A history of the city and county of Cork

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

1. French ships anchored from Bere Island to Sheep's Head

   near Bear Island · island or archipelago · Cork · 1797

   On 2 January 1797 thirteen French ships were at anchor across the mouth of Bantry Bay from Bere Island to Sheep's Head, with additional ships south-west of Whiddy Island and one a league from Bantry. A council of war had decided for landing but the fleet departed.

   Read the passage

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

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 324

2. Knights of St. John Abbey at George's Quay

   Cork · city · Cork

   Farther east beyond the Red Abbey, where George's Quay now runs and what was then called the 'Red Abbey Marsh,' stood the Church and Abbey of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem in Cork.

   Read the passage

   Mortimer, Earl of March. The abbey, however, had recently been £ suppressed,’ and the image of St. Dominick burned at the high cross of Cork. But popular feeling was too strong for arbitrary power. At the date of which I speak (the close of Elizabeth’s reign), the Friar’s Preachers were still in their old home ; and they held it for nearly a century afterwaids. Near this was ‘ ‘the fort of Cork, lately built to overawe the citizen,’ of which I shall have more to tell bye-and-bye. Farther east in the southern suburb stood the Augustinian Abbey — the £ Red Abbey’ — of which I spoke just now, whose tower still stands in Cumberland street. It is still called the £ Red Abbey.’ Still farther east, where now runs George’squay, then called the £ Red Abbey Marsh, were the Church and Abbey of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem.

   ££ In the north-west suburb, on the North Mall, where North Abbey-square now stands, was the North Abbey. It was, as you see, actually within arrow-shot of the city walls and North Gate fort. In Elizabeth’s time it also was suppressed. Its rich possessions had been granted to the Skiddys. But there also the Friars somehow kept their ground. Farther on to the east, where St. Mary’s Church now stands, was Shandon Castle. It was perched on the verge of a precipice, over¬ hanging the river. The adjacent lane is still sometimes known as Shandon Castle-lane. There the Barrys once kept splendid state. There also the Judges of Assize held courts of gaol delivery. Nearly at its foot, just where the Kiln river meets the Lee, was the hamlet of Dungarvan. Close by, where Daly’s distillery now stands, was, at the time of which I speak, the Benedictine Convent of St. John. The place is still called John-street. In 1296 the ‘Convent Question’ was raised about the founding of this convent. Edward I., by royal writ, referred to the Chief Justice of Ireland whether a convent should be established here. The Chief Justice reported that such an institution would be ad communem commodum et communem utilitatem totius patriot, and so the convent was founded and flourished for centuries.

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 272

   As the companion tells it

   As the road carries you through Cork, you are passing the ground where George's Quay now runs. In earlier times this low ground was known as the Red Abbey Marsh. Here stood the Church and Abbey of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. The passage that records it places it farther east, beyond the Augustinian house called the Red Abbey, whose tower still stood in Cumberland Street in the writer's day. Beyond that Red Abbey, out into the marsh, the Knights of St. John had their church and their abbey. The source gives no further detail about this house, no date for its founding, no record of its suppression, no names attached to it. It is named and located and nothing more. What the passage does tell is that Cork at the close of Elizabeth's reign still had friars holding their old homes despite suppression orders. The Friars Preachers near the high cross of Cork held their place for nearly a century after the image of Saint Dominick was burned there. The North Abbey on the North Mall was also suppressed in Elizabeth's time, its possessions granted to the Skiddys, yet friars kept their ground there too. The Benedictine Convent of Saint John, near where Daly's distillery stood, was founded in 1296 after Edward the First referred the question to the Chief Justice of Ireland, who reported it would serve the common good of the whole country. But for the Knights of Saint John at George's Quay, the record gives only the name and the marsh.

3. Lord Muskerry bribes Lord Broghill

   near Muskerry · street · Cork · 1650

   Lord Muskerry escaped the general fate of Irish landowners by bribing Lord Broghill with £1,000 a year, while Lord Kinsale got off principally because his property was hardly worth seizing.

   Read the passage

   worth seizing, and Lord Muskery bribed Lord Brogkill with ,£1,000 a year. Thus was unhappy Ireland once more the scene of no ordinary spoilation and robbery.

   How little these new settlers thought of the injustice they committed, or of the probability that the precedent might be followed, to the terrible disadvantage of their own children, in another generation.

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Muskerry, in 1650, Lord Muskerry bribed Lord Broghill with 1,000 pounds a year to escape the fate of other Irish landowners. Lord Kinsale got off because his property was hardly worth seizing. "Unhappy Ireland" became "the scene of no ordinary spoilation and robbery." The settlers gave little thought to the injustice, or that the precedent might be followed against their own children.

4. Lord of Lixnaw killing at his own door

   Lixnaw · town · Kerry

   Years after the earl's death, the Lord of Lixnaw killed someone at his own door. O'Kelly also came to an untimely end after obtaining a pension from the queen but turning to highway robbery in England.

   Read the passage

   years after the earl’s death by the “ Lord of Lixnaw,” at his own door. O’Kelly also came to an untimely end. He obtained a pension from the queen of lands to the value of jf 20 per annum, but he took to highway robbery in England, and, notwithstanding the mediation and influence of the Earl of Ormond, he was hanged for it. The vacillations which marked the career of the Earl of Desmond, have been accounted for by his fear that James Desmond would claim his title and property if he succeeded in expelling the English from

   Munster.

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 233

5. Maltby reports Desmond support from Kilmallock

   Kilmallock · town · Limerick · 1579

   Sir Nicholas Maltby wrote from Kilmallock on 3 September 1579 that the Earl of Desmond had not three men of the county willing to follow him, and that all had followed Sir John of Desmond instead. This was presented as a clear statement of popular opinion in the area.

   Read the passage

   On the 3rd September, 1579, Sir Nicholas Maltby wrote from Kilmallock that the earl had not three men of the county who would follow him, besides his household, and that all had followed Sir John-a clear and certainly unprejudiced state¬ ment of the state of popular opinion. That help from abroad was confidently expected is evident from many sources, but we doubt if Dr. Saunders staked his head on the probability of its arrival, as we find stated in the following letter. It

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 214

6. Marine shells in drift gravels across Cork

   Midleton · town · Cork

   Gravels containing fragments of sea shells and oysters have been found in the glacial drift of County Cork by Mr. F. M. Jennings and Mr. A. B. Wynne. These deposits occur near Cork, New Glanmire, Midleton, Ballinacurra, Castlemartyr, and Youghal, among other places.

   Read the passage

   just north of Cork, near New Glanmire, near Midleton, and beyond Ballinacurra, near Castlemartyr, near Youghal, and m man3' other places. These gravels often contain an ad¬ mixture of far transported materials, such as we do not find in the boulder clay, fragments of sea shells, oysters, etc., have 066H found in tins drift m this county by Mr. F. M. Jennino’s and by Mr. A. B. Wynne. In other parts of Ireland a con¬ siderable number of marine shells have been obtained in this formation. Mr. Du Noyer found gravel and sand at the height of 2,050 feet on Mullaghanish. Mountain, nine miles N.AV. by W. of Maeroom, giving evidence of the great depth of the submergence in the sea (there is evidence of a similar subsidence in north Wales). In some places, but not yet in Ireland, Arctic shells have been found in these gravels. It seems to have been chiefly during the latter part of this sub¬ mergence that the far- transported boulders were carried about, these are often found lying on mounds of gravel and sand; which circumstances proves that they were left there after the submergence had begun, and also that they must have been borne thither by floating ice. Any rush of water strong enough to leave, often very large, blocks on a mound of gravel, would have swept away the gravel before moving the block. A great many blocks of Galway granite have been found in many parts of this county, as far south as four miles north of Carrigtohill, near Midleton. Chalk flints may be found on the east side of Youghal Bay, not only on the shore but in the cliffs of drift, also in Ballycotton Bay. They have been found also on the shore of Inisherkin and Inishodriscol and the N.E. part of Roaring Water Bay. Mr. Wyley, who found them there, thought they might possibly have been brought by vessels in ballast. The nearest chalk with flints that we know of is in Antrim, in N.E. Ireland.

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 367

7. Mortuary fees levied on Catholics in Abbeystrowry

   Abbeystrowry · townland · Cork

   Bishop Downes records that in Abbeystrowry parish, the Protestant rector or vicar demanded mortuary fees from Catholic families at death: 13s. 4d. if the deceased was worth £5, or the second-best suit of clothes (or 6s. 8d.) if worth less. This illustrates the religious intolerance imposed on Catholics.

   Read the passage

   “ In the parish of Ardnageehy, David Terry, Papist, gives the seventh part of his milk to the poor. In Abbeystrowry, the rector or vicar usually demands, besides his burying fees, when the man of the family or widow dies worth /5, the sum of 13s. 4d. as a mortuary ; if the man dies worth less than £$, they demand his second-best suit of clothes, or 6s. 8d. in lieu thereof.

   “In Dromdaleague parish, Felix M‘ Car thy is priest; he was here before the late troubles. A Protestant schoolmaster com¬ plains that Papists teach publick school in this parish. In Caharagh parish ’tis thought that there are forty Papists for one Protestant. William Guricheen, a very old man, is priest there. In Cannaway parish — no church, no Protestants — there are the ruins of a house in the churchyard ; there is a vault whole ; the priest built an altar in it about a year ago, when some person of note was buried. Denis Sweeny is Popish priest of this parish and Macroom.”

