Name: History of Clare and the Dalcassian clans of Tipperary, Limerick, and Galway ... with an ancient and a modern map
Author: P. (Patrick) White

Crop failures and evictions in Clare, 1863-64

near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1863–1864

Wet summers in 1863 and 1864 caused potato crop failures and scarcity along the coast, leading to frequent evictions for non-payment of excessive rents until local relief committees and the Society of Friends intervened.

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The first shock came in '63 and '64. Wet summers had succeeded each other, causing the potato crop to fail. A great scarcity of food ensued, especially in the poorer districts along the coast. Eviction for non-payment of excessive rents, made still more so by the failure of the crops, became frequent ; and were it not that public attention was soon called in the press to the impending danger, some of the scenes of '48 and '49 would be, though on a smaller scale, repeated. Local committees for the distribution of charity were formed. The Society of Eriends again stepped nobly to the front. They and others took upon themselves the duty of saving the poor from starvation, which should have been the care of the Government.
The failure of the insurrection of '48, followed by the collapse of the Independent Opposition movement, left the

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 193

Dathi's burial at Rath Cruachan

near Rathcroghan · monument · Roscommon · 428

King Dathi was killed by lightning at the foot of the Alps in 428 and his warriors brought his body home, burying him at Rath Cruachan where he had begun his reign as King of Connaught.

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This prince was animated by the same spirit of foreign adventure. Some may call it a spirit of plunder, but, before utterly condemning it as such, it must be borne in mind that Christian monarchs of our own enlightened nineteenth century are sometimes actuated by a similar policy. They seek to divert attention from home affairs by foreign war ; and, when successful, are not above seizing the property as well as the territory of the vanquished. The records of this king's reign are very scanty, the most significant being the manner in which it came to a close. Like Xiall, he fell far away from Ireland on one of his expeditions. He was killed by lightning at the foot of the Alps, a.d. 428. AVe are not told where Niall was interred ; but it is stated that Dathi's warriors brought his body home and buried it in Eath Cruachan, where he began his reign as King of Connaught. His cousin Laoghaire, the eldest son of Niall, mounted the throne. He was the first of what came to be known as the Hy Niall race of monarchs. His reign was signalised by the introduction into Ireland of Christianity. This great event put an end to the martial expeditions of the Irish. The next time they invaded Britain and the continental nations, they sought and won success, not with the sword of the warrior, but with the Cross of the Crucified.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 13

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Rathcroghan lies the burial place of King Dathi. He was a prince driven by foreign adventure, or what some might call plunder, much like the Christian monarchs of the nineteenth century who sought to distract from affairs at home by making war abroad. The records of his reign are scanty, but the way it ended is the most significant thing about it. He fell far from Ireland, out on one of his expeditions. In 428 he was killed by lightning at the foot of the Alps. His warriors brought his body home and buried it here at Rath Cruachan, where he had begun his reign as King of Connaught. His cousin Laoghaire, the eldest son of Niall, then mounted the throne. He was the first of what came to be known as the Hy Niall race of monarchs. His reign was signalised by the introduction of Christianity into Ireland, and that great event put an end to the martial expeditions of the Irish. The next time they went to Britain or the continental nations, they sought success not with the sword of the warrior, but with the Cross.

Dispersal of Clare bishops' forces near Quin

Quin · town · Clare · 1650–1651

The Bishop of Killaloe summoned his Clare kinsmen to meet near Quin, but Ormond's Colonel Wogan dispersed them before they could organise, and the bishop himself was taken prisoner with fourteen hundred pounds seized.

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Ennis of the Parliament of Kilkenny/ followed soon after by Ormond's forces. So much was he distrusted, though fighting on the same side, that he would not be allowed within the walls of Limerick, and on Clare was thrown the burden of supplying this, almost the last, remnant of the Eoyalist army. The Irish bishops, among them John O'Molony, gave voice to the general mistrust by calling on Ormond to resign, and as he refused, sentence of excommunication was pronounced against all who would recognise his authority. The Bishop of Killaloe summoned to his aid his Clare kinsmen. They were directed to meet near Quin ; but Ormond promptly despatched Colonel Wogan with sufficient force to mar this movement.
Before the Claremeu could organise, they were set upon and dispersed — the bishop himself being taken prisoner. !N"ot less than fourteen hundred pounds, a considerable sum in those days, probably committed to him for war purposes, fell into Ormond's hands. Content with his success, and too politic to excite further odium, he released ^ the bishop.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 135

Donal O'Brien's empty submission at Limerick

near Kincora · monument · Clare · 1171

Donal O'Brien went through the form of handing over Limerick to Henry II as liege lord with a promise of tribute, but upon returning to Kincora resumed rule in Thomond as if no invader existed.

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from his connection with the MacMurrough family, was Donal O'Brien. Taking with him a considerable escort of Dalcassian troops, he proceeded towards Waterford, and went through the empty form of handing over to Henry, as his liege lord, the city of Limerick, with a promise of paying tribute. How that promise was kept history doth not tell, but certain it is that, on his return to Kincora, things went on in Thomond as before ; pretty much as if there were no Saxon invader in existence. This having come to the knowledge of Strongbow, after the departure of Henry, who had been summoned by the Pope to account for the murder of St. Thomas a Becket, he marched an army of Normans and Danes into Munster to assert the king's authority. It is best to tell the result in the very words of the old annalists. We find the following, at the year a.d. 1174, in the Annals of Innisf alien: "A great army was led by the Earl of Strigul to plunder Munster ; and he sent messengers to Dublin, desiring all the Galls left there to join him ; and a battalion of knights, officers, and soldiers well armed, came to him, and they all marched to Durlas OTogarty (Thmies). But Donal Mor O'Brien there defeated the earl and the knights, and slew four of the knights and seven hundred of their men. When that news came to the hearing of the men of Waterford, they killed the two hundred that were guarding the town. Then the earl went on an island that was near the town, and remained there for a month ; and then went back again to Dublin."
The account, in the Four Masters, of this battle differs from the above only in this, that they say that Eoderick, the Ard-Eigh, with his Connaught battalions, fought side by side with the Dalcassians, and that seventeen hundred — probably a mistake — of the English were slain.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 61

Drury's Eight-Day Assize at Ennis Monastery Forces Tribute

Ennis · town · Clare · 1577

Sir William Drury held an eight-day assize in the monastery of Ennis, and after the Dalcassians refused to pay tribute he let loose his troops on them, forcing them for the first time in their history to agree to pay a tribute of ten pounds from each barony.

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MacGorman, chief of his clan, died. Sir William Drury, bringing with him a large force of the English and Irish of Munster, held an assize for eight days in the monastery of Ennis. He endeavoured to secure the payment by the Dalcassians of a regular tribute, and, on their refusal, let loose on them the large body of troops who were with him in Ennis. It needs no great effort of fancy to realise what that meant. Under such pressure they had ta succumb, and for the first time ^ in their long history they agreed to pay tribute. Not much was demanded, — only ten pounds from each barony, — but the thin end of the wedge was in at last.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 102

Earl of Thomond's Castle of Clare Watches Over Ennis Court

near Clarecastle · population centre · Clare · 1570

Conor O'Brien, Earl of Thomond, resided in his castle at Clare, only two miles from Ennis, and watched the establishment of the first English court there with a jealous eye, ultimately attacking the president's forces.

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The first attempt to hold a court of English law in Clare was made this year, and it was anything but a success. It was arranged between Sir Edward Fitton, President of Connaught, and Teigue O'Brien, son of Morogh of Inchiquin, who had accepted the office of Sheriff of Clare (he was the first called to it), that the court should be held in the Franciscan monastery at Ennis. Conor O'Brien, Earl of Thomond, being in his castle of Clare only two miles away, looked on with a jealous eye. As he did not attend, a force,
1 In a letter dated August 30, 1590, from Sir D. Rongham to Burghlev, treating of a charge made against Sir John Perrot of over-leniency to this bishop, the writer says : "All the world that would scan, see, or hear this, would not believe that Sir John Perrott, Her Majesty's Deputy, would pardon a Roman bishop, and one that confesseth to have a Bull from the Pope."

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 99

Edmund Magrath granted lands at Tyredagh near Tulla

Tulla · town · Clare

Edmund Magrath of Tipperary, who had acted as a spy for the Cromwellians, was granted property at Tyredagh near Tulla with special protection, but the local people, disliking him, began cutting down the woods there in protest.

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Some of those were specially favoured. Pierce Creagh, of Limerick, being hated by his countrymen " for his former known inclination to the English Government," was allowed a " secure place in Clare neare the English quarters," in the forfeited MacNamara territory ; and Edmund Magrath, of Tipperary, who had acted as a spy, had conveyed to him, with special protection, property in Clare, at Tyredagh, near Tulla, where the people, through -dislike of him, began at once cutting down the woods. He also got back his original property of eight hundred acres of Ballymore in the barony of Kilnamanagh. It was probably part of Miler Magrath 's ill-gotten goods.^
The death of Cromwell in 165Y, followed by the weak rule of his son Eichard, prepared the way for the restoration of the monarchy. On the accession of Charles II. to the throne, the hopes of the Catholics ran high, but were soon dashed to the ground. Those, however, who had followed the fortunes of the exiled Stuarts to the Continent were at once taken into the royal favour, and restored to their estates. Among them, the most prominent in Clare w^ere the Earl of Inchiquin,^ Sir Daniel O'Brien of Carrigaholt, who, though over

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 139

Extravagant loss depositions from Kilrush and Killimer settlers

Kilrush · town · Clare · 1642

William Chambers of Kilrush and Ann Usher of Killimer swore to enormous property losses during the 1641 rising, claims the author argues were greatly exaggerated to secure a share of confiscated lands.

