¬ creation,’ without ‘ being Avith power of men furnished. But

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 273

As the companion tells it

As you come through Cork, this is a city that once ran itself. In the late 1500s and into the 1600s, it was a populous trading town, much resorted to, full of industrious and opulent people who travelled and hosted foreign merchants. Its haven was called a royal haven. The mayor and bailiffs, with the town council, governed almost independently of any outside authority. Their edicts had nearly the force of law. They levied taxes and regulated commerce. They judged, pilloried, and hanged offenders. They modified English property laws. They even ran a mint and coined their own money, though an Act of the English Parliament under Edward the Fourth declared some of it, in the source's word, utterly damned. They cared little for Parliament, English or Irish. Sometimes they refused to send representatives and would not pay taxes their own representatives had not voted. But they had trouble inside the walls and out. Inside, they were constantly at loggerheads with soldiers who came attending the great Anglo-Norman lords or the Lord President of Munster, whose residence was in Cork. The citizens welcomed the lords, but their attendants were swaggering rascals. In October 1582 the Bishop of Rosscarbery wrote to the Lords Justices complaining. He said that unless these soldiers' insolence be checked, the city people will not stand them. The soldiers, he reported, esteemed no more of a mayor than of his horseboy, and their words to the best of the town were these: Ye are but beggars and traitors, we are soldiers and gentlemen. Outside the walls, the people of Cork fought almost daily battle with the Irish enemys. The walls had to be guarded day and night. The townspeople could not walk out for recreation without being furnished with power of men.

Desmond captured at Kilmallock (1567)

Kilmallock · town · Limerick · 1567

The Earl of Desmond was taken prisoner at Kilmallock by the lord justice shortly after St. Patrick's festival in 1567. He was conveyed through Limerick, Galway, Athlone, and finally to Dublin, and later sent to England along with his kinsman John.

Read the passage

“ The Earl of Desmond was taken prisoner at Kilmallock by the lord justice, who conveyed him from thence to Limerick, and from thence to Galway, to Athlone, and aftei wards to Dublin. This capture was made a short time after the festival of St. Patrick. And his kinsman, John, the son of James, went to the English to visit the earl the ensuing Allhallowtide, and he was immediately taken prisoner. Both were afterwards
sent to England.”

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 197

Donald Mac Carty demolishes castle of Imokilly

Imokilly · barony · Cork · 1196

Donald Mac Carty demolished the castle of Imokilly and killed many of the English there. He also plundered the castle of Kilfeakle, near a church in Muskery that once held a tooth of Saint Patrick.

Read the passage

Richard 1 ' “ Donald Mac Carty demolished the castle of Imoa.d. 1196. killy, and killed many of the English ; he also plundered the castle of Kilfeakle. Colgan says there was a church in Muskery called by this name, Ecclesia deuis, from a tooth of Saint Patrick kept there. This castle probably stood near it, but the place is not now known. Soon after the English assembled their forces, which made up a good army, but by the interposition of some mediators, a peace was concluded, and both armies dispersed.
“ This year died Richard de Carew, a man of great power and name in this kingdom, who built seven al castles in this county.

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 112

Dungarvan granted to James Fitz Thomas

Dungarvan · town · Waterford · 1468

King Edward granted James Fitz Thomas, eldest son of the executed Earl of Desmond, the full liberty of county palatine in Kerry and bestowed the castle and town of Dungarvan on him and his heirs for ever.

Read the passage

the revolt ; and O’Daly asserts that they devastated the entire country far and near, even to the gates of Dublin ; that King Edward bitterly deplored the fall of the brave earl, and that he admonished the Desmonds, by letter, not to sully their father s escutcheon with the foul blot of rebellion, protesting that the Earl of Desmond had been put to death without his order or knowledge, and offering pardon for all offences com¬ mitted since the earl’s death. “ The sonnes of Desmond, immediately upon receipt of his Majestie’s letter, embraced ye motion, accepted the pardon, came in, and were quieted.” They were not “ quieted,” however, very long, although “ the king did grant unto James Fitz Thomas, the earl’s eldest son, the full and entyre libertye of county pallatine in Kierry, bestowed the castle and town of Dungarvan on him and his heyres for ever.”
James Fitz Thomas succeeded his father as Earl of Desmond, but only enjoyed his honours five years, as he was murdered at Rathkeale, in the county Limerick, by his own servants, it is said, at the instigation of his brother John.