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 312

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Abbeystrowry, Bishop Downes recorded what Catholic families faced when someone died. The Protestant rector or vicar here demanded mortuary fees on top of the ordinary burying fees. When a man of the family or a widow died worth 5 pounds, he took 13 shillings and 4 pence from them. If the deceased was worth less than 5 pounds, he demanded their second-best suit of clothes, or 6 shillings and 8 pence in its place. In neighbouring Ardnageehy, he noted that David Terry, a Catholic, gave the seventh part of his milk to the poor. In Dromdaleague, Felix McCarthy was priest, having been there before the late troubles, and a Protestant schoolmaster complained that Catholics were teaching public school in the parish. In Caharagh, it was thought there were 40 Catholics for every one Protestant, and William Guricheen, a very old man, was priest there.

8. No Papists allowed within Bandon walls

   Bandon · town · Cork · 1690–1699

   At the close of the seventeenth century no Catholics were permitted to live within the walls of Bandon. The Earl of Cork's leases obliged all tenants not to admit Papists.

   Read the passage

   “ St. Faughnan is the patron saint of this parish. Not far from Bantry, by the sea side, are the ruins of an abbey which belonged to the Franciscans. I don't hear that there are any other religious houses besides this in the barony of Beere and Bantry ; Humphrey Sullivan is Popish priest of this parish, and of Kilcroghau ; he has been here about twelve years. A the inhabitants are Papists. No papists are allowed to live within the walls of Bandon. The Earl of Cork, m his leases,

   1-1 Tnrlr in t6qq and wrote a very interesting account of

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa

9. O'Keeffe attainders after the 1641 civil war

   Dromagh · townland · Cork · 1641–1652

   Confiscations following the Desmond war and the 1641 civil war greatly despoiled the O'Keeffe family. The attainders on the latter occasion included Cornelius Oge O'Keeffe of Cullin, Keeffe-O'Keeffe of Kilcoleman, and Donogh son of Daniel O'Keeffe and Donogh O'Keeffe Oge, both described as of Dromagh.

   Read the passage

   In 1619 he had a further grant of the manor, castle, and mill of Dunbullog, with various townlands, the advowson o± the vicarage, and liberty to impark 200 acres, to create tenures, hold courts leet and baron, enjoy all waifs and strays etc. The confiscations consequent upon the Desmond war, and those resulting from the civil war of 1641, greatly despoiled this family ° The attainders on the latter occasion mcludes the names of four of the sept, viz., Cornelius Oge 0 Keeffe, of Cullin ; Keeffe-O’Keeffe, of Kilcoleman ; Donogh, son of Daniel O’Keeffe, and Donogh O’Keeffe Oge, the two last being described

   as of Dromagh.

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 440

10. Pilgrim composes verses departing from Bangor abbey

    near Bangor · town · Down · 926

    In 926 Celedubhaill, son of Scannal, went on a pilgrimage to Rome from the abbey at Bangor, composing devotional quatrains at his departure. The verses demonstrate that Norse raids had not diminished Irish devotion or literary culture.

    Read the passage

    In the same year Celedubhaill, son of Scannal, went on a pilgrimage to Rome from the abbey at Bangor, and he com¬ posed these quatrains at his departure, which show that the raids of the Northmen, terrible as they were, had neither lessened the devotion nor the literary taste of the Irish : —

    “ Time for me to prepare to pass from the shelter of a habitation,

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 62

11. Plundering of Cloyne, Rosscarbery and Kenmare in 836

    Cloyne · town · Cork · 836

    In 836, Cloyne, Ros-Ailithir (Rosscarbery), and Kenmare were all plundered by the Danes, part of frequent and persistent raids across the south of Ireland.

    Read the passage

    In 836 C ena,in- M or (Cloy no), Ros-Ailithir , and Cenn-mare (Kenmare) were all plundered. Indeed, places were plundered so frequently and persistently by each succeded raid, that one wonders how anything could have been left to take away.

    The Danes were divided into two parties, the Black Gentiles ( Dnbhgaill), and the Finngall , or White Gentiles. The White or Azure Gentiles were Norwegians, and their power was considerably broken after the death of Turgesius.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 60

12. Raids on Cork after the Battle of Clontarf

    Cork · city · Cork

    After the Battle of Clontarf, raids were carried out on Cork. The Cork men had specific places assigned to them in the battle of Clontarf.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 65

    As the companion tells it

    Cork lies along the road ahead. This city's story reaches back to the time of Brian Boroimhe and his brother Mahoun. The Danes had nominally converted to Christianity by the year 948, but plundering and burning went on as usual, while divisions among the Irish prevented any effective resistance. Brian would have nothing to do with what the source calls the Grim Black Gentiles. The Eoghanists allied themselves with the Danes, and quarrels broke out between the Eoghanists and the Dalcassians. The result was the treacherous murder of Mahoun in County Cork. Mahoun placed himself under the protection of the Bishop of Cork, but the Bishop was unable to avert the crime. He, as the text puts it, maledicts all who were concerned. The Gospel of St. Barri was desecrated. The conspiracy involved Ivor, the Danish King of Limerick, Donovan, and Molloy. The Bishop remained at Raithen Mor, near Fermoy. Sites of the murder are shown at Kilflyn and in the Mushera Mountains. Molloy was cursed for his treachery. Brian revenged his brother at the battle of Glen-Mama, which led to the subjugation of the Danes. Then came the battle of Clontarf. The Cork men had specific places assigned to them in that battle. After Clontarf, raids were carried out on Cork.

13. Rattoo round tower and the reed analogy

    Rattoo · townland · Kerry

    A writer describes standing on the ancient causeway opposite the round tower at Rattoo in Kerry, struck by how the term 'cuilc' (reed) applies both to the tower and to the tall reeds lining the banks of the Brick and the canal near its base.

    Read the passage

    explain the origin of the name, he further adds, “There is growing in the bogs and rivers of Ireland a large kind of cuilc, or reed, with a conical head, which in form and shape resemble the lines of the round tower, and which, I am sure, was originally taken as the model for it.” The writer in the trans¬ actions of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, already referred to, also states, “ I was never more struck with the poetic application of this term to our round towers than at Ratto in Kerry, when I stood on the ancient causeway opposite the tower, and heard the same name applied to the tall, slender, symmetrical pillar, with its perfect conical spire, as to the tall, graceful reeds, with their spiral feathered caps, which lined the banks of the Brick and the canal, which runs up nearly to the base of the tower.

    In the “Book of Rights,” page 87, Cluain-uamha is mentioned as one of the royal residences of the kings of Cashel, and sub¬ sequently is added : —

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 423

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Rattoo in Kerry, a round tower stands near an ancient causeway. One writer explained that a large kind of cuilc, or reed, grows in the bogs and rivers of Ireland, with a conical head that in form and shape resembles the lines of the round tower, and which he was sure was originally taken as the model for it. A writer in the transactions of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society described standing on the ancient causeway opposite the tower at Rattoo, struck by the poetic application of the term cuilc. The same name was given to the tall, slender, symmetrical pillar with its perfect conical spire, as to the tall, graceful reeds with their spiral feathered caps lining the banks of the Brick and the canal that runs up nearly to the base of the tower. He said he was never more struck by this than at that moment.

14. Round Tower of Cloyne construction details

    Cloyne · town · Cork

    The round tower at Cloyne is built of reddish-coloured local sandstone in good preservation, with finely chiselled masonry at the doorway. Wilkinson noted that the stonework was so carefully executed that only a file could reproduce such precision in modern times.

    Read the passage

    Wilkinson, treating of the “ Ancient Architecture of Ireland,” p. 1 71, states that “the material of this tower is reddish coloured sandstone of the country, in good preservation. Much of it is very carefully worked to the curvature of the tower with a chisel-pointed hammer; the masonry of the doorway is put together in a laboured manner, and finely chiselled, each stone being apparently worked as it was required. The stones are flat-bedded, and of considerable size and, subsequently he adds, “ that the masonry of the doorway is so carefully put together, that a file alone would produce such careful work in the present day.”

    In a paper read twelve years ago before the Kilkenny Archaeological Society (new series, i.e., 265), we find it stated that “ the round tower at Cloyne is locally known by the Irish - speaking people as Grolcach, and the same term is locally applied" to Ardmore ; at Kineth, and at Ratto, in Kerry. Within the past few days this statement has been confirmed and further illustrated by the Rev. Richard Smicldy, in his interesting work on the “ Druids, etc., of Ireland. At page 199 he writes, “ the universal popular name of the round tower in Munster, Connaught, and the other Irish-speaking parts of Ireland is Cuilceach, or Culciheace ; this name is from cuile ‘ a reed,’ and theach ‘ a house,’ that is the reed-house, or reed¬ shaped structure ; thus the people have always said, with con¬ stant unerring accuracy, when speaking of these structures, Cuilceach Clinna, ‘the round tower of Cloyne; Cuilceach Colmain, ‘ the round tower of St. Colman ;’ Cuilceach Deaglam, ‘ the round tower of St. Deelon,’ at Lismore, and so on. To

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa

15. Sergeant Christy's hundred-mile walk to Glanmire bridge

    near Glanmire · town · Cork · 1779

    On June 4, 1779, Sergeant Christy of the 81st Regiment arrived at Glanmire bridge after completing a journey of one hundred miles on foot in twenty-four hours. The feat was recorded as a notable event in the Cork area.

    Read the passage

    “ jUne 4, 1 779. — This morning, about nine 0 clock, Sergeant Christy, of the 81st Regiment, arrived at Glanmire bridge, after performing on foot a journey of one hundred miles in twenty-four hours.