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A little careful inquiry into those depositions will disclose the fact that they were, for the most part, bold efforts of the imagination. When it is borne in mind that money in those days was at least five times its present value, the losses sworn to must have been very great indeed. They exceed, in fact, all belief. For instance, William Chambers, of Kilrush, British Protestant, swears he was robbed of his goods and chattels, worth £1519, also his cattle; and Max Graneer, Dutch settler, declares his loss at £2389 ! while bitterly complaining of the violence of Charles and Owen O'Cahane. Ann Usher, of Killimer, swears she was robbed of goods to the value of £994. "And after many raids upon her cattle and garrons, her house was rifled and pillaged by Charles O'Cahane of Termon. Jurat!' George Waters, British Protestant (a strong claim that), had taken from him £2047, and John Pring, of Latoon, £1354, etc. Multiplying these figures by ten, or, even at the lowest computation, by five, one would not find in the Clare of to-day many of its inhabitants so blessed with the world's goods as were, at their own showing, those Protestant settlers of 1641.
Here is another specimen too good to be passed over. The Pieverend John Twembrooke, of Dysert, swears " he was, last Christmas, robbed and despoiled of goods and chattels to his loss and damage in £348, besides his church living, worth £200 per annum, cows, horses, mares, heifers, turf, books, linens, woollens, hay, corn, leases, debts, by T. O'Brien of Tullamore." In the return of Bishop Ptider, already referred to at some length, this parson's living is put down as £20 per annum. Which of the two statements is the correct one ? Xor is he entirely absorbed in his monetary losses. His 1 O'Flaherty's West Connaught. Edited by ^Ir. Hardiman.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 129

As the companion tells it

Up ahead the road passes through Kilrush, a Clare town caught up in one of the stranger chapters of the 1641 rising. After that rising, settlers in this part of Clare swore depositions listing what they had lost, and the figures they gave were enormous. The author who examined them concluded they were, for the most part, bold efforts of the imagination. He points out that money in those days was worth at least five times its present value, and the losses sworn to exceed all belief. William Chambers of Kilrush, a British Protestant, swore he was robbed of goods and chattels worth 1519 pounds, also his cattle. Max Graneer, a Dutch settler, declared his loss at 2389 pounds, while bitterly complaining of the violence of Charles and Owen O'Cahane. Ann Usher of Killimer swore she was robbed of goods to the value of 994 pounds. The deposition records that after many raids upon her cattle and garrons, her house was rifled and pillaged by Charles O'Cahane of Termon. George Waters, a British Protestant, had taken from him 2047 pounds, and John Pring of Latoon lost 1354 pounds. The author says that multiplying these figures by ten, or even at the lowest computation by five, you would not find in the Clare of his day many inhabitants so blessed with the world's goods as those Protestant settlers of 1641 claimed to be at their own showing. He sees the exaggeration as a play for a share of confiscated lands.

Great storm burns Cashel and Kincora

Cashel · townland · Tipperary · 1107

A fierce storm in 1107, beginning with snow and followed by thunder and lightning, caused both Cashel and Kincora to burn, destroying vast quantities of mead and beer.

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The annalists record in the year 1107 a fierce storm, first of snow for a whole day and night, followed by thunder and lightning, during which both Cashel and Kincora were burned, and vast quantities of mead and beer were rendered useless. This last entry shows how minutely and accurately the march of events was described.
A synod, attended by fifty bishops, three hundred priests, three thousand ecclesiastical students, was held, a.d. 1111, at Uisneach, in "West Meath. The successor of St. Patrick, Ceallagh, was present ; but, for probably territorial reasons, Gilbert, Bishop of Limerick, presided. The main object in view was to reconstruct the Irish ecclesiastical edifice ; defining the jurisdiction of the bishops, of whom in future there were to be only twenty-four ; and, following the political division, giving one Archbishop, Armagh, to Leathcuin (the Korih), and another, Cashel, to Leathmogha (the South) ; in which arrangement it is easy to discover the direct Hy Niall and Dalcassian influence. What a clear proof of the disturbed state of society in that period, is afforded in the fact that the same Mortogh O'Brien, Ard-Piigh of Ireland, who, on the side of the laics, was the chief personage in the Irish Synod, is found soon after, in the very same year, instigating, as the Four Masters testify, his own clansmen, the Dal-Cas, to an attack on the peaceful brotherhood of Clonmacnoise. ^ Four Masters.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 52

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Cashel, in 1107, a fierce storm broke. The annalists say it began with snow that fell for a whole day and night, and then thunder and lightning followed. During that storm, both Cashel and Kincora burned. Vast quantities of mead and beer were rendered useless. The record notes how minutely and accurately the march of events was described by the annalists, down to the loss of the drink. The same source goes on to tell of a synod held four years later, in 1111, at Uisneach in West Meath, attended by fifty bishops, three hundred priests, and three thousand ecclesiastical students. Ceallagh, the successor of Saint Patrick, was present, but Gilbert, Bishop of Limerick, presided. The purpose was to reconstruct the Irish ecclesiastical edifice, defining the jurisdiction of the bishops, of whom there were to be only twenty-four. One archbishop, Armagh, was given to Leathcuin, the North, and another, Cashel, to Leathmogha, the South. The arrangement, the book says, shows the direct Hy Niall and Dalcassian influence.

Head of O'Ruarck exposed at Singland

Singland · townland · Limerick · 1080–1090

The severed head of O'Ruarck was exposed at Singland near Limerick city as a trophy of war before being carried off by the victors.

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dynasty, claiming the throne of Ireland, overawed O'Connor, taking hostages from him in token of submission. Both together then advanced by the eastern side of the Shannon on Limerick, and, laying it in rnins, plundered the rich plain to the south as far as Emly and Bruree. On their return they crossed the Shannon at Limerick, bringing with them the head of O'Euarck, which had been exposed at Singland near that city ; and, after " breaking down and demolishing " Kincora itself, returned in triumph with great spoil, and not fewer than eight score Dalcassian and Danish hostages. A time of woe indeed in proud Thomond. But the Dalcassian spirit was not subdued. A race less warlike might, for a time at least, succumb to such a series of defeats. In the very next year they tried to recover their lost prestige by an attack on Connaught. Ascending in their vessels, they plundered the islands in Lough Eigh, sparing the holy sanctuary of Clonmacnoise. Here they again met with a repulse, and in their retreat found themselves confronted by Eory O'Connor, who had in the meantime taken possession of two islands which offered an advantageous position for intercepting their return homeward. Driven back towards Athlone, they were watched by Donal O'Mealaghlin, King of Meath, and had to surrender to him their vessels for a safe-conduct through his territory. With these vessels, O'Mealaghlin and O'Connor, who were acting in concert, swooped down directly on their baffled foes, and carried away great plunder from East Thomond (Tipperary).

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 50

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, the severed head of O'Ruarck was put on display in the years around 1080 to 1090. A dynasty claiming the throne of Ireland had overawed O'Connor and taken hostages from him. Together they advanced along the eastern side of the Shannon on Limerick, laid the city in ruins, and plundered the rich plain to the south as far as Emly and Bruree. On their return they crossed the Shannon at Limerick, carrying with them O'Ruarck's head, which had been exposed here at Singland as a trophy of war. After that they broke down and demolished Kincora itself, and returned in triumph with great spoil and no fewer than 160 Dalcassian and Danish hostages. It was described as a time of woe in proud Thomond. But the Dalcassian spirit was not subdued. The very next year they tried to recover their lost prestige with an attack on Connaught, ascending in their vessels and plundering the islands in Lough Eigh, though they spared the holy sanctuary of Clonmacnoise.

MacLiag, chief poet and friend of Brian Boroimhe, dies

near Kincora · monument · Clare · 1016

In 1016 MacLiag, the chief poet of Ireland and close companion of Brian Boroimhe, died. His poetry celebrated Brian's achievements and lamented his tragic death.

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A hastily-organised pursuit of the plunderers by Teigue and Morogh was unsuccessful, some of the leading chiefs being slain in the attempt to recover the spoil. But next year, A.D, 1016, even worse misfortune was in store for the harrassed and weakened Dalcassians. Tlie clans of Connaught, finding the men who had reduced them to submission beset on every side, swooped down on them, and plundered and demolished Kincora and Killaloe.^ The men of Thomond retaliated, pushing their way as far as the islands on Lough liigh, in which, doubtless for greater safety, much of the wealth of the province had been stored, and with which the Dalcassians returned triumphant. In this year died a man of great eminence, MacLiag, the chief poet of Ireland, aud bosom friend of Brian Boroimhe, whose achievements, and, alas ! whose tragic death too, had been the theme of his sono-.
For some years following peace reigned in Thomond. The Dalcassians, having made it clear that they could not be attacked with impunity, were allowed to recuperate after the heavy losses they had sustained. It was varied by one curious incident, recorded by the Four Masters, round which a mystery hangs. They give it in the following words, as occurring in the year A. D. 1019: "The son of Carnach, son of Aedh of the Ui Caisin " {i.e. the clan MacNamara), " attacked Donogh, son of Brian, and gave him a stroke of a sword in his head and across the arm, so that he struck off his right palm. The son of Brian afterwards escaped, and the son of Carnach was slain." This reads like a personal quarrel, resulting probably from some wrong done by Donogh, which brought death to the son of Carnach, and left Dononli maimed for life. But this was no stay to his ambitious designs. He longed to recover the dignity and authority won for the Dalcassian race by his father, and soon after the opportunity presented itself.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 44

Mortogh installed prince of Thomond at Magh-Adhair

near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare

Turlogh's son Mortogh was elected to succeed him as prince of Thomond, and was installed by the chief of the Clan Cuilean (MacNamara) at the royal rath of Magh-Adhair, near Tulla.