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 134

First steamer George IV leaves Cork, c.1825

Cork · city · Cork · 1825

Around 1825 the first steamship, the George IV, departed Cork port carrying 200 calves and 600 pigs. The cattle trade at this time was estimated at roughly 600 animals every three weeks, allowing time for the voyage, disposal of stock, and dealers' return.

Read the passage

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.
And now let us step into a more enlightened and advanced period when the St. George Company started their steam ships. The trade increased rapidly, but somehow the company fell as rapidly, and at length the trade came into the hands of Mr. Pike, a gentleman well known in this city. He beginning in the usual way with certain shareholders, started with a splendid and well-equipped fleet of boats, under the name of the City of Cork Steam Ship Company (limited liability). And now I come to the present on which I can speak myself. Every facility is given to the shippers of cattle, 'and a glance will show that they have availed themselves of it.

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 386

As the companion tells it

Cork was a working port in 1825, and the first steamer to leave it was the George IV. She carried 200 calves and 600 pigs. The number sounds large, but the pigs were small and would have taken up about as much space as 100 pigs would today. The cattle trade at this time ran to roughly 600 animals every three weeks. Three weeks allowed for the vessel to make the crossing, for the stock to be sold off, and for the dealers to come back and buy a fresh lot. The trade grew fast when the St. George Company started running steam ships, but the company declined just as fast. In the end the trade passed to Mr. Pike, a gentleman well known in this city. He started in the usual way with certain shareholders and launched a well-equipped fleet under the name of the City of Cork Steam Ship Company, limited liability.

Founding of Abbey of St. Mary of the Isles, Cork, 1229

Cork · city · Cork · 1229–1237

The Barry family founded the Dominican Friary known as the Abbey of St. Mary of the Isles in 1229 on an insular site among the marshes of 'the five-isled city' of Cork. The attached church was described in the history of the Order as 'Magnifica Ecclesia,' and David Mac Kelly, dean of Cashel, took the Dominican habit there before becoming bishop of Cloyne in 1237.

Read the passage

The Dominican Friary, called the Abbey of St. Mary of the Isles, was founded by the Barry family iu 1229. The convent was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, and from its insular site — being built on one of the great marshes of “ the five-isled city” — was called “ St. Mary’s of the Island.” The church attached to the convent is noticed in the history of the Order as having been magnificent — “ Magnifica Ecclesia.” Soon after its erection, David Mac Kelly, dean of Cashel, took the habit of a Dominican in his house ; in 1237 he was consecrated bishop of Cloyne ; next year being succeeded in the chair of St. Colman by a brother Dominican, Allan O’Sullivan, he was translated to the metropolitan See of Cashel. Archbishop David introduced into the arch-diocese an affiliation of Friarspreachers from Cork, and built for his brethren a beautiful church and abbey, at a short distance from his own cathedral on the rock of Cashel. His name is celebrated in the works of manv foreign and domestic writers. In 1245 he assisted at the first general council at Lyons, to the acts of which his name is subscribed.
A charter, confirmed by assent of King Edward II. , was granted in 1317, by Sir Boger de Mortimer and his council, in favour of the Dominican community, by which the ward, or custody, of the gate ol the lately erected city walls, nearest to the abbey of St. Mary’s, should be committed to the mayor, bailiffs, and other trusty men, and free passage to and from the city should be given to the friars, and for their sake to other good citizens.