    398

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 319

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Glanmire, there is a bridge here with a curious record. On June 4, 1779, about nine o'clock in the morning, Sergeant Christy of the 81st Regiment arrived at Glanmire bridge, after performing on foot a journey of one hundred miles in twenty-four hours.

16. Shandon Castle on precipice over the Lee

    near Shandon · locality · Cork

    Shandon Castle stood where St. Mary's Church now stands, perched on the verge of a precipice overhanging the river. The Barrys once kept splendid state there, and the Judges of Assize held courts of gaol delivery. The adjacent lane was still known as Shandon Castle-lane.

    Read the passage

    ££ In the north-west suburb, on the North Mall, where North Abbey-square now stands, was the North Abbey. It was, as you see, actually within arrow-shot of the city walls and North Gate fort. In Elizabeth’s time it also was suppressed. Its rich possessions had been granted to the Skiddys. But there also the Friars somehow kept their ground. Farther on to the east, where St. Mary’s Church now stands, was Shandon Castle. It was perched on the verge of a precipice, over¬ hanging the river. The adjacent lane is still sometimes known as Shandon Castle-lane. There the Barrys once kept splendid state. There also the Judges of Assize held courts of gaol delivery. Nearly at its foot, just where the Kiln river meets the Lee, was the hamlet of Dungarvan. Close by, where Daly’s distillery now stands, was, at the time of which I speak, the Benedictine Convent of St. John. The place is still called John-street. In 1296 the ‘Convent Question’ was raised about the founding of this convent. Edward I., by royal writ, referred to the Chief Justice of Ireland whether a convent should be established here. The Chief Justice reported that such an institution would be ad communem commodum et communem utilitatem totius patriot, and so the convent was founded and flourished for centuries.

    £ £ How did the Cork folk live in the sixteenth century ? They

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 272

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Shandon, where St. Mary's Church now stands, Shandon Castle once stood, perched on the verge of a precipice overhanging the river. The adjacent lane is still sometimes known as Shandon Castle-lane. The Barrys once kept splendid state there. The Judges of Assize also held courts of gaol delivery within its walls. Nearby, on the North Mall where North Abbey-square now stands, was the North Abbey, actually within arrow-shot of the city walls and North Gate fort. In Elizabeth's time it was suppressed, and its rich possessions were granted to the Skiddys, though the Friars somehow kept their ground there. Nearly at the foot of the castle, just where the Kiln river meets the Lee, was the hamlet of Dungarvan. Close by, where Daly's distillery now stands, was the Benedictine Convent of St. John. The place is still called John-street. In 1296 the Convent Question was raised about founding this convent. Edward I, by royal writ, referred the matter to the Chief Justice of Ireland, asking whether a convent should be established here. The Chief Justice reported that such an institution would be, in his words, ad communem commodum et communem utilitatem totius patriae. The convent was founded and flourished for centuries.

17. Siege of Loch Gur by Geraldines

    near Lough Gur · lake or lakes · Limerick · 1516

    In 1516, when the Geraldines went to war with each other, James, Earl of Desmond laid siege to Loch Gur and was assisted by the MacCarthys in this internal feud.

    Read the passage

    The country was not very likely to be “quieted” while there were Mac Carthys and Desmonds to keep up the feud. I11 1521 James, Earl of Desmond, began to “ravage and lay waste ” the barony of Muskery, the territory of Connor Oge Mac Carthy. Yet, in 1516, when the Geraldines went to war with each other, and James laid siege to Loch Gur, he was assisted by the Mac Carthys, and the Four Masters call

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 134

18. Sir Thomas Southwell sentenced to hang in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1689

    Sir Thomas Southwell and other gentlemen marched from County Cork to Galway to escape the troubles, but found worse there. Sir Thomas was sentenced to be hanged upon arrival.

    Read the passage

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

    Joseph Pike, a member of the Society of Friends, has given an interesting account of the siege of Bandon. He says : —

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 302

    As the companion tells it

    As the road carries you through Galway, in 1689 this city was the end of a desperate march. Sir Thomas Southwell and other gentlemen came here from County Cork to escape the troubles, but found worse where they went. Sir Thomas was sentenced to be hanged upon arrival.

19. Sir Walter Raleigh seized of Youghal Franciscan friary

    Youghal · town · Cork · 1604

    An inquisition taken on 1st March 1604 found that Sir Walter Raleigh was seized in fee of the Franciscan friary at Youghal and all its possessions, spiritual and temporal, including lands across several counties.

    Read the passage

    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

20. St. Patrick entertained at palace on hill of Rea

    Caher (Connell) · townland · Limerick · 439

    Lonan, chief of the Ui-Figeinte, hosted St. Patrick in 439 at his palace on the summit of the hill of Rea, near the mountain of Cam Feradhaigh, according to the Tripartite Life.

    Read the passage

    X. Eri, who had two sons, Lonan and Kinfaela. Thu former was chief of the Ui-Figeinte and contemporary with St. Patrick, whom he entertained (according to the Tripartite Life, published by Golgan) in the year 439, at his palace situated on the summit of the hill of Rea, near the mountain of Cam Feradhaigh.

    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.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 402

21. Swearing-in of Lord Deputy Grey at St. Patrick's Church

    near Saint Patrick's Cathedral · ecclesiastical site · Dublin · 1580

    In September 1580, Lord Arthur Grey de Wilton was sworn in as Lord Deputy at St. Patrick's Church in the presence of Lord Justice Pelham and state peers.

    Read the passage

    “ On Friday 12th August, 1580, about four o’clock in the morning, Lord Arthur Grey de Wilton, arrived at Howth ; and on Wednesday, the 7th of September, was, by virtue of Queen Elizabeth’s Letters Patent, which were solemnly read by Nicholas White, Master of the Rolls, sworn Lord Deputy in St. Patrick’s Church, before the Lord Justice Pelham, the peers and counsellers of the state. Grey was a ruthless Puritan^ and the Queen sent him to Ireland ‘ to dissolve the spell of Rome or in plain phase, to compel the Irish to accept the doctrines of the so-called Reformation. Pelham had not succeeded in effecting this ; and it occurred to her Majesty that Grey’s swordsmen might achieve what his predecessor s ranting preachers were not able to realise. In Greys suit were three remarkable men— Spenser, the poet, his Excellency’s Secretary ; Sir Walter Raleigh, statesman, soldier, navigator, poet, and philosopher ; and William Lyon, a native of Chester, who, in 1573; was made Vicar of Naas, and, four years after¬ wards, obtained dispensation ‘ to hold the same, with any other benefice, for life, and leave to live in England, and transport the profits of his vicarage into that kingdom. A special favourite of the Queen was this Lyon : for, one month before Grey landed, her Majesty advanced him to the Vicarage of Bodenstown, in the county of Kildare ; and when the new deputy was sworn, caused him to be appointed chaplain to his

    Excellency.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 167

22. Waterford galleys pursue Perkin Warbeck (1497)

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1497

    The citizens of Waterford, loyal to King Henry, fitted out four galleys and pursued Perkin Warbeck after he departed Ireland for Cornwall. However, fortune did not crown their loyal endeavours with the success of taking him.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 148

23. Barrack Street hazard nearly kills garrison officer

    Barrack Street · street · Cork · 1805

    The dangerous condition of Barrack Street in Cork was highlighted when its gulf and huge stones nearly proved fatal to an eminent officer of the garrison, illustrating the city's neglect of public infrastructure.

    Read the passage

    for a long time. It was but a few nights ago that the gulph and huge stones of Barrack Street had nearly proved fatal to an eminent officer of this garrison.

    “September 4, 1805. — The grand jury of this city pre¬ sented £ 1 00, to be applied to the construction of a new road, which was necessary to render the communication between Cork, Kerry, Mallow, and Kanturk easy and convenient.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 331

    As the companion tells it

    Along here, in 1805, Barrack Street was so broken and dangerous that its gulf and huge stones nearly killed an eminent officer of the garrison. The city had neglected its streets for a long time. On September 4, 1805, the grand jury presented one hundred pounds to build a new road, meant to make travel between Cork, Kerry, Mallow, and Kanturk easy and convenient.

24. Viking fleet of 65 ships lands at Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 873

    A fleet of sixty-five ships landed at Dubhlinn (Dublin) around 873. Annalists described the invaders as 'great sea-cast floods of foreigners' and noted there was not a point of Ireland without a fleet.

    Read the passage

    A host of three score and five ships landed at Dubhlinn oj A th-cliath1 about 8 73, and so rapid were their movements that the annalists describe them as “ great sea- cast floods of foreigners,” 8 and say that there was not “ a point of Erinn without a fleet.”

    They plunder Bvi Gobhcinii? in the Co. Cork, Cill Ita , and Cuil Emhni by a fleet which landed in Ciciwuighe Lucichva ,

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 59

25. Bishop Bennett resides at collegiate establishment of Youghal

    Youghal · town · Cork · 1522–1531

    John Bennett, appointed bishop of Cork and Cloyne by the Holy See in 1522, chose the collegiate establishment of Youghal as his place of residence. The establishment had originally been founded by his family, and at his death he endowed it with a great part of his own paternal property.