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Tuelogh's son Mortogh was elected to succeed him as prince of Thomond, and was installed by the chief of the Clan Cuilean (MacNamara) at the royal rath of Magh-Adhair, near Tulla. He was recognised also by the Eoghanachts as King of Munster ; for we find him, the year after his father's death, at the head of the army of Munster, doing battle with Donal, King of Leinster, for the supremacy of Leathmogha, the southern half of Ireland. In this battle the Dalcassian prince defeated his rival with great slaughter, in his own territory near Dublin.
The following year, however, was one of disaster for him. Eory O'Connor, his brother-in-law, anticipated attack by occupying in force an island at the northern side of Lough Derg, barring the passage up the Shannon. In an attempt to dislodge him from this position, the Dalcassians suffered a defeat with considerable loss. No better fortune awaited them later on, when, sailing round by the Atlantic, an attack was made on Connaught from the sea. They were again repulsed, and Rory, taking advantage of the confusion consequent on those defeats, marched into Corcomroe, devastating all before him, but losing three of his chieftains, who were intercepted and slain. There followed a still greater collapse. Donal MacLaughlin, of the Northern

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 49

National Council at Drogheda and consecration of Mellifont Abbey

near Mellifont Abbey · monument · Louth · 1157

A National Council was held in 1157 at Drogheda attended by seventeen bishops and many priests, at which the successor of St. Patrick solemnly consecrated the Abbey of Mellifont and O'Mealaghlin, King of Meath, was deposed for murdering O'Quinlivan.

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It is not out of place to note here the holding of another National Council in 1157 at Drogheda, seventeen bishops and a large number of priests being present. The successor of St. Patrick solemnly consecrated the Abbey of Mellifont. Many of the princes of the kingdom were present with rich gifts, and the occasion was utilised, among other things, to solemnly depose O'Mealaghlin, King of Meath, who had treacherously murdered O'Quinlivan^ of the race of Laoghaire — a prince, say all the annalists, of great worth — and this in the teeth of a most binding treaty of peace between them, ratified by both ecclesiastical and civil power. It is gratifying to find,
1 The Quinlivans of Clare are an offshoot of this clan, which claimed descent from the first Christian King of Erinn.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 57

O'Brien feted at Kilrush and Limerick after release from imprisonment

Kilrush · town · Clare · 1846

After William Smith O'Brien was released from imprisonment in the cellar of the House of Commons for contempt, he was publicly feted at Kilrush and Limerick, an open approval of his defiant stance that O'Connell took as a personal slur.

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O'Connell and the " Old Irelanders," as they came to be called, looked askance at this dangerous development. Almost insensibly at first, but steadily the cleaving asunder began to be made manifest in Conciliation Hall itself. Thomas Francis Meagher's famous " Sword Speech " was the eloquent impromptu reply to the " not one drop of blood " policy. William Smith O'Brien came into almost open collision with O'Connell. He had refused to obey a summons to attend to his parliamentary duties which O'Connell submitted to, both having declared their preference for work in Ireland among the starving people. O'Brien was imprisoned in the cellar of the House of Commons for contempt. When released, he was feted at Kilrush and Limerick. The open approval of his action was regarded by O'Connell as a slur upon himself. Then followed a debate in Conciliation Hall towards the end of 1846, on the question of censuring the advanced policy advocated in the Nation, which ended in an open rupture — O'Brien, Meagher, O'Gorman, Mitchell, and their friends, leaving the hall never to return there.
In the following year Ireland's greatest son died, May 15, 1847, at Genoa, on his way to Piome. As he could not reach the cherished goal of his pilgrimage, he willed that his heart should be sent there. It reposes in the Irish Church of St.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 189

As the companion tells it

This is Kilrush, a town in Clare. In 1846, after William Smith O'Brien was released from imprisonment in the cellar of the House of Commons for contempt, he came here and was publicly feted, as he was again in Limerick. He had refused to obey a summons to attend to his parliamentary duties, a summons O'Connell had submitted to, both men having declared their preference for work in Ireland among the starving people. The open approval shown to O'Brien here was regarded by O'Connell as a slur upon himself. The split had been widening for some time. Thomas Francis Meagher's famous "Sword Speech" was the eloquent reply to the "not one drop of blood" policy. By the end of 1846, a debate in Conciliation Hall on censuring the advanced policy advocated in the Nation ended in open rupture, with O'Brien, Meagher, O'Gorman, Mitchell, and their friends leaving the hall never to return. The following year, O'Connell died on May 15, 1847, at Genoa, on his way to Rome. He could not reach the cherished goal of his pilgrimage, and willed that his heart should be sent there.

O'Donnell's forces revel at the ruins of Corcomroe Abbey

near Corcomroe Abbey · monument · Clare · 1600

O'Donnell's raiders rested for the night at the deserted cloisters of Corcomroe, an abbey built by one O'Brien for Catholic purposes and now confiscated by another O'Brien, where much revelling took place.

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. Starting early the following morning, they swept the rich plains down to Clondegad, then struck across to Cahermurphy, near Kilmihil, and, taking in the whole range of country to the sea, along by Kilmurry, Caherush, Kilfarboy, and Moy, spread ruin and devastation everywhere on their route. They rested for the night at Ballygowan Castle, now called Smithstown, in the parish of Kilshanny. The next day they came upon the ground they had traversed on the previous occasion, along towards Inagh, and back by Corofin, Inchiquin, Leimaneigh, and Kilfenora, till they reached the calm retreat of Corcomroe. What revelling there was that night within those rock terraces on that green sward round the deserted cloisters, built up by one O'Brien for Catholic purposes, and now ruthlessly and sacrilegiously confiscated by another ! The following morning O'Donnell crossed " the white hills of Burren," by the Priest's Pass, at his leisure, with the plunder of the greater part of Clare ; while the Earl of Thomond, who had shattered its power of resistance to external attack, was away in the distance, doing the queen's work zealously in Leinster and South Munster.'
Nor was O'Donnell yet satisfied with the punishment and humiliation he had inflicted on the queen's O'Briens and their followers. In October of the same year he set out once more for Clare, and had reached as far as Ballymote before he learned that his kinsman and brother-in-law, Niall Garv (" the Stubborn ") O'Donnell, with his three brothers whom he had left in charge of his territory, had gone over to the English. Sir Henry Dowcra, who was cooped up in Derry and Lifford, had been for some time tempting Niall, and at last succeeded. The promise of being recognised as The O'Donnell was the price of his treachery. His defection was the occasion of freeing Clare from another incursion. O'Donnell speedily returned.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 115

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Corcomroe Abbey, in 1600, O'Donnell's raiders reached these calm retreats after a long sweep through Clare that spread ruin across the rich plains down to Clondegad, across to Cahermurphy, and along by Kilmurry, Caherush, Kilfarboy, and Moy. They had rested the night before at Ballygowan Castle, and come through Corofin, Inchiquin, Leimaneigh, and Kilfenora before arriving here at the rock terraces and green sward round the deserted cloisters. The writer of the source tells us there was much revelling that night. This abbey had been built up by one O'Brien for Catholic purposes, and was now, in the source's words, 'ruthlessly and sacrilegiously confiscated by another'. The following morning O'Donnell crossed the white hills of Burren by the Priest's Pass, at his leisure, carrying off the plunder of the greater part of Clare. The Earl of Thomond, who had shattered Clare's power of resistance to external attack, was away doing the queen's work in Leinster and South Munster. Nor was O'Donnell yet satisfied. In October of the same year he set out once more for Clare, but had reached only as far as Ballymote when he learned that his kinsman and brother-in-law Niall Garv O'Donnell, with three brothers left in charge of his territory, had gone over to the English. Sir Henry Dowcra, cooped up in Derry and Lifford, had been tempting Niall for some time and at last succeeded. The promise of being recognised as The O'Donnell was the price of his treachery. His defection freed Clare from another incursion, and O'Donnell speedily returned.

Plunder of Kells and Ardee by O'Neill and O'Donnell

Kells · town · Meath · 1539

The Northern princes O'Neill and O'Donnell united their forces and, marching into the Pale, took and plundered the towns of Kells and Ardee before being pursued and defeated at Bettystown near the confines of Meath and Monaghan.

Read the passage

and O'Donnell, united their forces, and, marching into the Pale, took and plundered the towns of Xavan and Ardee,^ but were pursued and defeated at Betahoe, on the confines of Meath and Monaghan, by a hastily summoned but large army of the English, under the command of the Deputy, Lord Grey. In the following year, 1540, Morogh O'Brien and the Dal-Cas made common cause with the defeated ISTortherns and O'Connor of Offaly. They all met together at Fore, in Westmeath, with a view to operate against the English. The Lord Justice Brereton, who succeeded Lord Grey, being made aware of this combination, marched an army of eight thousand men, with a train of artillery, with all despatch into Meath,^ and with this formidable force so awed the Irish princes that they retreated each into his own territory, without striking a blow. This collapse paved the way for the final surrender of Dalcassian independence. It became evident that they could not hold out singly against English attack much longer, and so the policy of averting it by timely submission was at last reluctantly adopted.
The Lord Deputy Anthony St. Leger held a Parliament at Limerick in February 1542, with a view to arrange the terms of surrender. As soon as Henry was made aware of this peaceful surrender, he himself, in a letter to the Lord Deputy and Council,^ had suggested that the ancient dignity of Prince of Thomond should merge into an English title of nobility. This was a bitter pill to Irish pride, but there was no help for it. Besides, it came to Morogh O'Brien gilt with the gift of "certain abbeyes lately suppressed," and the acknowledgment of ownership of property belonging of right to the clans. Others of the more powerful neighbouring chiefs, notably MacXamara and O'Grady, had also to be conciliated, and so at this Parliament arrangements were entered into * which were soon after completed in the king's palace of Greenwich. The policy of bribing the chiefs with the

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 93

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kells, this is a town that was put to the sword in 1539. The Northern princes O'Neill and O'Donnell united their forces that year and marched into the Pale, taking and plundering both Kells and Ardee. Their raid did not go unanswered. A hastily summoned but large English army under the command of the Deputy, Lord Grey, pursued them and defeated them near the confines of Meath and Monaghan. The following year, 1540, the defeated Northerners made common cause with Morogh O'Brien, the Dalcassians, and O'Connor of Offaly. They gathered at Fore in Westmeath to plan a combined operation against the English. But the Lord Justice Brereton, who had succeeded Lord Grey, marched an army of 8,000 men with a train of artillery into Meath, and the Irish princes retreated each into his own territory without striking a blow. That collapse paved the way for the final surrender of Dalcassian independence. In February 1542 the Lord Deputy Anthony St. Leger held a Parliament at Limerick to arrange the terms of surrender, and Henry himself suggested that the ancient dignity of Prince of Thomond should merge into an English title of nobility. It was, as the record calls it, a bitter pill to Irish pride, but there was no help for it.