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 417

As the companion tells it

As you travel through Cork, you pass near the site of the Dominican Friary, called the Abbey of St. Mary of the Isles, founded in 1229 by the Barry family. The convent was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. Because it was built on one of the great marshes of what was called the five-isled city, it became known as St. Mary's of the Island. The history of the Order notes the church as having been magnificent, in the words "Magnifica Ecclesia." Soon after its erection, David Mac Kelly, dean of Cashel, took the habit of a Dominican in his house. In 1237 he was consecrated bishop of Cloyne. The next year he was succeeded in the chair of St. Colman by a fellow Dominican, Allan O'Sullivan, and David was translated to the metropolitan See of Cashel. Archbishop David introduced an affiliation of Friars Preachers from Cork into the arch-diocese and built a beautiful church and abbey at a short distance from his own cathedral on the rock of Cashel. His name is celebrated in the works of many foreign and domestic writers. In 1245 he assisted at the first general council at Lyons, to the acts of which his name is subscribed. In 1317, Sir Roger de Mortimer and his council granted a charter in favour of the Dominican community, later confirmed by King Edward II. By this charter the ward, or custody, of the gate of the lately erected city walls nearest to the abbey of St. Mary's should be committed to the mayor, bailiffs, and other trusty men, and free passage to and from the city should be given to the friars, and for their sake to other good citizens.

Friars Preachers monastery property alienated in Cork suburbs

Cork · city · Cork

A pardon was granted to William Bourman for alienating the property of the house of the Friars Preachers in the suburbs of Cork. The property included the monastery site, church, belfry, halls, dormitories, gardens, mills, a salmon weir, ten acres in Rathminy, and twenty acres in Galliveyston.

Read the passage

X. A curious record of the period gives us an accurate idea of the possessions of the religious houses in the vicinity of Cork : it is a pardon granted to William Bourman for alienating the property of the house of the Friars Preachers, situated in the suburbs of Cork, and the property thus alienated is described as “ the site, circuit, and precinct of the monastery, the church, belfry, closes (perhaps this is for clausura), halls and dormi¬ tories, castles, messuages, lands, buildings, gardens, mills, and other hereditaments there¬ unto belonging, an orchard, three gardens, a water-mill, a parcel of meadows containing half a stang, a fishing pool, a salmon weir, three acres called the half scaghbeg, ten acres in Rathminy, and twenty acres in Galliveyston.” — Morrin, i., 374.
2. Brady , Records, iii. , 46,

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 176

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, there's a record from this area about the Friars Preachers, whose monastery stood in the suburbs of the city. A pardon was granted to a man called William Bourman for alienating their property. The record lists what he disposed of: the site and precinct of the monastery, the church, the belfry, the halls and dormitories, castles, buildings, gardens, and mills. There was an orchard, three gardens, a water-mill, a parcel of meadows, a fishing pool, and a salmon weir. There were three acres called the half scaghbeg, ten acres in Rathminy, and twenty acres in Galliveyston. The document describes all of this as the hereditaments belonging to the monastery. It gives a sense of how much land and how many workings the friars held on the edge of Cork before it was taken from them.

Kilcoleman Castle granted to poet Spenser

Kilcolman · townland · Cork

Kilcoleman Castle belonged to the Desmonds but was granted to the poet Edmund Spenser during the reign of Elizabeth. The author notes that despite the beauty of Irish scenery and kindness of Irish hearts, Spenser remained bitter against the land where he found a home.

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Kilcoleman. — The name of Coleman occurs sixty times in O'Cleary s Calender of the Irish Saints. There are seven parishes and twenty townlands in Ireland called Eulcoleman. The castle belonged to the Desmonds, but was granted to the poet Spenser in the reign of Elizabeth. His own misfortunes ouo-ht to have taught him some compassion for those of others, but neither the rare beauty of Irish scenery nor the kindness of Irish hearts had power to soften his bitterness against the land where he found a home.
Knocknabohilly — the hill of the boys. — There is a place of the same name near Kinsale, and Knockanenabohilly, in the parish of Kilcrumper. These names indicate the joyous festival assembly in the good old times.