    Read the passage

    ever may have been the cause, another recommendation was transmitted in the following month by the same lord deputy in favour of Walter Wellesley. Both these recommendations, however, were without success, and we meet with a Bishop Patrick , whose name sufficiently indicates the land of his birth, holding these sees in the year 1521. His episcopate was short : as Cotton remarks “ he probably sat only for a year or two.” In the State Papers Cork is again described as vacant on 25th of April, 1522 : and before the close of that year John Bennett was appointed by the Holy See, successor of Saint Finbarr. He chose for his place of residence the collegiate establishment of Youghal, which had originally been founded by his family, and at his death he too endowed it

    with a great part of his own paternal property.9

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 175

26. Carriganass Castle, O'Sullivan stronghold near Bantry

    Carriganass · townland · Cork

    Carriganass Castle, about four miles from Bantry on the road to Inchigeelagh, was once a stronghold of the O'Sullivans. It takes its name from the Irish 'Carraig-an-easa' (rock of the cataract), derived from a cascade where the Ouvane falls over a ledge of rocks near the castle.

    Read the passage

    O’Sullivan Beare mentions it in his History of the Irish Catholics, and calls it Torrentrupes, which is an exact trans¬ lation of the Irish name Carraie'-an-easa, the rock of the cataract, and it takes its name from a beautiful cascade, where the Ouvane falls over a ledge of rocks, near the castle.

    There is another place of the same name in the parish of Ardagh, near Youghal, and another still in the parish of Lackan, Mayo ; while in Armagh and in Tyrone it takes the form of Carrickanass, all deriving their name from a rock in the bed of a stream forming a waterfall.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 420

27. Cloyne, ancient settlement named for its caves

    Cloyne · town · Cork · 600

    Cloyne is an abridgment of the ancient name Cluain-uamha, meaning 'the meadow of the cave,' a place and name of great antiquity. St. Colman, son of Lenin, founded the church of Cloyne before the year 600, which remains a cathedral famous throughout Munster.

    Read the passage

    Cloyne, an abridgment of the ancient name Cluain-uamha, the meadow of the cave, a place and name of great antiquity. Archdall gives but very brief notice of this site, an evidence if it were needed of how utterly Irish antiquities had been neglected until a comparatively recent period, but this de¬ ficiency has been amply compensated by the Right Rev. Dr. Moran in his magnificent edition of Archdall.1

    According to the Annals of the Four Masters , St. Colman died in the year 600 (i.e., 601 of our present computation), and the 24th of November is the day on which his festival is marked in all the ancient calendars, and on which it is still observed in the diocese of Cloyne. Our patron of Cloyne must not be confounded with another St. Colman, who was

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 420

28. Cork's foundation and early state

    Cork · city · Cork

    Cork owes its foundation to Christian monks, specifically St. Finbar. When St. Finbar founded the city, the site was a swamp.

    Read the passage

    Cork owes its foundation to Christian Monks — Omissions of former Historians — St. Finbar — His early life and piety — Peculiar circum¬ stances attending his birth — His father Amergin emigrates to the Co. Cork— Various ancient MS. Lives of St. Finbar — -Miraculous occurrences at his baptism — His education — Miraculous supply of food— Fie reads the “alphabet” — Meeting with St. Brandon, who recognizes the sanctity and prophecies the future of St. Fin¬ bar — He is instructed in ecclesistical rules by a holy man from Rome — He remains at Cloyne for some time, and why he leaves it — The piety and learning of his disciples — The state of Cork when St. Finbar founded the city — The swamp of Cork— He asks St. Colman to be “ the father of his confession ” — He goes to Cloyne to die — His relics brought back to Cork with great honour — “Seventeen holy bishops rest in Cork with Barri and Nessan”

    — St. Finbar’s virtues — He is distinguished for his charity, and “ blooming sweet ” to the poor — The ancient Latin Lives of St. Finbar — The famous Schools of Cork — Coleman O’ Cluasiaghe —

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Cork now. The city owes its foundation to Christian monks, and above all to St. Finbar. His father, Amergin, emigrated to County Cork. Various ancient manuscript lives tell of miraculous occurrences at Finbar's baptism, and of his education. He read the alphabet. He met St. Brandon, who recognized his sanctity and prophesied his future. A holy man from Rome instructed him in ecclesiastical rules. He stayed at Cloyne for a time before leaving it. When St. Finbar founded the city, the site was a swamp. He asked St. Colman to be, in the source's words, the father of his confession. He went to Cloyne to die, and his relics were brought back to Cork with great honour. The old record says that seventeen holy bishops rest in Cork with Barri and Nessan. St. Finbar was distinguished for his charity, and was called, in the Latin lives, blooming sweet to the poor. Cork also became known for its famous schools, and for Coleman O'Cluasiaghe.

29. Desmond-Ormond wine prizage dispute at Youghal and Kinsale

    Youghal · town · Cork

    The principal point of dispute between the Earls of Desmond and Ormond, examined before the privy council after the Battle of Affane, concerned the prizage of wines at Youghal and Kinsale and the limits of their respective boundaries.

    Read the passage

    The great point of dispute between the earls appear to have been the prizage of wines at Younhal and Kinsale, and the limits of their respective boundaries. These were, as usual in such cases, a host of minor grievances, both general and particular. The Earl of Ormond excuses himself for his share in the battle of Affane, by stating

    “That the cause why he assembled that company with him was for the deffence of the contrey of Tipperarie, being advertised from the west that the lord of Desmond had a greate hoste in redyness theare. The assemblie was at Knock - loughte, a hill three myles- distant from Clonmel, and beeing there, a servant of Sir Maurice Fitzgerald’s came into his lord, giving him advertisemente that his men had gathered together the cattle of his contrey, about Drode Ruannaghe, and besought his lord to fetch them away and to salf-keepe them for him in his lord’s contrey w

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 196

30. Desmond sails for England from Youghal

    Youghal · town · Cork · 1346

    After D'Ufford's death, Sir John Moritz liberated the Earl of Kildare in Dublin, and the Earl of Desmond sailed for England from Youghal with his wife and two sons, surrendering himself to the king on honourable terms and obtaining a daily treasury allowance.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 128

31. Desmond seizes corn of Fitz Gerald, seneschal of Imokilly

    Imokilly · barony · Cork · 1578

    The Earl of Desmond forcibly took all the corn of Fitz Gerald, seneschal of Imokilly, despite Fitz Gerald being one of the most considerable private gentlemen in Munster. This exemplified the extortions and suppressions carried out by superiors against even prominent men in the province.

    Read the passage

    “ Sir William Drury was appointed lord president of I578‘ Munster, and two years after was elected lord justice of Ireland. This same Sir William Drury being lord justice of Ireland, came into this province, attended by Sir Edward Fitton, and others of the privy council. On the 20th of No¬ vember they wrote to Queen Elizabeth to show the necessity of continuing a lord president in Munster ; for, on the report of this office being suspended, the Irish lords began to commit violences, particularly Lord Boche, who kept a freeholder in irons, who was possessed of an estate of eight plowlands, until he gave all up, except one half plowland ; and when that was complied with, he extorted as much upon that half plowland, as he did upon any other in his countiy ; and with the Lord Barry plundered such tenants and vassals of their corn, as dared to contradict them, without any colour of right or legal process. Nor were the great men free from the extortions and suppressions of their superiors ; for Fitz Gerald, seneschal of Imokilly, had all his com forcibly taken away by the Earl of Desmond, though he was at that time one of the most con¬ siderable private gentlemen in Munster. The earls of Clancare and Desmond had also a contest about the bounds of their respective territories, viz., whether Mac Carty’s lands were within the bounds of the palatine of Kerry or not, which dispute they were about to decide by force, and for that intent drew their respective followers into the field, but the presence of Sir William Drury prevented the effusion of blood, and put a stop to tiffs contest. ’’

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 202

32. Diocese of Ross: etymology and early monastic foundation

    near Ross · parish · Cork · 500–599

    Ross, anciently Ross-ailithir, meaning 'the wood of the pilgrims,' was co-extensive with the territory of the Corcalaidhe and at Lynche's time measured eighteen miles by four or five, with twenty-four parishes. St. Fachnan founded the monastery and served as bishop of Ross in the sixth century.

    Read the passage

    Ross, anciently Ross-ailithir — the wood of the pilgrims. Thus, according to J oyce, Dr. O’Donovan, and the Right Rev; Dr. Moran, the Rev. J. Molony, P.P., writes Rossailithir means Ross built on the hill, with wet or marshy sides. There is Tear sad of Ross, and Tuath of Ross, and in contradiction to both, and situated between them, is Ross-ailithir of the same family of words as Leithir , which is the name of many nloughlands in Ireland.

    There is a townland, Ballynafarsid, and a village Farsid, near Aghada, in Cork harbour. The word fear sad is applied to a sand bank on the mouth of a river. The diocese of Ross, from the earliest times co-extensive with the territory of the Corcalaidhe, at Lynche’s time it was eighteen miles in length, and four or five in width, and consisted of twenty-four parishes, besides three detached parishes, situated around Berehaven. St. Fachnan, in Irish Fachtna, who is also called Lachtna, is patron of the See, being founder of the monastery and bishop of Ross in the sixth century. He was disciple of St. Finbarr

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 441

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Ross, in Cork, you are passing through a place whose old name was Ross-ailithir, the wood of the pilgrims. That is how the name was understood, though Joyce, Dr. O'Donovan, Dr. Moran, and the Reverend J. Molony offered another reading: Ross built on the hill, with wet or marshy sides. There was Tear sad of Ross, and Tuath of Ross, and between them sat Ross-ailithir, a word of the same family as Leithir, a name given to many marsh lands in Ireland. Near Aghada, in Cork harbour, there is a townland called Ballynafarsid and a village called Farsid. The word farsad itself is applied to a sand bank on the mouth of a river. From the earliest times the diocese of Ross was co-extensive with the territory of the Corca-laidhe. At Lynche's time it measured eighteen miles in length, and four or five in width, and consisted of twenty-four parishes, besides three detached parishes situated around Berehaven. Saint Fachnan, in Irish Fachtna, also called Lachtna, is patron of the See. He founded the monastery and served as bishop of Ross in the sixth century. He was a disciple of Saint Finbarr.