Rejoicing at Kincora after Brian's victory

near Kincora · monument · Clare · 978

Following the decisive victory that made Brian King of Munster and Leathmogha, scenes of rejoicing were witnessed throughout Clare, especially in the royal palace of Kincora, on the return of Brian and his victorious troops.

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In the present instance they all agree in describing the victory of Brian and his Dalcassians as complete and final over Maelmuidh and his Eugenians and their foreign allies ; twelve hundred men fell on their side. Maelmuidh himself was slain by the hand of Morogh, son of Brian, who, though probably little more than a stripling, had the proud satisfaction of avengino- his uncle's murder. The result of this decisive battle, as between the rival claimants to the throne of Munster, was that the whole course of Munster history was reversed. The Eugenians, who had for so manv centuries held sway with the strong hand, were so crushed and broken that they never again made any notable effort to recover their lost prestige. Brian, the head of the Dalcassian clans, was at once recognised as not only King of Munster, but, so prominent had his victorious career made him, of Leathmogha, or the southern half of Ireland. It needs no effort of imagination to picture the scenes of rejoicing which must have been witnessed from end to end of Clare, but especially in the royal palace of Kincora, on the return of Brian and his victorious troops. Many other victories were on previous occasions celebrated, but this one outshone and crowned them all. It restored to the Thomond clans the rights of which they had been for so long and so unjustly deprived. Their rivals in South Munster had hitherto ignored their claims to alternate rule, founded on the undisputed will of their common ancestor, Oilioll Oluim. A keen sense of injury rankled in the breasts of this proud race from generation to generation. The day eagerly longed for to assert their hereditary rights had at length arrived. Their chosen prince was pre-eminently gifted with that warlike
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Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 31

Romantic legend of Donal's escape by swimming Carrigaholt bay

near Carrigaholt · townland · Clare

A romantic story still told in West Clare recounts stolen interviews between Donal and Teigue Caoch's daughter, and his escape from her enraged father by swimming his horse across the bay of Carrigaholt.

Read the passage

end, the renewal of hostilities. Hugh O'Neill laid siege to the fort built by Lord Borough on the Blackwater. An army of four thousand foot and six hundred horse, under the command of Marshal Bagenal, was sent against him. It is not necessary here to give details of the celebrated battle of Bealanaithebuidhe, in which more than half of this army, with its leader, was left dead on the field. When the news reached Clare, those there who were discontented with the settlement of 1585 flew to arms. Among these were Teigue O'Brien, brother to the earl, who took from Margaret Cusack, Baroness of Inchiquin, the bridge and adjoining lands of Portcroissi, as well as the castles of Scariff and Cluain, near Tulla ; Turlogh O'Brien, son of Mahon, killed at the defence of Cluanoon, who slew George Cusack, to whose father. Sir Thomas Cusack, Mahon's confiscated property was made over ; Teigue Caoch MacMahon, of Carrigaholt ; and many other men of note in the county. The Earl of Thomond could count upon the active assistance in the English interest of the Inchiquin and Ennistymon families, who, like himself, had been enriched at the expense of so many others. His youngest brother, Donal, held for him the castle of Kilmurry Ibrickane. One of the first incidents of this civil turmoil was a nocturnal attack upon this castle by Teigue Caoch, who seized it, and, slaying many of the defenders, carried oiff Donal a wounded prisoner to his castle of Dunbeg, which he had a short time before wrested back from a Limerick merchant to whom it had been mortgaged. He kept him only for a week, and then set him at liberty without ransom. This same Donal it was who afterwards became his son-in-law and successor at Carrigaholt. Possibly the lady had procured his liberation. Here would be the origin of the romantic story still told in West Clare of their stolen interviews, and his escape from the enraged father, by swimming his horse across the bay of Carrigaholt.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 112

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, a romantic story is still told in West Clare. It tells of stolen interviews between Donal and the daughter of Teigue Caoch MacMahon, and of his escape from her enraged father by swimming his horse across the bay of Carrigaholt. The story has its roots in a real conflict. When news reached Clare of the battle of Bealanaithebuidhe, where more than half of an army of four thousand foot and six hundred horse under Marshal Bagenal was left dead on the field, those discontented with the settlement of 1585 flew to arms. Among them was Teigue Caoch MacMahon, of Carrigaholt. Donal was the youngest brother of the Earl of Thomond, and held the castle of Kilmurry Ibrickane for the earl. One of the first incidents of the turmoil was a nocturnal attack by Teigue Caoch on this castle. He seized it, slew many of the defenders, and carried Donal off wounded as a prisoner to his castle of Dunbeg, which he had shortly before wrested back from a Limerick merchant to whom it had been mortgaged. He kept Donal only a week, then set him at liberty without ransom. This same Donal afterwards became his son-in-law and successor at Carrigaholt. Possibly the lady had procured his liberation. Here would be the origin of the romantic story still told in West Clare of their stolen interviews, and his escape from the enraged father by swimming his horse across the bay of Carrigaholt.

Siege of Bunratty Castle prepared by Lord Muskerry

near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 1646

As the garrison of Bunratty, 800 foot and 60 horse under Colonel M'Adam, held for Parliament, a Confederate force of 3000 foot and 300 horse under Lord Muskerry was sent into Clare to besiege it, considered so important that Cardinal Rinuncini sent supplies.

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The conclusion of this peace changed the whole aspect of the war in Ireland. The Irish were henceforth fighting for the king, as well as for their own rights. As the garrison of Bunratty, consisting of 800 foot and 60 horse, under the command of Colonel M'Adam, and well supplied with provisions in view of the inevitable coming conflict, was on the side of the Parliament, it was necessary to besiege the place. A force of 3000 foot and 300 horse, under the command of Lord Muskerry, was sent into Clare for that purpose ; and so important was the reduction of this fortress considered, that Cardinal Pvinuncini himself, who had some time before been despatched from Eome with considerable supplies both in arms and money (2000 swords, 500 petronels, 20,000 lbs. of powder, and five or six small trunks of Spanish gold, all ^ Carte's Ormo7id.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 131

Society of Friends witness extreme poverty in West Clare

West Clare · municipal district · Clare · 1847

In January 1847 two members of the Society of Friends visited West Clare and witnessed scenes of extreme misery, with families dependent solely on meagre road-work wages after the potato and oat failures, unable to support themselves adequately.

Read the passage

" The scenes which we witnessed and the stories which we heard in these abodes of human misery will not be easily effaced from our memory. All were poor in the extreme — some deplorably so ; but it was the same sad tale we heard from all : their potatoes had failed, and, their scanty stock of oats being all consumed, they are now solely dependent on the wages received from the road works. The applicants for employment are so numerous that in most instances only one man in a family, and in some cases one, a hoy, luoman, or girl, can obtain it. All work alike on the roads ! " (The making of, in very many instances, useless roads, was the clever device of the English officials to stay the progress of the famine !) " The pay of a man is tenpence, a woman eightpence, and a boy sixpence per day ; and when you consider that there may be broken days from sickness or severe weather, and that families here average about seven individuals, you will not be surprised when we state that they can scarcely support life under their many privations. Indeed, their week's wage, when exchanged for food, is not more than sufficient for three or four days' consumption. They endeavour, however, to stretch it over the week ; but it is no uncommon thing with many families to be without food for twenty-four or thirty-six hours before the succeeding pay-day comes round, with the exception of the man or boy who is at work. And to prevent his strength (upon which all their living depends) from failing, the scanty subsistence of the others is still further reduced, to provide him with sufficient to sustain him."
That was a true picture of all Clare in that year, when the worst had not been yet reached. And yet Ireland was forced into a union with Great Britain, the richest country on the ^ Transactions during the Famine in Ireland, '•46-47, pp. 179, 180.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 185

As the companion tells it

As you travel through West Clare, you are passing through country where, in January 1847, two members of the Society of Friends came and witnessed scenes of extreme misery. The potatoes had failed, and the people's scanty stock of oats was all consumed, leaving families solely dependent on wages from road works. So many applied for work that in most cases only one person in a family could get it, and sometimes only a boy, woman, or girl. A man earned tenpence a day, a woman eightpence, a boy sixpence. Families here averaged about seven individuals. The Friends noted that a week's wage, exchanged for food, was not more than sufficient for three or four days' consumption. They wrote: "The scenes which we witnessed and the stories which we heard in these abodes of human misery will not be easily effaced from our memory." It was no uncommon thing for families to be without food for twenty-four or thirty-six hours before the next pay-day, except for the man or boy at work. The others would further reduce their own scanty share to keep his strength up, since all their living depended on him. The book notes that the making of useless roads was the device of English officials to stay the progress of the famine. This was a true picture of all Clare in that year, when the worst had not yet been reached.