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 437

Lodging of leaders in Cork after capitulation

Cork · city · Cork · 1601–1602

After the capitulation, the deputy was lodged with Dr. Lyons the Protestant bishop, the president at Shandon Castle, and Don Juan in the city of Cork. A Spanish pinnace arrived with despatches for Don Juan, which the deputy and president determined to intercept.

Read the passage

The deputy is lodged with Dr. Lyons, the Protestant bishop ; the president at Shandon Castle, and Don Juan in the city.
Meantime a Spanish pinnace has arrived with despatches for Don Juan, and these despatches the deputy and the president are determined to see. The deputy would like to have the theft “ handsomely done.” He would not call it a robbery, only a transfer. Sir George Carew enjoys the exploit. The men who bring the despatches are robbed by bandits, five miles from Cork, and the news of the capture is

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 252

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, this city held the leaders after the capitulation in 1601. The deputy lodged with Doctor Lyons, the Protestant bishop. The president stayed at Shandon Castle. Don Juan was in the city. A Spanish pinnace arrived with despatches for Don Juan, and the deputy and president determined to see them. The deputy wanted the theft "handsomely done" and would not call it a robbery, only a transfer. Sir George Carew enjoyed the exploit. The men bringing the despatches were robbed by bandits five miles away.

Old Cathedral of Ross described in 1517 Acts

Ross Carbery · town · Cork · 1517

The Consistorial Acts of 1517 describe the city of Ross as a walled town with two gates and about two hundred houses on a fertile plain along the sea shore. The cathedral, dedicated to St. Fachtna, was built of cut stone with a Latin cross floor plan, a wooden slate-covered roof, stone pillars, a choir, high altar, sacristy, and a belfry tower with one large bell.

Read the passage

“ The city of Ross was situated in the Province of Cashel, in the middle of a fertile plain, rich in corn fields, and stretching along the sea shore. It was encompassed with a wall, had two gates, and contained about two hundred houses. In the centre of the town was the cathedral church, dedicated under the invocation of St. Fachtna, an Irish saint confessor, whose feast is celebrated on the Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The walls of the church were of cut stone ; there were two entrances — one lateral, the other in the front — and in both you descended by three steps to the level of the church. Its floor was unpaved, and its roof was of wood covered with slates. The interior of the church presented the form of a Latin cross, and in size corresponded with the Church of St. Maria del Popolo in Rome. It was divided into central nave and aisles, and the nave was

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 442

As the companion tells it

As you come through Ross Carbery in Cork, the road passes the ground where the old cathedral of Ross once stood. The consistorial acts of 1517 describe the city of Ross as sitting on a fertile plain, rich in corn fields, stretching along the sea shore. It was a walled town with two gates and about 200 houses. In the centre of the town stood the cathedral church, dedicated to St. Fachtna, an Irish saint confessor, whose feast was celebrated on the Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The walls of the church were of cut stone, with two entrances — one lateral, one in the front — and in both you descended by three steps to the level of the church. Its floor was unpaved, and its roof was of wood covered with slates. The interior presented the form of a Latin cross, and in size corresponded with the Church of St. Maria del Popolo in Rome. It was divided into central nave and aisles, and the nave was

Sir Cormac MacTeigh Carty of Muskerry praised for loyalty

near Muskerry · street · Cork · 1575

Sidney wrote to the English council that Sir Cormac MacTeigh Carty of Muskerry, for his loyalty and civil deportment, was the rarest man born among the Irishry. Camden also mentions him as a celebrated person in Muskerry.

Read the passage

great quantity of provisions and victuals, but the spoil was given to the soldiers. The deputy having left a garrison of twenty men in the place, under the command of Jasper Horsey, he returned to Cork. He afterwards made a progress through the province of Munster, and returned' a second time to that city, holding sessions in Limerick and other places. His lordship, in a letter to the council of English, says, that Sir Cormac Mac Teigh Carty, of Muskery, for his loyalty and civil deportment, was the rarest man that was ever bom among the Irishry. This Sir Cormac is also mentioned by Camden, as a celebrated person in his time in Muskery.