33. Dreadful fire consumes most of Cork city

    Cork · city · Cork · 1622

    In 1622, a dreadful fire consumed the greatest part of the city of Cork. The same year, the shoemakers received a new charter from King James I.

    Read the passage

    1622. “ A dreadful fire happened in Cork, which consumed the greatest part of the city, and the shoemakers received a new charter from King James I.

    1624. “ Richard, Earl of Cork, was this year admitted and sworn a freeman of the city of Cork. On the 5th of Sep¬ tember, died Donough, Earl of Thomond, Lord President of Munster ; and the Lord Falkland issued out a commission, September 7th, to Henry, Earl of Thomond, the Earl of Desmond, the Earl of Cork, Lord Esmond, or any two of them, for the better government of this province during the vacancy of the presidentship, which was supplied by the

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 279

    As the companion tells it

    Cork carries an old scar. In 1622, a dreadful fire broke out and consumed the greatest part of the city. The same year, the shoemakers received a new charter from King James I. Two years later, Richard, Earl of Cork, was admitted and sworn a freeman of the city. On the 5th of September 1624, Donough, Earl of Thomond, Lord President of Munster, died. On September 7th, Lord Falkland issued a commission to Henry, Earl of Thomond, the Earl of Desmond, the Earl of Cork, Lord Esmond, or any two of them, for the better government of this province during the vacancy of the presidentship.

34. First town council election under Municipal Act in Cork, 1841

    Cork · city · Cork · 1841

    The first election of a town council for Cork under the Municipal Act 3 and 4 Victoria took place on 25 October 1841. Thomas Lyons was chosen as the first mayor under the new system and was chaired through the city.

    Read the passage

    By the Municipal Act 3 and 4 Victoria, chap. 108, very extensive changes were effected in the corporation system of Cork. Its ancient style of “ Mayors, Sheriffs, and Common¬ alty” was altered to “ Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses.” The election constituency was changed, and the power of electing vested in ^10 householders. The Town Council con¬ stituting the governing authority was composed of a repre¬ sentative body of eight councillors for each of the eight wards of the city — 64 members altogether ; 1 6 of these having the greatest number of votes become aldermen. One-third of the council go out annually, and half the number of aldermen go out triennially. The mayor is chosen on the first of November in every year out of the aldermen or councillors of the borough. He is, as of old, an ex-officio justice of the peace, and by this statute is created the returning officer at elections of members to serve in parliament. In lieu of two sheriffs, as of old, the city now possesses but one, whose appointment vests in the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. The jurisdiction of the corpo¬ ration still extends to the old city boundary, whilst the criminal jurisdiction is confined within the borough limits. The first election of a town council under this enactment took place on the 25th of October, 1841, and the choice of the first mayor under the new system fell upon Thomas Lyons, Esq., who immediately after his election was chaired through the

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 410

    As the companion tells it

    The road takes you through Cork, the city where the first election of a town council under the Municipal Act took place on the 25th of October 1841. The act, 3 and 4 Victoria, chapter 108, reshaped the city's corporation. The ancient style of "Mayors, Sheriffs, and Commonalty" was altered to "Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses." The power of electing was vested in 10 householders. The new Town Council had 8 councillors for each of the city's 8 wards, 64 members altogether. The 16 with the greatest number of votes became aldermen. One-third of the council went out annually, and half the aldermen went out triennially. The mayor was chosen on the 1st of November each year, from the aldermen or councillors of the borough. He remained, as of old, an ex-officio justice of the peace, and by this statute became the returning officer at elections of members to serve in parliament. Where the city once had two sheriffs, it now had one, whose appointment vested in the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. On that 25th of October 1841, the choice of the first mayor under the new system fell upon Thomas Lyons, who immediately after his election was chaired through the city.

35. Flanders troops blown off course, land at Bantry

    Bantry · town · Cork

    Troops embarked at Ostend for Cork were blown too far south, making the Old Head of Kinsale in hazy weather. Unable to make port, the fleet eventually put into Bantry with great difficulty and landed there.

    Read the passage

    “ The troops from Flanders embarked at Ostend, and sailed on the 10th of December for Cork ; but the fleet standing too much to the southwards, made the Old Head of Kinsale. - The weather continuing hazy, the fleet stood out to sea ; and on the 24th, with great difficulty, put into Bantry, where they landed.

    “ April 30th. The Loo man-of-war was lost as she was turning out of Baltimore harbour, by running on a rock. The men, with most of the rigging and guns, were saved.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 307

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Bantry, you're in a town where a fleet of troops from Flanders once made an unexpected landfall. They had embarked at Ostend on the 10th of December, bound for Cork, but the fleet stood too far south and made the Old Head of Kinsale instead. The weather stayed hazy, so they stood out to sea. On the 24th, with great difficulty, they put into Bantry and landed there.

36. Florence MacCarthy sent prisoner to Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1588

    Florence MacCarthy was sent to Dublin in December 1588, and St. Leger advised the lords that he should be kept a prisoner 'duringe this dangerouse tyme.' St. Leger further urged that the marriage be undone and Lady Ellen married to an English gentleman.

    Read the passage

    Florence MacCarthy was sent to Dublin in December, 1588, and St. Leger wrote to the lords to say that it were well he should be kept a prisoner “ duringe this dangerouse tyme.” He further advised that Owen Mac Cartie should be kept in England “ tyll the worlde be quyeter and notwithstanding that solemn protestation had been made about the “ blessed government which never interfered in causes matrimonial, he urged that the “ marriage of Florence Mac Cartie More

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 236

37. Good cheer in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    The forces under Lord James stayed in Limerick where they received good hospitality. They then departed eight miles to a nearby religious house founded by the Lord of Kildare.

    Read the passage

    Kilmulok and next day to Limeryk, and (as the saying was), with, a great host, and had hurled down the woods in the way, as we should have into his country, and had forsaken two of his castles hard by Limericke ; and heard that we were so nigh, he went into the mountains from us, for fear of ordnance ; and when he heard tell that we had no ordnance, then he restored his men into his castles again with such ordnance as he had of his own ; and without ordnance to beat the one pile we could not enter well into his country. There¬ fore my Lord James thought best to recoil back again, and to bring the Descemontes and Cormak Oge with his company to a stay, or that he would [pass] any further. And so in Limerick we had very good cheer, but not nothing like the cheer that we had in Cork. And so we departed an eight mile off to a place of religion, the which is after the order of Grenwyche, and my Lord of Kildare was the founder of it, for he hath castle and lands even there fast by ; and there met with my Lord James his brother-in-law, which is O’Briens son, and his saying is this to my Lord James : ‘ I have

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 200

38. Henry III charter grants Cork to citizens in fee farm

    Cork · city · Cork · 1242

    In 1242 Henry III granted the city of Cork to its citizens in fee farm for 80 marks paid yearly to the exchequer in Dublin. Citizens were freed from tolls throughout the king's dominions and granted the laws and franchises of Bristol.

    Read the passage

    “ By this charter the city of Cork is granted to the citizens in fee farm, paying for the same 80 marks to his majesty’s exchequer in Dublin, at Easter and Michaelmas, by two equal payments. Also the prisage of wines and cognets ; no citizen to be impleaded out of the city, but within their walls, viz., at Guildhall. The citizens to be free of all lastage, passage, pontage, etc., throughout the king’s dominions. No citizen to be fined, except by the laws of the hundred, which court is to be held once a week by the provost. The citizens to have all reasonable guilds, as the burgesses of Bristol have, not to be hindered to build houses on the river side, to enjoy all lands and waste grounds without the city, except such lands as were granted by charters from his royal father, king John, which lands the citizens are not to dispose of, but to be subject

    i6o

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 145

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Cork, this city carries an old charter from 1242. Henry III granted the city of Cork to its citizens in fee farm. They were to pay 80 marks yearly to the king's exchequer in Dublin, at Easter and Michaelmas, in two equal payments. The charter gave them the prisage of wines and cognets. No citizen was to be impleaded outside the city, only within the walls, at Guildhall. The citizens were freed from all lastage, passage and pontage throughout the king's dominions. No citizen could be fined except by the laws of the hundred, a court held once a week by the provost. They were to have all reasonable guilds, as the burgesses of Bristol had. They were not to be hindered from building houses on the riverside, and were to enjoy all lands and waste grounds outside the city, except lands already granted by charters from King John, which the citizens could not dispose of.

39. Kinsale's fishing admiral court tradition

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1685–1688

    An inquisition taken in Rosscarbery during the reign of James II recorded that Kinsale appointed an admiral for the fishing season who, jointly with the lord, set fishing orders and held admiral's court every Monday. Fines were divided equally between the lord and admiral.

    Read the passage

    “ In an inquisition taken in the town of Rosscarbery on the 8th of April, in the reign of James II., we find it set down that the town of Kyngsale was wont to appoint an adimral for the fishing season, and then he and the lord did join m setting the order for the fishing, and keep admirals court every' Monday, and all pecuniary punishments for treating the orders agreed upon were to be equally divided between the lord and the admiral.”