Teigue's march and tribute imposed on Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1466

In 1466 Teigue marched a great Dalcassian army across the Shannon, subduing Desmond and Ossory and Leinster chiefs, then returned through the city of Limerick, imposing a yearly tribute of sixty marks on its Danish and English descended inhabitants.

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The most remarkable event of this reign was the revival of the Dalcassian claim to the throne of all Ireland. Teigue, making peace with the MacMahons, who in all probability had restored unharmed their prisoner Donal, summoned to his standard all the clans of Thomond. This appeal stirred up their ancestral pride, and met with a hearty response. He " marched with a great army across the Shannon in the summer of this year," a.d. 1466,^ first southwards through Desmond, compelling the submission as well of the native chiefs as of the Earl of Desmond and the English ; then eastwards through the old battleground of Ossory and Leinster, meeting with similar success. He returned through the city of Limerick, imposing upon the inhabitants, mostly of Danish and English descent, a yearly tribute of sixty marks. The approach of winter, a season so unfavourable to warlike pursuits in Ireland, compelled a cessation of hostilities. The Dalcassians were now once more supreme in Leathmogha. To secure, according to Irish Brehon law, the coveted dignity of supreme authority, it would be necessary to bring to submission one at least of the ruling princes of Leathcuin. 1 Four Masters. Annals of D. F. ^ Four Masters.
150 HISTORY OF CLARE.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 79

As the companion tells it

Limerick city, which you are passing through, carries a memory from 1466. That summer, Teigue led a great Dalcassian army across the Shannon, marching south through Desmond and compelling the submission of native chiefs, the Earl of Desmond, and the English, then east through Ossory and Leinster with similar success. On his return he passed through Limerick itself and imposed a yearly tribute of 60 marks on its inhabitants, mostly of Danish and English descent. Winter then forced a halt to the campaign, leaving the Dalcassians supreme in Leathmogha. To secure full supreme authority under Irish Brehon law, Teigue would still need to bring at least one ruling prince of Leathcuin to submission.

The Island of Fitha Divided by the Sea, Now Mutton Island

Mutton Island · townland · Clare · 799–804

During the great storm of 799/804, the sea divided the island of Fitha into three parts; the text notes this island is now known as Iniscuireach, or Mutton Island, off the Clare coast.

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The Four Masters, under the year a.d. 799, rede 804, give the following description of a terrible convulsion of nature along the west coast of Clare : " There happened great wind, thunder, and lightning, on the day before the festival of St. Patrick in this year, so that one thousand and ten persons were killed in the territory of Corca - Bhaiscinn, and the sea divided the island of Fitha into three parts," This island is now called Iniscuireach, or Mutton Island. The other Irish annalists all bear the same testimony, differing only in the year, — a proof that they quoted from different but very ancient MSS., now unhappily lost. For instance, here is how the Ann. Clou, write of it: "a.d. 801. — There was such horrible great thunder the next day before St. Patrick's day, that it put asunder a thousand and ten men between Corca-Bascynn and the land about it ; the sea divided an island there in three parts, the seas and sand thereof did cover the earth near it." The annalists all agree upon the day, as is natural, it being a remarkable one — the eve of St. Patrick — and upon the number lost ; but it is not unlikely that the " ten " affixed to the " thousand " means idiomatically some considerable but indefinite addition to the multitude surely destroyed. It is quite clear that this was much more than a mere thunderstorm. The " dividing of the island into three parts " implies disturbance by an
42

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 25

The Naming of Cashel and the Angel's Prophecy

Cashel · townland · Tipperary

The text explains that Cashel was originally called Sidh-dhruim ('fairy hill') until an angel appeared to swineherds there, prophesying the coming of St. Patrick and blessing the site. The angel's prophecy declared that the grandeur and supremacy of Ireland would perpetually reside in that place, making it a metropolis to Patrick.

Read the passage

" Caiseal is derived from ' Cais-il,' i.e. a stone on which they used to lay down pledges ; or ' Cis-ail,' i.e. ' the payment of the tribute,' from the tribute given to it by the men of Eire. Sidh-dhruim (' fairy hill ') was the name of the place at first." Then follows the description of the appearance of an angel on the hill to swineherds, who foretold the coming of St. Patrick, and blessed the hill and the place. " The figure v/hich appeared there was Victor, the angel of Patrick, prophesying that the grandeur and supremacy of Eire would be perpetually in that place. Accordingly, that town is a metropolis to Patrick, and a chief city of the King of Eire. And the tribute and service of the men of Eire are always due the king of that place i.e. the King of Caiseal, through the blessing of Patrick the son of Alplainn. Now, here are the stipends of the kings from the King of Caiseal, if he be King (monarch) of Eire, and his visitation and refection among them on that account." ^ It is curious to find this prophecy of supremacy gravely attributed to an angel, in presence of the well-known fact that the supremacy of Eire had not for many centuries rested in the King of Cashel or Munster. The only explanation I can find for this notable incongruity is in the supposition that in the time of Brian Boroinihe the story was invented, wnth a view to establish the right all along of the supremacy of Cashel by virtue of the blessing of St. Patrick ; and now, when the supposed right had become a fact, the stipends and tributes to the subordinate princes were decreed in order to secure their allegiance. A monarch so vigorous and so successful as Brian Boroimhe may well be credited with a desire to retain, for the throne of Munster, the supremacy of all Ireland, which he had won for it with his good sword ; and what better means could be devised than, first, to invest it with a kind of Divine right by reason ^ Book of rdghts, p. 31,

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 20

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here is Cashel, a place whose old name was Sidh-dhruim, the fairy hill. The name Cashel itself comes from Cais-il, a stone on which pledges were laid down, or Cis-ail, the payment of tribute, from the tribute given to it by the men of Ireland. The story goes that an angel appeared on the hill to swineherds. The angel was Victor, the angel of Patrick, and he foretold the coming of Saint Patrick to the place. He blessed the hill and the place, prophesying that the grandeur and supremacy of Ireland would be perpetually in that place. And so, the text says, that town is a metropolis to Patrick, and a chief city of the King of Ireland. The tribute and service of the men of Ireland are always due to the king of that place, the King of Cashel, through the blessing of Patrick the son of Alplainn. The author of the book finds it curious that this prophecy of supremacy is gravely attributed to an angel, given the well-known fact that the supremacy of Ireland had not for many centuries rested in the King of Cashel or Munster. The only explanation he offers is that in the time of Brian Boroimhe the story was invented, to establish the right of Cashel's supremacy by virtue of the blessing of Saint Patrick. When that supposed right had become a fact, the stipends and tributes to the subordinate princes were decreed to secure their allegiance. A monarch as vigorous and successful as Brian Boroimhe, the author says, may well be credited with a desire to retain for the throne of Munster the supremacy of all Ireland, which he had won with his good sword.

William O'Connell of Toureen Challenges Road Contract Monopoly

Toureen · townland · Tipperary · 1824

William O'Connell of Toureen, near Ennis, a large and successful farmer and relative of Daniel O'Connell, broke the Protestant gentry's monopoly on road repair presentments by submitting a much lower bid at Road Sessions, leading to a violent confrontation.

Read the passage

making and keeping in repair the roads. They made a nice thing out of it, until William O'Connell of Toureen, near Ennis, a relative of his great namesake, one of the largest and most successful farmers in Ireland, and grandfather of the present Daniel O'Connell, J.P., of Kilgorey, near Tulla, took heart to interfere with the blackmailing practice. He put in a presentment at the Road Sessions for so much a lower figure than the others, that it could not in common decency be thrown out. They determined to die hard. They set their men to obstruct O'Counell's men, and of course a free fight ensued. Summonses were issued. The case came on at Petit Sessions in Quin about 1824, and O'Gorman Mahon was asked to come there and see justice done to O'Connell's men. He stalked in with dogs and gun, having walked across shooting from Newpark, near Ennis, where he then lived. The case had been for some time at hearing, and one of Mr. O'Connell's men was giving evidence.
" You say you struck the man ? " interposed O'Gorman Mahon fiercely.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 176

Relief Committee distributes charity during renewed famine distress in Clare

Milltown Malbay · town · Clare · 1880

During a period of renewed hunger, the author sat on relief committees in Clare distributing public charity to labouring, artisan and farming classes. A footnote cites the Miltown-Malbay Relief Committee book of 1880, showing ticket orders for bread-stuffs filled for 316 applicants amid a population under 5000.

Read the passage

1 As I write, the Relief Committee book of the parish of Miltown- Malbay, a.d. 1880, is before me. I take one extract as a sample : " Feb. 13. Ticket orders for bread-stuffs were filled for 316 applicants, numbering 1261 individuals, at an expenditure of £42, 12s. 6d., averaging 8(Z. fer head pei- week." The whole population was then under 5000. Very inadequate contributions came from local landowners. Mrs. Morony of Miltown House offered £10 from a rental of over £2000, but on condition of getting £10 worth of broken stones. Major George Studdert and Captain Ellis represented by their contributions and exertions the best side of the landowners' class.
374 HISTORY OF CLARE.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 195

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Milltown Malbay in Clare, this was a place of renewed hunger in 1880. The Relief Committee book records that on February 13, ticket orders for bread-stuffs were filled for 316 applicants, numbering 1261 individuals, at a cost of 42 pounds, 12 shillings and 6 pence, averaging 8 pence per head per week, in a population under 5000. Local landowners gave little. Mrs. Morony of Miltown House offered 10 pounds from a rental of over 2000 pounds, but only on condition of getting 10 pounds worth of broken stones, while Major George Studdert and Captain Ellis represented the best side of the landowners' class through their contributions and exertions.