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 202

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Muskerry, in Cork, there lived a man the English administration thought highly of. In 1575, the deputy Sidney wrote to the council of English, praising Sir Cormac Mac Teigh Carty of Muskery. He said that for his loyalty and civil deportment, Sir Cormac was the rarest man that was ever born among the Irishry. Camden also wrote of him, calling him a celebrated person in his time in Muskery. Sidney had been travelling through Munster, holding sessions in Limerick and elsewhere, and had left a garrison of twenty men under Jasper Horsey before returning to Cork. It was in that context of military occupation and political unrest that Sidney singled out Sir Cormac as remarkable.

Volunteers and Whiteboys clash near Inchigeelagh

Inchigeelagh · townland · Cork · 1786

A desperate skirmish took place near Inchigeelagh between thirty volunteers and over six hundred Whiteboys, resulting in three Whiteboys killed, two drowned attempting to escape across the river, several wounded, and nine taken prisoner.

Read the passage

July 29, 1786. — A desperate skirmish took place between thirty of the volunteers and upwards of six hundred Whiteboys, near Inchigelagh, in this county, in which three of the latter were killed, two drowned in endeavouring to make their escape across the river, several wounded, and nine taken prisoners.
“July 25, 1788. — The foundation stone of St. Patrick’s Bridge was laid ; Mr. Michael Shanahan was the architect and contractor,

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 322

Assizes held at Tralee in Desmond's palatinate of Kerry

Tralee · town · Kerry · 1576

Sir William Drury held assizes in Tralee, which lay within the Earl of Desmond's palatinate of Kerry, as part of a strategy to curb the power of the Geraldines while appearing to uphold them. Desmond had been appointed to Drury's council the same period.

Read the passage

In .tlie year 1576 tlie Earl of Desmond was appointed one of the council of Sir William Drury, who was then governor of Munster. Thus were the Desmonds alternately suppressed and courted by the English government. The object of the deputy was to crush the power of the Geraldines, even while he appeared to uphold it, by holding assizes in Tralee, which was in the earl’s palatinate of Kerry.
In the year 1575, according to the Four Masters, and a year later according to other authorities, James Fitz Maurice set out with his wife and children to France to plead' the cause of the Irish Catholics. The whole narrative is an unwearied chivalrous defence of a cause which, from a temporal point of view, was certainly hopeless.

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 203

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Tralee, in Kerry. In 1576 Sir William Drury, governor of Munster, held assizes here. Tralee lay within the Earl of Desmond's palatinate of Kerry, and that same year the Earl of Desmond was appointed one of Drury's council. The Desmonds were being alternately suppressed and courted by the English government. Drury's object was to crush the power of the Geraldines, even while he appeared to uphold them, by holding these assizes right in the earl's own territory. The strategy was to wear down the family's authority under the guise of supporting it.

Black Friars of Youghal granted to Boyle, 1604

Youghal · town · Cork · 1604

By an inquisition at Cork in March 1604, Sir Walter Raleigh was found seized of the priory of observant friars near Youghal, called the Black Friars. In May 1604, the priory with all its possessions was granted to Sir Richard Boyle.

Read the passage

“ 1604, 10th May. — The priory or late house of observant friars near Youghall, called the Black Friars of Youghall, with all their possessions, spiritual and temporal, was granted to Sir Richard Boyle. [Calendar of Patent Rolls, Jac. I.]
“ 1617. — The Lady Honor Fitzgerald, of the Geraldine family, presented the Dominicans of Youghall, with a silver gilt shrine for the image of the Madonna, in their possession. This relique is about four inches in height, by one in width. Its sides are richly chased with floriated ornaments, and its summit is surmounted by a cross. It opens with two folding doors, which, thrown back, display the image within. The reverse of these doors bear a crucifixion and a figure of a saint in prayer respectively. On the outside is this inscrip¬ tion in the Roman letters : — ‘ Orate pro anima onariae hike, Tacobi De Geraldinis, Jae Me Fieri Fecit. Anno. D.M.S. 1617.’ ”

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 450

Bran-throwing mayoral custom in Cork

Cork · city · Cork

On a new mayor's entry into office, the population of Cork followed him from court and flung bran upon him in hopes of an abundant year, giving rise to the phrase 'bran new.' This custom was first discontinued in 1718.