    Kinsale is one of the oldest corporate towns in Ireland. The citizens got a charter from Edward III. as a reward for the loyalty and the power of chosing a mayor or sovereign. In more ancient times, as we have related m the historical part of this work, it was famous as the seat of Irish royalty. Kinsale, however, was not always loyal, and was eventual y deprived of its greatness. The fisheries of Kinsale, like all the other Irish fisheries, have suffered seriously from the utter neglect and indifference of the English government. Ihe

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 434

    As the companion tells it

    Kinsale, up ahead as the road passes through, carries an old fishing tradition that an inquisition in Rosscarbery recorded. The inquiry was taken on the 8th of April, in the reign of James the Second, so between 1685 and 1688. It set down that the town of Kinsale was wont to appoint an admiral for the fishing season. He and the lord joined in setting the order for the fishing, and they kept admiral's court every Monday. All pecuniary punishments for breaking the orders agreed upon were to be equally divided between the lord and the admiral. Kinsale is one of the oldest corporate towns in Ireland. The citizens got a charter from Edward the Third as a reward for their loyalty and the power of choosing a mayor or sovereign. In more ancient times it was famous as the seat of Irish royalty. The fisheries of Kinsale, like all the other Irish fisheries, suffered seriously from the neglect and indifference of the English government.

40. Lord Broghill entrenched at Lismore

    Lismore · town · Waterford · 1641–1642

    A portion of the loyalist army advanced to Lismore, where Lord Broghill was entrenched, while General Barry remained in the neighbourhood of Cork during the 1641 rising.

    Read the passage

    General Barry remained in the neighbourhood of Cork, and but a portion of the army advanced to Lismore, where Lord Broghill was entrenched. Cork, Yonghal, Kinsale, and Bandon were in the hands of the rebels.6 Lord Muskery did his best to keep order in his somewhat unruly camp, for the Irish had been so long hunted and prevented from settling down to proper occupation, that it was no wonder many of them had taken to predatory habits — and how else, indeed, could they live ?

    The Lord Justice had taken the rebel side also, and no quarter was the word, even before Cromwell came. The Irish attacked Bandon, under Mac Carthy Reagh, on the 1 8th July, 1642, and were repulsed with great slaughter, and the prisoners executed with the usual barbarity. About the same time Sir Charles Vavasor arrived in Youghal with a thousand men, and Cork was invaded by Lord Muskery. His camp was at Rochfordstown, but his troops were soon repulsed with great loss.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 291

41. Lord Kinsale rewarded for loyalty at Kinsale

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1606

    In 1606, the Lord Kinsale received letters of recommendation to the king testifying to his loyalty during the service at Kinsale and other acts of fidelity, upon which he obtained an annual pension of £133 6s. 8d. from King James I.

    Read the passage

    1606. “ The Lord Kinsale obtained letters of leave and recom¬ mendations to the king from the lords justices and council. Among other particulars, they inform his Majesty that he had given good testimony* of his loyalty to the crown in the service at Kinsale, besides several other acts of fidelity and forward¬ ness at other times, both in civil and martial affairs ; upon which he obtained an annual pension of ^133 6s. 8d. from King James I.

    ££ Towards the end of this year and beginning of the next there was a most dreadful pestilence in the city of Cork, which, by degrees, ceased of itself.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 278

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Kinsale in Cork, this is the town where the Lord Kinsale gave good testimony of his loyalty to the crown. In 1606, the lords justices and council sent letters of recommendation to the king on his behalf. They told his Majesty he had shown his loyalty in the service at Kinsale, besides several other acts of fidelity and forwardness at other times, both in civil and martial affairs. Upon this, he obtained an annual pension of 133 pounds, 6 shillings and 8 pence from King James I.

42. MacCarthy More killings and deaths recorded at Blarney

    near Blarney · townland · Cork · 1489–1504

    The Four Masters record several violent events involving the MacCarthy family at Blarney, including the killing of Patrick, son of the Knight of Kerry, in 1489, and the death of Teige McCarthy More in 1504. The family traced its ancestry to Eagan Mor, son of Olioll Ollum, King of Munster in the second century.

    Read the passage

    “ 1489. — Teige, son of Donald Oge the Mac Carthy More, killed Patrick, son of the Knight of Kerry.

    “ 1498. — Thomas Oge, son of Thomas the Earl (of Des¬ mond), and Cormac Oge, the son of Cormac, son of Teige M‘ Carthy, went in pursuit of Owen McCarthy to recover a prey, and slew the said Owen and others.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 398

43. New charter granted to Youghal

    Youghal · town · Cork · 1496

    In 1496, the king granted a new charter to the town of Youghal, around the same time that pardons were issued to the Earl of Desmond and several bishops to quell Perkin Warbeck's supporters.

    Read the passage

    a pardon to Maurice, Earl of Desmond, for all his offences ; he had also a. grant of the customs, etc., of Limerick, and other the king’s hereditaments in the ports, city, and towns of Cork, Kinsale, Baltimore, and Youghal, to hold and enjoy the same during his Majesty’s pleasure. Also pardons to David, Archbishop of Cashel, and to the bishops of Cork and Waterford, the better to quell the contrivances and designs of Perkins’ friends. About the same time the king granted a new charter to the town of Youghal.”

    In October, 1498, the Earl of Kildare marched to Cork, and placed a strong garrison in the city, because of the dis¬ obedience of the citizens in affording assistance to Perkin Warbeck. The same month he caused the principal citizens, and the inhabitants of Kinsale, to take the oath of allegiance to King Henry, and obliged them to enter into bonds and pledges for their future loyalty.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 149

44. Ogham stone at Lisheenagreme rath, Gurranes

    Gurranes · townland · Cork · 1868

    An Ogham stone was found in a rath called Lisheenagreme on the townland of Gurranes, parish of Templemartin, county Cork, a quarter mile north of the parish church. Discovered through Rev. John Lyons of Newcestown, it was visited on December 16, 1868, and found to be a rough flag of hard clay slate with deeply cut Ogham characters.

    Read the passage

    Another Ogham stone was found in a Rath called Lisheenagreme, on the townland of Gurranes, and parish of Templemartin, county of Cork, and one quarter of . a mile north of the mrish church My first information of its existence was received from the Rev. John Lyons, C.C., Newcestown Ermskeane, who informed me that a stone bearing marks which he believed to be Oghams, was seen by him in the locality -abovenamed. Being convinced from Mr. Lyons description that it was a veritable Ogham inscription, 1 took the earliest oppor¬ tunity of visiting the spot, which I did on December 16th,

    “Ot,

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 436

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Gurranes, there's a rath called Lisheenagreme where an Ogham stone was found. The Reverend John Lyons of Newcestown first reported a stone with marks he believed were Oghams in the area. The spot was visited on December 16, 1868, and the stone proved to be a rough flag of hard clay slate with deeply cut Ogham characters. It lay about a quarter mile north of the parish church of Templemartin.

45. Plundering of Kenmare in 836

    Kenmare · townland · Kerry · 836

    Kenmare (Cenn-mare) was plundered by the Danes in 836, along with Cloyne and Ros-Ailithir, as part of frequent and persistent raiding across southern Ireland.

    Read the passage

    In 836 C ena,in- M or (Cloy no), Ros-Ailithir , and Cenn-mare (Kenmare) were all plundered. Indeed, places were plundered so frequently and persistently by each succeded raid, that one wonders how anything could have been left to take away.

    The Danes were divided into two parties, the Black Gentiles ( Dnbhgaill), and the Finngall , or White Gentiles. The White or Azure Gentiles were Norwegians, and their power was considerably broken after the death of Turgesius.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 60

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Kenmare, in 836, this place was plundered by the Danes. Cloyne and Ros-Ailithir were raided at the same time, and the raids across southern Ireland came so frequently and persistently that one wonders how anything was left to take. The Danes were split into two parties, the Black Gentiles and the White Gentiles. The White Gentiles were Norwegians, and their power was considerably broken after the death of Turgesius.

46. Plundering of Rosscarbery in 836

    Ross Carbery · town · Cork · 836

    Ros-Ailithir, identified as Rosscarbery, was plundered by the Danes in 836 along with Cloyne and Kenmare, as part of successive raiding waves.

    Read the passage

    In 836 C ena,in- M or (Cloy no), Ros-Ailithir , and Cenn-mare (Kenmare) were all plundered. Indeed, places were plundered so frequently and persistently by each succeded raid, that one wonders how anything could have been left to take away.

    The Danes were divided into two parties, the Black Gentiles ( Dnbhgaill), and the Finngall , or White Gentiles. The White or Azure Gentiles were Norwegians, and their power was considerably broken after the death of Turgesius.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 60

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Ross Carbery now. In 836 this place, then called Ros-Ailithir, was plundered by the Danes, along with Cloyne and Kenmare. Raids came so frequently and persistently that one wonders how anything was left to take away. The Danes were split into two parties, the Black Gentiles and the White Gentiles. The White Gentiles were Norwegians, and their power was considerably broken after the death of Turgesius.

47. Round Tower and Sacred Stone at Kinneigh

    Kinneigh · townland · Cork

    A high round tower stood in the south-west corner of Kinneigh churchyard, and the church was thought to have formerly been a cathedral. A sacred stone in the south-west corner of the church was used by the Irish for solemn oaths, and a tradition held that a medicinally powerful well in the churchyard had been stopped up because the concourse of pilgrims was too costly for inhabitants.