1659 Census records population of transplanted Clare

near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1659

The return ordered in 1659 recorded 440 English and 16,474 Irish families in County Clare, with names in the Book of Survey and Distribution showing origins from Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, and the north of Ireland.

Read the passage

The transplanting into the county made up, however, to some extent for the drain in the population. The return ordered in 1659 gives — Families: English, 440; Irish, 16,474. In this " Book of Survey and Distribution," from which the numbers are taken, the names of the families are also given.^ The presence of such names as O'Callaghan, Callinan, O'Hea, Cullinan, Hennessy, Hogan, Hurley, O'Dwyer, Glissane (Gleeson), Hickey, Eyan, Keogh, Kennedy, FitzGerald, etc., in considerable numbers, shows that Cork, Limerick, and Tipperary contributed their quota of hunted Catholics ; while names such as MacTeigue, MacLoughlin, MacShane, Sweeney, and MacSweeney, as well as those already noted, O'Donnell, CNeill, MacGuire, etc., point unmistakably to a Northern
1 The full list, comprising the whole population of Clare in that year, will he found in the Appendix, It cannot but be of deep interest to all their descendants.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 138

1727 Election Voided Over Popish Wives Clause

Ennis · town · Clare · 1727

In the election following the accession of George I in 1727, nearly two hundred votes were cast and Sir Edward O'Brien was declared elected instead of George Purdon, on the grounds that some of Purdon's voters had married Catholic wives who had not converted within a year of marriage.

Read the passage

Another noteworthy incident occurred in connection with the next election, which took place on the accession of George I. in 1727. Another petition was presented against the members returned, Francis Burton and George Purdon. The Sheriff now was Thomas Stothard — the first of the name now so widespead in Clare as Studdart I could find any trace of. This time nearly two hundred votes were cast, and, after a searching inquiry, Sir Edward O'Brien was declared elected in room of George Purdon, on the grounds that some of the latter's voters had married Popish wives xclio had not become Protestants loithin one year after marriage.
Keeping the foregoing facts, coupled with the pressure of the Penal Laws, before our eyes, it is easy enough tp draw a picture of the abject condition of the Catholics of Clare during the eighteenth century. For them it was one long night of a worse than Egyptian bondage. Bound them everywhere ^ Memoirs of the O'Briens, p. .381.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 159

1807 Ennis Meeting of Protestants for Catholic Relief

Ennis · town · Clare · 1807

As early as 1807, so soon after the 1798 and 1803 convulsions, Protestants of Clare held a meeting in Ennis to demand the liberation of Catholics from the penalties imposed on them by law.

Read the passage

This spirit did not, however, animate all the Protestants. Many, if not most of them, desired justice to be done to Catholics, and it is to the credit of the Protestants of Clare, that as early as 1807, so soon after the 1798 and 1803 convulsions, they held a meeting in Eunis to demand the liberation of the Catholics from the penalties imposed on them by law.
Meanwhile O'Connell was forging on. Xo opportunity was missed by him of forcing public attention on the grievances of the Catholics. ISTor did he lose sight of the evils inilicted by the Union on the industrial interests of the country as well as its national character. Eepeal of the Union and Catholic Emancipation were themes exalted and grand enough for his master mind. " Keep pegging away at the Union " was the motto of Grattan, and while Grattan and Curran lived it was never lost sight of. Their matchless eloquence, more polished but not more powerful than O'Connell's, was employed in supporting against all odds the Catholic claims, as well as the restoration of the Irish Parliament ; but when both died, — Curran in 1817 and Grattan in 1820, — all the energies of the nation were directed by O'Connell to the securing in the first place of Catholic Emancipation. He regarded this as the great indispensable step towards a Picpeal of the Union.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit

Ambush of Clare Dragoons at Lisnaskea

near Lisnaskea · town · Fermanagh · 1689

The Clare Dragoons regiment, sent north to assist operations near Derry, was drawn into an ambush at Lisnaskea on 26 July 1689 and was literally cut to pieces.

Read the passage

It is not a matter for wonder that such raw levies, thus hurriedly put into the field, were far from being efficient at the Boyne. It is stated that Lord Clare's Yellow Dragoons behaved badly there. The original regiment which was raised at Carrigaholt, was considered, from its thorough discipline, the flower of King James's army. It was sent north, the year before, to share in the operations which culminated in the collapse at Derry, but, having been drawn into an ambush at Lisnakea, on the 26th of July 1689, was literally cut to pieces. Those, then, of the same name who fought at the Boyne were for the most part a raw levy, from whom much could not be expected. We know how
278 HISTORY OF CLARE.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 144

Ancient oak and ash woods once covered Ennistymon district

near Ennistimon · town · Clare · 1770–1810

Shaw Mason's Statistical Survey recorded that almost the entire county about Ennistymon was covered with full-grown oak and ash woods within living memory around 1810, with wild pheasants shot there. By the time of writing, the area was bare and naked.

Read the passage

along the sea-board. I have found in all parts of it rooted stumps of trees standing still where they had been growing in the not very distant past. In Shaw Mason's Statistical Survey of Ireland, he writes that " almost the entire county about Ennistymon was, within the recollection of an old man, aged one hundred, who died about thirty or forty years ago (1810), covered with woods, mostly oak and ash full grown, and that he frequently shot wild pheasants in those woods." All that country, and indeed nearly all West Clare, is now bare and naked. The writer heard from his father that his grandfather used to tell how, when cattle strayed away in his youth, so covered with trees was the whole country between Tulla Quin and Kilkishen, that search had to be made for them through the glades of the woods. It is nearly all bare now. He heard himself, from old people near Bodyke, that the old people of their young days told of the slopes of the hills, all the way from Tomgraney to Broadford, being so thickly wooded that " a man might go from one place to the other along the branches of the trees almost without coming to the ground." There is not a tree there now. The new owners easily found markets for such valuable timber. It is traditionally stated that some old owners too, notably the absentee English O'Briens, stripped the hills round and above Killaloe of the noble oaks which adorned them, and of which were built some of the finest ships in the English navy.
The gloomy condition of plundered and downtrodden Claremen at home during all those years is relieved by the lustre which the exiles from the county shed on the name of Clare in the battlefields of Europe.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 160

Battle near Thurles, 1328

Thurles · town · Tipperary · 1328

A battle was fought near Thurles in 1328 between Brian Bawn, supported by Maurice FitzGerald Earl of Desmond, and William de Burgho's forces, resulting in a decisive victory for Brian with only about eighty of his men slain.

Read the passage

Brian's first achievement was a victory over the English of Connaught, who pushed down into his newly-acquired posession, A.D. 1322.^ He then directed his energy to extending and consolidating his possessions eastwards towards the boundaries of the Pale. Here again he came into conflict with his old enemies, the Enolish of Connau^iht, under William de Burgho. He attacked and burned their castle of Atthassol on the Suir, and dealt destruction on the \\hole territory round. William de Burgho called to his aid his old allies, the O'Briens, MacNamaras, and other clans of East Clare, as well as the O'Connors of Connaught. To resist this forminable attack, Brian solicited and secured the cooperation of Maurice EitzGerald, Earl of Desmond, who was at open enmity with De Burgho, each aiming at superiority among the English in Ireland. The battle was fought near Thurles, A.D. 1328, and resulted in a victory for Brian. Conor O'Brien, Kigh-damna of Thomond, together with other chiefs on the Irish and English side, fell. Victory must have declared itself early in the fight for Brian, as only about eighty of his men in all were slain. Mortogh, eager to recover his prestige and avenge the death of his son, returned to the fight in the same year. The Four Masters have the following entry, under the year a.d. 1328: "Another army was led by Mortogh O'Brien and the Clann-Cuilean (the MacNamaras), against Brian ; but Mortogh was defeated and Conor O'Brien ; Donnoll of the Donnolls, the son of Cumara MacNamara, with many others, were slain." For years after, no one cared to risk an encounter with such a formidable antagonist ; neither did he, though active in other directions, make any attempt to recross the Shannon till the death of Mortogh.
^ Four Masters.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 74

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Thurles, you are near the ground where a battle was fought in 1328. Brian, who had already defeated the English of Connaught in 1322, was pressing eastward toward the boundaries of the Pale when he came into conflict with William de Burgho. Brian attacked and burned their castle of Atthassol on the Suir and dealt destruction on the whole territory round. De Burgho called to his aid his old allies, the O'Briens, the MacNamaras, and other clans of East Clare, as well as the O'Connors of Connaught. To resist this formidable attack, Brian secured the cooperation of Maurice FitzGerald, Earl of Desmond, who was at open enmity with De Burgho, each aiming at superiority among the English in Ireland. The battle was fought near Thurles in 1328 and resulted in a victory for Brian. Conor O'Brien, Kigh-damna of Thomond, together with other chiefs on the Irish and English side, fell. Victory must have declared itself early, as only about 80 of his men in all were slain. Mortogh, eager to recover his prestige and avenge the death of his son, returned to the fight the same year. The Four Masters record that another army was led by Mortogh O'Brien and the Clann-Cuilean, the MacNamaras, against Brian, but Mortogh was defeated, and Conor O'Brien, Donnoll son of Cumara MacNamara, with many others, were slain. For years after, no one cared to risk an encounter with such a formidable antagonist. Brian himself, though active in other directions, made no attempt to recross the Shannon until the death of Mortogh.

Battle of Magh-Leua near Tullamore

Tullamore · town · Offaly · 901

Cormac MacCuilenan, King-Bishop of Cashel, united with the Dalcassians under Flahertach, Abbot of Iniscatha, and marched to fight the monarch Flann at Magh-Leua near Tullamore, defeating him and his northern forces with great loss.