Read the passage

“ Smith (History of Cork , vol. i), mentions an older manner of election, as he found it in the council book. It took place in the Kino-’s Old Castle But a still earlier form is noticed amongst the Koche MSS. in a document of the time of Elizabeth, which states ‘that the Maior and both Ballives chose each a good able man, of which three the whole commons of Cork should elect one to be their governor, and Maior of the same ’ Then it goes on to say ‘ that under tins system one of Corke came to one of the Ballives, and delivered unto him a certain sum of moneye for the electing and chewing of hvm to that purpose ; and so he did, and was made Maior, but afterwards, the briber sought at law to recover the money so given The opinion, however, of the judges of the superior courts was averse to his claim. Formerly on his entering into office the population enjoyed a day s saturnalia. They followed the mayor from the court, and flung bran upon him in hopes
of an abundant year. Hence the phrase, ‘ bran new This

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 409

Captain Cheppis arrives in Cork from Dantzic in open boat

Cork · city · Cork · 1741

In September 1741 Captain Cheppis arrived in Cork from Dantzic in thirty days aboard an open boat of six tons burden with only one boy as crew. He had previously made a similar solo voyage from Barbados, demonstrating remarkable seamanship.

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{i In September, Captain Cheppis arrived in Cork from Dantzic in 30 days, in an open boat of six tons burden, being the long boat of a vessel he had sold, with only one boy. He made a former voyage of the same kind in a sloop from Barbadoes, with only one man, so that he seemed to bid defiance to the rigours of the wind and seas, and might justly claim Horace’s description for his motto — ‘ III robur , sEs triplex .’ ”
Tuckey has the following in his Cork Remembrancer . Was it the sea serpent ?

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 308

Captives taken over the sea from Munster

Cork · city · Cork · 915–919

The Danes in Cork took captives from successive forays and carried them over the sea, separating families. The annalists lamented the cruelty of separating father and mother, mother and sister.

Read the passage

These were taken “ over the broad green sea,'’ and the annalists exclaim in pathetic language at the cruel injustice of separating father and mother and mother and sister.
“ The entire of Mumhain, without distinction, was plun¬ dered by them on all sides and devastated. And they spread themselves over Mumhaim, and they built duns and

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 63

As the companion tells it

As the road passes through Cork, this is where the Danes held sway in the early 900s. From successive forays across Munster they took captives, carrying them, in the annalists' words, over the broad green sea. The annalists cried out at the cruelty of separating father and mother, mother and sister. All of Mumhain was plundered. They built duns and spread themselves across the land.

Cork city disfranchised for aiding Perkin Warbeck, restored 1500

Cork · city · Cork · 1500

King Henry VII's charter of August 1500 restored Cork to royal favour after the city had been disfranchised for aiding Perkin Warbeck. The charter confirmed the port of the city from Rew Rone on the west to Denowdram on the east, and accepted 20 pounds of wax annually in lieu of rents due, given the poverty and ruin of the city.