    Read the passage

    from Bantry, by the sea-side, are the ruins of an abbey which belonged to the Franciscans. I don’t hear that there were any other religious houses besides this in the baronies of Beer and Bantry. Humphrey Sullivan is Popish priest of this parish, and of Kilcroghan ; he has been here about twelve years. All the inhabitants are Papists. No Papists are allowed to live within the walls of Bandon. The Earl of Cork, in his leases, has obliged all the tenants not to admit Papists. In the parish of Skull there are about four Protestant families, and about four hundred Papist families. Daniel Carthy is Popish priest of the eastern part of this parish ; he has been here ever since before the late troubles. No glebe in this parish, no registry - book, nor Bible, nor Common Prayer-book. In Kilmoe there are the ruins of a chapel at the west-end of the town dedicated to St. Mullagh. The church of Kilmoe is dedicated to St. Briana, alias Brandon, whese festival is observed. In this parish there are about nine Protestant families, and two hundred Papist. Teige Coghlan is Popish priest of Kilmoe, and of the western part of Skull. He has been here about eight years. A young Irishman, a Papist, teaches school about the middle of the parish. In all the O’Sullivan’s country they observe as a holiday St. Rooane’s Day. At Kinneigh a high round tower stands in the south-west corner of the churchyard. ’Tis sup¬ posed this church was formerly a cathedral. A stone is in the south-west corner of the church of Kinneigh counted very sacred, which the Irish solemnly swear upon. The church is accounted by the Irish very sacred. There is a tradition that formerly in this churchyard there was a well that had great medicinal virtues, and that the concourse of people being very chargeable to the inhabitants, they stopped it up.

    Yet the Catholic had to support both their own clergy and and the Protestant ministers — an injustice of the very gravest kind, and this not only in a general way, but as the Cork Grand Jury presentments show, fees were exacted from the Catholics for every domestic occurrence.4

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 313

48. Sir John Perrott brings ships to Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1579

    In 1579 Sir John Perrott brought six ships to Cork for the protection of the English interest in that city against the Spaniards. The lord deputy Drury died at Waterford soon after, and the Desmonds took advantage of the temporary relaxation of government.

    Read the passage

    In 1579 Sir John Perrott brought six ships to Cork for the protection of that country, or at least of the English interest in that city, against the Spaniards. The lord deputy, Drury, died at Waterford soon after, and the Desmonds were very ready to take advantage of any temporary relaxation of

    government.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 223

49. Abbot of Cork dies, head of monastic rule

    Cork · city · Cork · 926

    In 926 Cennachta, Abbot of Cork, died and is described as the head of the rule of the Monks of Ireland. This attests to Cork's importance as a monastic centre in the early tenth century.

    Read the passage

    In the year 926, Cennachta , Abbot of Cork, died, and is described as the head of the rule of the Monks of Ireland.

    In the same year Celedubhaill, son of Scannal, went on a pilgrimage to Rome from the abbey at Bangor, and he com¬ posed these quatrains at his departure, which show that the raids of the Northmen, terrible as they were, had neither lessened the devotion nor the literary taste of the Irish : —

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 62

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, in 926 Cennachta, Abbot of Cork, died. He is described as the head of the rule of the Monks of Ireland. That title tells you Cork was a place of real weight in the monastic life of early tenth-century Ireland.

50. Ancient names and burial place of Munster kings at Fermoy

    Fermoy · townland · Cork

    The Book of Lismore records multiple ancient names for Fermoy, including Fir Muighe Mene, named for minerals in surrounding mountains and fields. The territory also contained Ross-na-Righ, the ancient burial place of the Kings of Munster, where Mac Con remained until the battle of Ceann Abrath.

    Read the passage

    “They then sent for the clay of Comlehaille Meic Con., i.e., the Caile (or land) o Mene,” son of Ere, son of Deaghaidli, which is called Fir Mulghe, i.e., Fermoy, to¬ day. The reason it is called Caile Meic n Eirce is because his sons dwelt there, namely, Mene, son of Ere, and Uatha, son of Ere, and Ailbhe, son of Ere. Another name for it was Fir Muighe Mene, so called because of the abundance of the minerals contained in the mountains around it, and because there are minerals in all the fields around it also. Another name for it was Corr Chaille Meic Con, because it was the patrimony of the Clann Dairine ; and it is in it Rossachna-Righ is, i.e. , Ross-na-Righ, the ancient burial place of the Kings of Munster ; and it is there Mac Con was till the time of the battle of Ceann Abrath.”

    90

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 86

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is the place the Book of Lismore calls by several old names. It was called Caile Meic Con, the land of Mene, son of Ere, son of Deaghaidli, because his sons dwelt there, Mene, Uatha, and Ailbhe, all sons of Ere. It was also called Fir Muighe Mene, and later simply Fermoy. The name Fir Muighe Mene came from the abundance of minerals contained in the mountains around it, and because there are minerals in all the fields around it also. Another name for it was Corr Chaille Meic Con, because it was the patrimony of the Clann Dairine. And it is in this place that Ross-na-Righ is, the ancient burial place of the Kings of Munster. And it is there Mac Con was until the time of the battle of Ceann Abrath.

51. Battle of Moin Mor, Co. Tipperary

    Moanmore · townland · Tipperary · 1151

    In 1151, united armies of Turlough O'Connor and Dermod Mac Murrough plundered as far as Moin Mor, where they encountered Dalcassian forces returning from plundering Desmond. A bloody battle ensued with 7,000 men of north Munster left dead, attributed to the Dal-Cais refusing to flee or ask quarter.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 100

52. Bishop Bennett endows St. Mary's chantry in Youghal

    Youghal · town · Cork · 1531

    Dr. Bennett died in 1531 and at his death enriched the chantry of St. Mary's with ancestral lands in Youghal and its neighbourhood. His family had originally founded the collegiate establishment at Youghal where he had chosen to reside.

    Read the passage

    Dr. Bennett died in the year 1531, and at his death enriched the chantry of St. Mary’s with some ancestral lands in Youghal and its neighbourhood. Henry VIII. appointed Dominick Tirrey to the vacant see, but the reigning Pontiff refused to recognise this nomination, and chose a Franciscan named Lewis MacNamara as successor to Dr. Bennett. The brief of his appointment to Cork and Cloyne is dated 24th September, 1540 This prelate, however, soon after his consecration was summoned to a better world, and on the 5th November, the same year, another brief was expedited appointing John Hoyeden, (which name is probably a corruption for O'h-Eidhin , u o’ Heyne) a canon of Elphin, bishop of the united dioceses. From the consistorial acts we learn that he was impeded by the crown nominee from taking possession of the temporalities

    q. O’Donovan’s Book of Rights, p. log.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 175

53. Bishops of Cork and Cloyne sign testimonial for Earl of Ormond

    Cork · city · Cork · 1445

    In 1445, the bishops of Cork and Cloyne, along with the Dean and Chapter of Cork, signed a testimonial attesting to the good behaviour of the Earl of Ormond. Lord Barry Roche and others also signed the document.

    Read the passage

    In the year 1445 the bishops of Cork and Cloyne, with the Dean and Chapter of Cork, signed a testimonial “of the good behaviour” of the Earl of Ormond. This document was also signed by the bishops of Cork and Cloyne, and by Lord Barry Roche, and others.

    A letter was addressed to the English court, according to one account, in this reign,- — but, according to Usher, in the time of Henry IV., — in which the writer requests that the English lords and Irish may be bound over “ upon pain of life and goods” not to make war upon each other. It had been found by this time that the English lords could not have it all their own way, and that peace was preferable to continual domestic war. The Irish, indeed, “ had become stronger than the English,” which accounts further for this ardent desire for peace.4

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 142

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this city carries a record from 1445. In that year the bishops of Cork and Cloyne, with the Dean and Chapter of Cork, signed a testimonial of the good behaviour of the Earl of Ormond. Lord Barry Roche and others also signed the document. A letter was addressed to the English court, according to one account, in this reign, but according to Usher, in the time of Henry IV. The writer requested that the English lords and Irish be bound over upon pain of life and goods not to make war upon each other. It had been found by this time that the English lords could not have it all their own way, and that peace was preferable to continual domestic war. The Irish had become stronger than the English, which accounts further for this ardent desire for peace.

54. Blackwater river's anomalous turn at Cappoquin

    Cappoquin · town · Waterford

    The river Blackwater follows a limestone valley for 54 miles from near Millstreet but turns at a right angle at Cappoquin, flowing south across Old Red Sandstone ridges into Youghal harbour instead of continuing east to Dungarvan. This course reflects the river's capture of an older north-south stream that predated the limestone valley.