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Luimneach," ^ But Cormac, ecclesiastic as he was, being a ])rince of more than ordinary vigour, determined to avenge this unprovoked insult. He conciliated the Dalcassians by a promise, which lie afterwards honourably fulfilled, of restoring to their prince the right to the throne of Munster, of which they were so long wrongfully deprived. Plahertach, his kinsman, the warlike Abbot of Iniscatha, rallied them to the standard of the King-Bishop of Cashel. With the united clans of all Munster, Cormac marched to give battle to the monarch Flann. The latter had with him the united forces of Leathcuin, i.e. the northern half of Ireland. The opposing forces met at Magh-Leua, near the present town of Tullamore, and here the Eoghanachts and Dalcassians paid off old scores, by defeating, with great loss, the monarch and his army. Cormac and Flahertach did not rest content with this victory. They turned their arms against the southern Hy Nialls and Connaughtmen, who had in all probability taken sides with the monarch Flann, and, defeating these also, " they carried away the hostages of Connaught in their great fleets on the Shannon ; and the islands of Loch Eibh were plundered by them." ^

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 27

Battle of Moinmore near Emly - Dalcassian disaster

Emly · town · Tipperary · 1157

In 1157 the Dalcassians, returning from a raid into South Munster, were intercepted at Moinmore in the parish of Emly by a powerful coalition and suffered a crushing defeat, with some seven thousand slain according to the Book of Lecan.

Read the passage

In 1157, a great misfortune fell upon Turlogh and the Dalcassians while they were on an incursion into South Munster. Teigue Gle, Turlogh's brother, for the second time formed an alliance with Turlogh O'Connor, giving him hostages in token of submission. These were joined by the King of Meath and Diarmid MacMurrough, both of whom Turlogh had a short time before attacked. This powerful coalition, supported by the MacCarthys, whose territory had been ravaged by Turlogh, intercepted him on his return, at a place called Moinmore, in the parish of Emly. A bloody battle, in which the Dalcassians were greatly outnumbered, but which they contested with all the old energy, was fought with great loss on both sides. It was a complete victory for the allies. The Dalcassians must have been neaily annihilated, not less than seven thousand of them, according to the Book of Lccan, being left dead on the field. Turlogh himself escaped, with only the remnant of one battalion ^ out of the three which ^ A battalion usually consisted of three thousand men.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 55

Battle of Tully O'Dea near Dysert

Dysert · townland · Clare · 1311

Donogh and Donal Bawn, grandsons of Brian Rua, were badly defeated at the battle of Tully O'Dea, now called Dysert, by Mortogh, aided by the O'Kellys, O'Maddens, and William de Burgho's English forces.

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Nor was he long without rivals. Donogh and Donal Bawn, the grandsons of Brian Eua, came on the scene with a large following, but they were badly defeated at the battle of Tully O'Dea — now Dysert — by Mortogh, who had the aid not only of his own Thomond forces, but of the O'Kellys, O'Maddens, and the English under William de Burgho. The latter had been previously released in exchange for two of the O'Briens, sons of Donogh, who had been seized by MacNamara, and carried off to De Burgho's friendly castle of Loughrea. They, however, rallied their forces under the walls of Bunratty Castle, and, being joined there by De Clare and his strong English contingent, turned upon Mortogh, whose Connaught supporters by this time probably had returned, and defeated him, compelling him to fly for the second time from Thomond. Donogh was now solemnly inaugurated at Magh-Adhair.^
Mortogh's friends were not idle. They contrived to have a meeting called in 1314 of the chiefs of the Thomond clans, at which, once more, a compromise was effected. Mortogh was acknowledged prince of the eastern half of Clare ; but this did not satisfy him. Calling to his aid his Connaught supporters, he compelled, in turn, Donogh and Brian to fly. Thus we see the people of Clare constantly at civil war in behalf of those ambitious rivals.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 72

Comic anecdote of organiser mistaking O'Connell for a Kerry rogue

Ennis · town · Clare · 1828

While O'Connell and Father Kenny stood chatting before the court-house, an excited organiser complained about missing 'that Connell from Kerry' not realizing he was addressing O'Connell himself, causing great laughter.

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A good thing occurred in connection with this voting by batches which is worth setting down here. It must be premised that the " ne'er-do-weels " on both sides of the broad western Shannon cross over occasionally to let matters cool, and are not welcome in their new quarters. While O'Connell, Father Kenny, parish priest of Kilrush, and some others were standing chatting on the square before the court-house, one of Father Kenny's organisers- rushed up in a state of excitement, and, having eyes for no one but the parish priest who gave him charge, cried out, " I have all my men. Father John, but one — that Connell ; and I never knew a good man of the name ! 'Tis that Connell from Kerry, too, where no honest man ever came from." All present roared with laughter, no one so boisterously as O'Connell himself.
The cause of obstruction being disposed of, the polling went on apace. The result was at last declared : —

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 178

Corcomroe Abbey founded in O'Loughlin territory

near Corcomroe Abbey · monument · Clare · 1194

The abbey of Corcomroe was built in 1194 by Donalmor O'Brien, with the consent of the O'Loughlins, in the heart of their territory, then known as East Corcomroe, and it still retains that name.

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For nearly twenty years peace reigned in Clare. It was time that the Dalcassian clans should lay down their arms and devote themselves to more profitable pursuits. Under the year 1300 the Four Masters note the death of " Congulough O'Loughlin, Bishop of Corcomroe, a man of learning, hospitality, and piety." At that time what is now called Burren was known as East Corcomroe ; hence the abbey built in 1194 by Donalmor O'Brien, with the consent of the O'Loughlins, in the heart of their territory, still retains the name of Corcomroe. West Corcomroe was the patrimony of the kindred clan O'Connor.
In 1304 Turlogh crossed the Shannon with a powerful force. The clans of Ormond or East Thomond made him willing submission as king, by right both of descent and ^ O'Donoliue's Memoirs, Cathreim Turlogha.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 71

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Corcomroe Abbey, you are near a house founded in 1194 by Donalmor O'Brien, with the consent of the O'Loughlins, in the heart of their territory. At that time what is now called Burren was known as East Corcomroe, and the abbey still carries that older name. Around 1300 the Four Masters recorded the death of Congulough O'Loughlin, Bishop of Corcomroe, calling him, in their words, "a man of learning, hospitality, and piety." West Corcomroe was the patrimony of the kindred O'Connor clan.

Death of Ceallagh (St. Celsus) at Lismore

Lismore · townland · Waterford · 1129

Ceallagh, Archbishop of Armagh, died at fifty while on a visitation or peace mission in Munster, and was buried by his own request at Lismore, having often mediated peace between warring factions.

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At the age of fifty, in the prime of his life, A.D. 1129, died Ceallagh (St. Celsus), Archbishop of Armagh, who had so often stood between contending forces and saved much bloodshed, through the influence of his high authority and great personal sanctity. He was seized with his last illness while on a visitation, or perhaps to bring about a peace, in Munster, and was buried by his own request at Lisniore.
In 1138, Conor, King of Munster, collecting an army, proceeded into Leinster, and, taking the hostages of that province, asserted his authority as King of Leathmogha. He then pressed northwards into Meath, which was under the

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit

Death of Conor Earl of Thomond and Burial at Ennis Monastery

Ennis · town · Clare · 1580

Conor, Earl of Thomond, died in 1580 at the age of forty-five and was laid with his fathers in the monastery of Ennis, despite his apostasy and plunder of Church property.

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From the scanty records supplied by the Four Masters, — all or nearly all others having disappeared, — we can get only glimpses, during some of those years, at the principal personages in Clare. At the year 1578 the death is given, in honoured old age, of Scaive, great-great-grand-daughter of Brian Catha an Aenagh, and wife of Brian MacMahon of Corcovaskin ; as also of Sioda MacNamara of Clancuilean East, who was slain near Mountshannon while in pursuit of a marauding party from the Clanrickard country. Another remarkable entry appears under the same year : " John, son of Donal, son of Thomas, son of Teigue MacClanchy, chief Brehon to the Earl of Thomond, died. There was no son of a lay Brehon in Ireland, in his time, who had better tillage, or a better house, than he." This is proof of the respect paid in such troubled times to the office of Brehon, or judge, which had not as yet been entirely replaced by English law. In the following year, 1579, Donal of Ennistymon died. He was the last Tanist of Thomond. The system of selecting their prince according to Brehon law, practised by the Dalcassians for two thousand years, was brought to an end. Primogeniture got the better, for better for worse, of Tanistry. The change told unquestionably in favour of stability, though not unfrequently at the cost of firmness of rule. Conor, Earl of Thomond, did not long survive him. He died at the comparatively early age of forty-five, a.d. 1580, and was laid with his fathers, notwithstanding his apostasy and plunder of Church property, in the monastery of Ennis.
The career of this earl was one of which no Irishman,

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 104

Defeat of Mortogh's forces near Armagh

near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1103

Pushing on towards Armagh, Donal inflicted a severe defeat on Mortogh's army before it could recover confidence, killing many princes including the King of Leinster and an Amazon warrior leading the O'Cavannaghs.