Read the passage

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).
King Plenry VIII. confirmed all the privileges hitherto granted to this city by letters patent, dated at Westminster, February the 4th, in the first year of his teign, anno. 1509. ’ Also by another charter in the eighth year of his reign, dated at Westminster, December the 10th, which makes the mayor, recorder, and four senior aldermen justices of the peace in the said city and liberties thereof, to be justices of gaol deliveiy, with

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 147

As the companion tells it

As you come through Cork, you are in a city that lost its rights once and got them back. In August 1500, King Henry VII issued a charter restoring Cork to royal favour. The city had been disfranchised for aiding Perkin Warbeck. Henry confirmed all the former grants with the port of the city, from Rew Rone on the west to Denowdram on the east. He noted the poverty of the city and the ruin and spoil of it. Because of that, he released all rents due before the date of the letters patent, and in their place accepted 20 pounds of wax to be paid every Easter to his exchequer in Dublin, during the king's pleasure. Henry VIII later confirmed the city's privileges too, by letters patent dated at Westminster, February the 4th, in the first year of his reign, 1509. Another charter followed in the eighth year of his reign, dated at Westminster, December the 10th, which made the mayor, the recorder, and the four senior aldermen justices of the peace in the city and its liberties, and justices of gaol delivery.

Cork city public lighting established 1719

Cork · city · Cork · 1719

An Act of Parliament in December 1719 authorised William Maynard, Samuel Wilson, and Jeremiah Forster to erect and maintain public lights in Cork city and its liberties for twenty-one years, citing the reduction of murders, robberies and thefts in well-lit cities.

Read the passage

“December 20th, 1719.— An act was passed, whereby, after reciting 4 that it had been found by experience that all cities well furnished with public lights in the dark nights are much freer from murders, robberies, thefts, and other insolencies, than such cities as are not so furnished, and for want of them many accidents in the night time have hap¬ pened, to the ruin of several inhabitants residing in such cities/ it was enacted, amongst other provisions for lighting several towns and cities, that William Maynard, Esq., Samuel Wilson, and Jeremiah Forster, merchants, their executors and ad¬ ministrators, shall have full power and authority, from time to time, during the space of twenty-one years, to cause public lights to be erected and maintained in the city of Cork and the liberties thereof.
“February 2nd, 1729. — The North and South Chapels were built, the latter was afterwards burnt.

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 316

As the companion tells it

Cork got its public lights by an act of Parliament passed on December 20th, 1719. The act opened by saying that experience had shown cities well furnished with public lights on dark nights are much freer from murders, robberies, thefts, and other insolencies than cities without them, and that for want of lights many accidents in the night had happened, to the ruin of several inhabitants. It then gave William Maynard, Samuel Wilson, and Jeremiah Forster, all merchants, full power and authority, from time to time, for twenty-one years, to cause public lights to be erected and maintained in the city of Cork and the liberties thereof. Three men, a twenty-one-year grant, and the stated purpose of cutting down night-time violence and loss. As you pass through Cork, that is when the city first took on the work of lighting its streets.

Cork's origins as a marshy swamp

Cork · city · Cork · 600–623

When St. Finbar established his monastery at Cork, the site was a low, marshy swamp through which the river Lee flowed. When the river overflowed, the whole country appeared like one vast lake called Loch Ire; the swamp was called Corcach-Mor-Mumhan, the 'Great Marsh of Munster.'

Read the passage

When St. Finbar established his monastery at Cork, it was a low, marshy swamp.1 The river Lee flowed through the . centre of the plain, and when it overflowed its waters the whole country appeared like one vast lake, which was then called Loch Ire. It was at the source of this river that St.
I inbar 'founded his first cell, in the beautiful and lovely district of Lough Allua , now known as Gougane-Barra (St. Barra or Finbar’s rock cleft). Colgan says : —

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 40

As the companion tells it

Cork began as a marshy swamp. When St. Finbar established his monastery here, the river Lee flowed through the centre of the plain, and when it overflowed its waters the whole country appeared like one vast lake, called Loch Ire. The swamp itself was known as Corcach-Mor-Mumhan, the Great Marsh of Munster. Finbar founded his first cell at the source of the river, in the district of Lough Allua, now called Gougane-Barra.

Cromwell's letter to the Governor of New Ross on liberty of conscience

New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1649

Cromwell wrote to the governor of New Ross declaring that while he meddled not with any man's conscience, he would not allow the exercise of the Mass where the Parliament of England had power. The letter was part of his campaign through southern Ireland after the sack of Drogheda.