    Read the passage

    said, in conformable sequence. The greater anticlinal folds, at least, appeared doubtless at the surface as ridges of Coal Measures ; or, perhaps, partly of Carboniferous Slate or Lime¬ stone. The upper parts of these ridges were removed by some denuding agency, which, in this case, was probably the sea, until the O.R.S. was laid bare, and itself much cut away along the crests of the anticlinal folds (Fig. 2.). This denuding agency may have begun to work, indeed, at the beginning of the disturbance of the strata ; it had, doubtless, accomplished some of its work before the age of the Permian formation ; it may have been laying down some Permian beds in this very district ; but if so, as the land was rising the sea was removing its own fresh deposits as well as demolishing much of the older strata. How much the sea may have done in this way it is impossible to say ; for afterwards another denuding agent came into operation, viz., the atmosphere ; and we cannot tell what proportion of the whole work of demolition was done by each. Still, considering the capabilities and mode of operation of each, it seems probable that the role of the sea was chiefly smoothing down the original ridges, and that the subsequent work of the atmosphere was to bring out the ridges again to some extent, and to form nearly all the surface shaping pretty much as we now see it. We have in this district strong grounds for this belief. Mr. Jukes, in his paper on the river valleys of this district, has drawn attention to the remarkable case of the river Blackwater, which, for by far the greater part of its course, belongs to this county ; although the phenomenon to be con¬ sidered occurs outside, in Waterford. As will be seen by the map, the Blackwater enters, near Millstreet, a limestone valley, which valley, and the band of limestone, runs east continuously to Dungarvan harbour in Waterford ; but the river, having run along the valley for 54 miles, does not follow it on to Dungarvan, but turns at a right angle at Cappoquin, and its channel runs then directly south, across several Old Red Sand¬ stone ridges, into Youghal harbour. This is explicable only on the supposition that the north and south part of the Black¬ water represents the lower part of a stream which flowed south from the Knockmealdown mountains, before the west and east valley of the Blackwater existed. As this valley was gradually lowered by the atmosphere dissolving the limestone, its drain¬ age flowed into the above mentioned north and south stream, which, with the increasing accession to its water, was able to cut down through the sandstone of the gradually brought out

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 361

55. Blarney: MacCarthy seat and the Blarney Stone

    near Blarney · townland · Cork

    Blarney was the seat of the great MacCarthy family and a place of Druidical worship at a remote period. The famous Blarney Stone, which reputedly grants eloquence to whoever kisses it, has a disputed identity, with public opinion favouring the stone easiest to reach.

    Read the passage

    Blarney is a place of very ancient fame. It was the seat of the great Mac Carthy family, and was a place of Druidical worship at a very remote period. It is mentioned by the Four Masters : —

    “ 1489. — Teige, son of Donald Oge the Mac Carthy More, killed Patrick, son of the Knight of Kerry.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa

56. Charles II proclaimed in southern towns

    Cork · city · Cork · 1649

    Immediately after the execution of Charles I, the Earl of Ormond proclaimed Charles II in Cork, Kinsale, Youghal, and other southern towns.

    Read the passage

    Immediately after the execution of Charles I., the Earl of Ormond proclaimed Charles II. in Cork, Kinsale, Youghal, and other southern towns. Prince Rupert landed in Kinsale, where his brother Maurice had arrived about a fortnight before; but the English parliament sent at once to blockade that port, and Rupert was obliged eventually to sail for Lisbon, having lost more than half his fleet.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 291

    As the companion tells it

    Passing through Cork, the Earl of Ormond proclaimed Charles II in 1649, immediately after the execution of Charles I. He did the same in Kinsale, Youghal, and other southern towns. Prince Rupert landed in Kinsale, where his brother Maurice had arrived about a fortnight before. The English parliament blockaded the port, and Rupert eventually sailed for Lisbon, losing more than half his fleet.

57. Clancarre pledges service at Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1580

    The Earl of Clancarre came to Cork to meet the lord general (Ormonde), promising to serve the Queen against the Geraldine rebels. His son and heir was held as a hostage for his loyalty for a year and a half.

    Read the passage

    “ The rebels in Munster doe still continue their rebellion, keeping themselves in desart places, expecting the coming of foreign powers, which the doited doctor and traiture Saunders doth verifie unto them, offering his head to be cutte off yf aide come not by the xx day of April next. There arrived in Dyngall in Kerrie, two Spanish barks about the 26th of February, to understand the state of the rebels, and Doctor Saunders, who declared they were sent from the court of Spain, upon report that all the Geraldines were overthrown and killed. They came to know the certainty thereof, and finding before them in the town the said dolting doctor, he did return them with speede, with vehement letters for the speedie sending into Ireland the ayde promised ; and also certifying the prosperous successe of the Geraldynes, setting them forth, as I understood, a thousand times with more force and success than they have had, or are like to have, and so the said barques are despatched from the first of Marche. This much I am advertised of by the Earl of Clancarre, who came from these parts of late, and was here at Cork with the lord general [Ormonde], promising to serve her magistie with all his force against the said rebels, alsoe, the said Earle of Clancarre his son and heire remaineth in my custody this twelve month and halfe, as pledge for the good and dutiful behaviour of his father. He hath no more sonnes but the same. Methinks if I had not good regard in keeping the sonne, the father had been as false with us as the rest. Likewise I do understand the Baron of Lixnaw, and Patrick his son, are ready to run

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 215

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Cork, this city was the setting for a meeting in 1580 that tied a Munster earl to the Crown. The rebellion in Munster was still burning. The rebels held themselves in wild and deserted places, waiting for foreign help. Doctor Saunders, described as a traitor, had staked his head that aid would arrive by the 20th of April. Around the 26th of February, two Spanish vessels reached Dingle in Kerry, sent from the court of Spain. They had heard that all the Geraldines were overthrown and killed, and came to learn the truth. They found Doctor Saunders in the town, and he sent them back swiftly with urgent letters pressing for the promised aid, reporting the Geraldines' success a thousand times greater than it truly was. The barks were dispatched by the first of March. All of this was reported by the Earl of Clancarre, who had lately come from these parts. He came here to Cork and met the lord general, Ormonde, promising to serve her Majesty with all his force against the rebels. His son and heir, his only son, was kept in custody for a year and a half as a pledge for the father's loyalty. The writer remarked that without a firm hold on the son, the father would have proven as false as the rest. Word also came that the Baron of Lixnaw and his son Patrick were ready to run.

58. Danes burn Kenmare during Munster raids (c.840)

    Kenmare · townland · Kerry · 840

    During the Danish irruption around 840, Kenmare was burned by Northern Pirates along with Rossailithir and the greater part of Munster. The raiders were eventually defeated by the men of middle Munster at Ard-Feradagh.

    Read the passage

    “ A.D. 840, the c Wars of the Danes’ mentions an irruption of the Northern Pirates about the year 840, when £ they killed Cormac, son of Selbach, the Anchorite. He it was whom the angel let loose three times, but each time he was bound again. Moreover, Cork was plundered by them, and they burned Eossailithir and Kenmare and the greater part of Munster. But the men of middle Munster gave them battle, and their slaughter was completed at Ard-Feradagh.’

    “ A.D. 850, Condach, Abbot of Eossailithir, died.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 85

    As the companion tells it

    Cork, which the road passes through, was plundered around 840 by Northern Pirates. The Wars of the Danes records that they killed Cormac, son of Selbach, the Anchorite. The angel let him loose three times, but each time he was bound again. They burned Rossailithir and Kenmare and the greater part of Munster. The men of middle Munster gave them battle, and their slaughter was completed at Ard-Feradagh.

59. Desmond laid waste from the Blackwater, 1150-1151

    near River Blackwater · river · Cork · 1150–1151

    The O'Briens and the Dalgais laid waste the entire principality of Desmond from the river Amhain Mor (now Blackwater) to Cork. Turlough O'Connor and allied forces marched into Munster to assist Dermod MacCarthy as far as the banks of the Blackwater.

    Read the passage

    “ The O’Briens and the Dalgais laid waste the entire principality of A.D. 1150- Desmond, from the river called Amhain Mor (now Blackwater) to Corke- 1151, Turlough O’Connor and all the Canatian princes joined by Diarmoid Mac Morrogh, King of Leinster, with his forces, Malachy, son of Morough O’Maol-Seachlin, with the forces of Meath and Tiaghaman O’Ruairc, with the joint forces of Conmaicne and Feathblia, marched in one great body into Munster to the assistance of Dermod Mm Carthy, as far as the banks of the Blackwater , that night.

    3. Under the year 1175 we find that Donal Caomhanch and Fitzpatrtck marched from Limerick into Musgary Aodh, and in their rout laid waste with fire and sword Beadach Authe and Culle Grinn ; Diarmod More Mac Carthy came to meet them and concluded a treat . — Annals of lnnisfallen. Under the year. 1177 we find that Milo Cogan was banished from Dublin by Hugh de Lacy, and forced to fly to Corke.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 109

60. Desmond's march across the Shannon

    Shannon · town · Clare · 1559–1560

    In 1559-60, the Earl of Desmond assembled his troops to assist Tiege O'Brien against the Earl of Thomond. He marched his forces immediately across the River Shannon without waiting for a full muster.

    Read the passage

    at Dublin, 12th January, 1559-60. He also assisted Tiege O’Brien against the Earl of Thomond. The earl “ took Tiege s complaint to heart.” For the brave Tiege informed him that he should be left without home or kinsmen, unless he obtained speedy assistance. The earl, thereupon, assembled his gallant troops and mustered his tribes ; he did not, however, wait to make a proper muster, but proceeded at once with boldness and intrepidity across the waters of the limpidly rolling Shannon.”

    The Earl of Thomond considered prudence a necessary qualification of valour, and when he heard how large a party were marching down upon him he set out to seek the assistance of his “trusty friend,” the Earl of Clanrickar.d, leaving his camp empty. The application was successful, for the Earl of Thomond is said to have been “ the better of his solicitations.’ Moreover, his friend behaved very courteously, and “ did not wait to be asked a second time,” a statement which no one at all familiar with Irish history can doubt, for whatever faults the Celt or Anglo-Norman may have had, they certainly were never deficient in willingness to encounter their enemies.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 194