Read the passage

“ As for that which you mention concerning liberty of conscience, I meddle not with any man’s conscience. But if by liberty of conscience, you mean liberty to exercise the mass, I judge it best to use plain dealing, and to let you know, where the Parliament of England have power, that will not be allowed.”
But Cromwell wanted money, and he had no idea of “standing with his finger in his mouth,”9 or doing without anything that he could get by force or fraud. He therefore writes to demand it from the English parliament.

Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 292

A history of the city and county of Cork

The stories, best first

Marriage of Lady Ellen and Florence MacCarthy in Killarney

Parliament prorogued from Dublin to Kilkenny

Priests maintained by Cork aldermen and merchants

Táin Bó Cuailgne, the cattle raid of Cooley

Wild roads between Cork and Bantry in snow

Franciscan friars withdraw to Curraheen after dissolution

Bandon revolt against Irish garrison

Battle of Affane: Desmond wounded and captured

Bearna Dhearg: traditional murder site of King Mahoun

Bishop Courcy enriches Franciscan convent at Timoleague

Bishop Creagh of Cork and Cloyne active in Munster despite Elizabethan rule

Bishop of Ross intercepted at Macroom

Burning of O'Sullivan Beare's house and massacre at Bantry

Carties' depredations in Desmond and Muskerry

Cathedral of St. Fachnan at Ross with furnishings and staff

Cork bailiffs refuse oath of supremacy, 1596

Cork Butter Market regulations established, 1769

De Lacy seizes Earl of Desmond at Limerick

Edward IV charter describes ruined Cork churches

English garrison at Ardfert consumes the country

Franciscan convent at Youghal founded by Maurice FitzGerald

King Street cattle carcass trade, Cork, 1797

Lord De Courcy expelled from Kilbritton by Mac Carthy Reagh

Mallow expedition against John Mac Redmond

News of French fleet sent from Leamcon to Seafield Park

Parley with Cormac Oge near Cork (1535)

Re-dedication of Cathedrals of Cork and Cloyne after Elizabeth's death

Round Tower of Cloyne struck by lightning, 1749

Sidney's six-week stay in Cork with army provisioning

Smerwick fort attacked and Castlemaine constable slain

Spanish despatch bearers robbed near Cork

St. Cairthage at Kerrycurrihy and the royal castle miracle

Synod at Mellifont Abbey, 1157

James O'Brien lights Tuckey Street shop with gas

Archbishop of Armagh defies royal spiritual supremacy

Battle of Bealach-Leachta near Macroom

Butler marches through Clonmel, Dungarvan, Youghal to Cork

Chairing of Christopher Hely Hutchinson in Cork

Coleman O Cluasiaghe, head master of St. Finbar's school

Cork's self-governance and soldier conflicts in the 16th-17th centuries

Desmond captured at Kilmallock (1567)

Donald Mac Carty demolishes castle of Imokilly

Dungarvan granted to James Fitz Thomas

First steamer George IV leaves Cork, c.1825

Founding of Abbey of St. Mary of the Isles, Cork, 1229

Friars Preachers monastery property alienated in Cork suburbs

Kilcoleman Castle granted to poet Spenser

Lodging of leaders in Cork after capitulation

Old Cathedral of Ross described in 1517 Acts

Sir Cormac MacTeigh Carty of Muskerry praised for loyalty

Volunteers and Whiteboys clash near Inchigeelagh

Assizes held at Tralee in Desmond's palatinate of Kerry

Black Friars of Youghal granted to Boyle, 1604

Bran-throwing mayoral custom in Cork

Captain Cheppis arrives in Cork from Dantzic in open boat

Captives taken over the sea from Munster

Cork city disfranchised for aiding Perkin Warbeck, restored 1500

Cork city public lighting established 1719

Cork's origins as a marshy swamp

Cromwell's letter to the Governor of New Ross on liberty of conscience