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Meanwhile a civil war broke out in the North between the Cinel-Eoghain on the west and the Ulidians on the east. For reasons not assigned, but which may be guessed at after remembering the unending hostility between the Dalcassians and the Cinel-Eoghain, Mortogh, with all the forces he could collect, marched to the aid of the Ulidians. Donal, at the head of the former, adopted the Fabian tactics with great success. A diversion was made by Mortogh against the people of Dalriada (Down), who took sides with the Cinel- Eoghain, in which he suffered defeat, with the loss of his nephew Donogh, O'Connor Kerry, and many other men of note. This reverse encouraged Donal to assume the offensive. Pushing on towards Armagh, before Mortogh's army could recover confidence, he inflicted on them a severe defeat. There was hardly a princely family of the South that had not to bewail its loss. Among the slain were Mortogh, the King of Leinster, Giolla Phadruig of Ossory, O'Murray, Lord of Kerry, Thorston, with other Danish commanders, and, strange to relate, an Amazon, heading the Ui Cuinsellagh or O'Cavannaghs. The Northern princes returned in triumph, ^ Four Masters.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 51

Destruction of Castleconnell castle

Castleconnell · town · Limerick

In retaliation for the Kilbarron attack, Brian Rua O'Brien led the Dalcassians to seize and demolish the English castle at Castleconnell, killing every man of the garrison.

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The disunion among the Irish princes soon became known. The English of South Munster took advantage of it. Marching hastily, under command of MacMaurice Fitzgerald, they crossed the Shannon, and, keeping northwards to effect a junction with those of Connaught, they pushed their way towards the centre of Clare. The Dalcassian clans, hastily summoned together by Conor O'Brien, intercepted them at Kilbarron, in the parish of Feakle, and, falling upon them with all the energy of men defending their threatened homesteads, put them to flight with great loss. Among the slain the Four Masters note specially the intruded parish priest, or parson, of Ardrahan. The priest who takes the sword deserves above all others to die by the sword. In return for this attack, the Dalcassians, led on by Brian Rua O'Brien, seized and demolished, after killing every man of the garrison, the castle erected by the English at Castleconnell.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 68

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Castleconnell, the town the road brings you through. It was here that Brian Rua O'Brien and the Dalcassians took their revenge. The English under MacMaurice Fitzgerald had crossed the Shannon and pushed into Clare, but Conor O'Brien intercepted them at Kilbarron and put them to flight with great loss. In return for that attack, Brian Rua led his men to seize the castle the English had built here, and after killing every man of the garrison, they demolished it.

Destruction of Dun-tri-liag fortress near Corbally

Corbally · townland · Limerick

Diarmid, King of Leinster, plundered all Thomond and destroyed Dun-tri-liag, near Corbally, a fortress first built by Cormac Cas, ancestor of the Dalcassians, and later restored by Brian Boroimhe.

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lay close together. This time Donogh and the men of Thomoncl, in conjunction with Conor O'MeaL^ghlin, his halfbrother, were the aggressors. Viewing with jealousy the growing power of Diarmid, King of Leinster, they made an incursion into his territory, not hesitating to violate in their unholy fury the great church of Lusk, Those who took refuge there were carried away captives.^ A just retribution awaited Donogh. Diarmid, gathering together a strong force, first had his revenge of the son of Malachy by ravaging Meath, and then, turning southwards, plundered all Thomond, destroying Dun-tri-liag, near Corbally, in the county of Limerick, a fortress first erected by Cormac Cas, the great ancestor of the Dalcassians, and restored and strengthened by Brian Boroimhe. At this time Donogh was in South Munster, and, as misfortunes seldom come alone, Aedh O'Connor, espousing the cause of Turlogh, penetrated into West Thomond (Clare) down to the Shannon, carrying away great spoil from Tradaree and Corcovaskin. At this period, Tuaimfiulough, near Xewmarket, must have been a place of note, as the Four Masters make special mention of its having been plundered.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 46

Destruction of the wooden bridge at Portcroissi above Castleconnell

Castleconnell · town · Limerick · 1507–1510

Kildare marched to the wooden bridge at Portcroissi, above Castleconnell, connecting East and West Thomond, and destroyed it in an attempt to isolate the clans of East Thomond before Clare reinforcements could arrive. The bridge had been built in 1507 by Turlogh O'Brien, his brother Donal, and the Bishops of Killaloe and Kilfenora.

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O'Deas, the O'Hehirs, and the O'Quins joined their forces with their immediate neighbours, the O'Briens. The Sil- Aedha were present in great force. Of these the MacNamaras were the more numerous and more powerful, but were well supported by their kinsmen, the Maclnernys, the O'Gradys, the O'Slatterys, the O'Liddys, the O'Hallorans, the O'Meehans, the O'Hartigans, the O'Molonys, etc. Clanrickard brought his whole strength to the aid of the Dalcassians, who had lately suffered such loss. The remembrance of the bloody field of Cnoctuagh stung the proud Dalcassian spirit to the quick. The opportunity of avenging it was now eagerly availed of. Kildare was well aware of the movements of his opponents. He marched to the wooden bridge at Portcroissi,^ above Castleconnell, connecting East and West Thomond, and destroyed it. His object evidently was to give himself time to strike first at the clans of East Thomond, and crush them before aid from Clare could arrive. His plan was foiled by the energy and activity of the Dalcassians and their allies. Fording the Shannon near Killaloe, they made a rapid march, and encamped late in the evening so close to the invaders that " they used to hear one another's voices during the night." ^ Early in the morning Kildare withdrew his forces towards Limerick, probably with a view to select for himself the field of battle. Turlogh O'Brien hotly pursued, and, coming up to the retreating foe, forced on the fight. Kildare wheeled round at a place called Monabraher, i.e. " the Friar's Bog," in the parish of Killeedy, near the city of Limerick, placing the English and Irish of Munster in the van, the rear being occupied by the English of Dublin and Meath, supported by O'Donnell's force, which had just arrived. The battle was a fiercely-contested one, lasting the whole day,^ night only separating the combatants. Victory was on the side of the Clare and Connaught clans. "Ware, while admitting that the forces of the Lord Justice suffered more heavily, says that the victory was dearly bought. The Four Masters assert

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 87

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Castleconnell, there's a story from these parts that goes back to 1507. In that year, Turlogh O'Brien, his brother Donal, and the Bishops of Killaloe and Kilfenora built a wooden bridge at Portcroissi, above this town. It connected East and West Thomond across the Shannon. Some years later, Kildare marched to that bridge and destroyed it. His aim was to strike first at the clans of East Thomond and crush them before reinforcements from Clare could arrive. The O'Deas, the O'Hehirs, and the O'Quins had joined forces with the O'Briens. The Sil-Aedha were present in great force. The MacNamaras were the most numerous among them, supported by the MacInernys, the O'Gradys, the O'Slatterys, the O'Liddys, the O'Hallorans, the O'Meehans, the O'Hartigans, and the O'Molonys. Clanrickard brought his whole strength to aid the Dalcassians, who had lately suffered such loss. The remembrance of the bloody field of Cnoctuagh stung the proud Dalcassian spirit. But Kildare's plan was foiled by the energy and activity of the Dalcassians and their allies. They forded the Shannon near Killaloe and made a rapid march, encamping late in the evening so close to the invaders that “they used to hear one another's voices during the night.” Early in the morning, Kildare withdrew towards Limerick, probably to select his own field of battle. Turlogh O'Brien hotly pursued, and coming up to the retreating foe, forced on the fight. Kildare wheeled round at a place called Monabraher, the Friar's Bog, in the parish of Killeedy, near the city of Limerick. He placed the English and Irish of Munster in the van, the rear held by the English of Dublin and Meath, supported by O'Donnell's force, which had just arrived. The battle was fiercely contested, lasting the whole day, night only separating the combatants. Victory went to the Clare and Connaught clans. Ware admitted that Kildare's forces suffered more heavily, though he said the victory was dearly bought.

Donogh marches to Dublin claiming kingship of Leathmogha

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1027

In 1027, following the death of the Eugenian prince Dungal at Cashel, Donogh marched into Meath and on to Dublin, then through Leinster and Ossory, gathering hostages and becoming King of Leathmogha.

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Another event followed close on this, which had no slight effect on the fortunes of Donogh. The Eugenian prince, Dungal, who ruled in Cashel during the temporary retirement of the Dalcassians, died in 1026, so that the provincial as well as the national throne offered itself to his grasp. The interval of two years since the murder of his brother sufficed to soften down somewhat the indignation naturally enkindled against him, so he determined to drown the remembrance of it in a bold effort to recover again the Dalcassian supremacy. Rallying around him the survivors of those who fought so often victoriously under the banner of his great father, as well as the many others who were fired to deeds of valour by the story of his triumphs, he marched straight into Meath, now bereft of its monarch, and, meeting with little opposition, pursued his way to Dublin, a.d. 1027, then back through Leinster and Ossory, bringing with him from all these places hostages in token of their submission. He was now beyond dispute King of Leathmogha, the southern half of Ireland.^ But he was not allowed to pursue undisturbed his career of conquest. Flahertach, representing the Hy Nialls of the North, descended into Meath, and reduced it to submission ; while the Ossorians, perhaps emboldened by this diversion, showing signs of revolt, were once more attacked by Donogh, whom this time they succeeded in defeating with great loss. This severe check reduced him for a while to inactivity, which was all the more galling, as he began to perceive a design on the part of Turlogh, the son of his murdei'ed brother, to assert his right to the sovereignty.
It would be strange if he had not cause for such a

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 44

As the companion tells it

Dublin lies ahead on this road. In 1027 it was the turning point of Donogh's bid for power. Two years had passed since the murder of his brother, and the anger against him had cooled enough that he could move again. The Eugenian prince Dungal, who had ruled in Cashel during the Dalcassians' temporary retirement, died in 1026, leaving the provincial and national throne open. Donogh rallied the survivors who had fought under his great father's banner, and others fired by the story of those triumphs, and marched straight into Meath. Meath was bereft of its monarch, and he met little opposition. He pressed on to Dublin, then back through Leinster and Ossory, taking hostages from all these places in token of their submission. By the end of it he was beyond dispute King of Leathmogha, the southern half of Ireland. But the career of conquest did not go undisturbed. Flahertach, representing the Hy Nialls of the North, descended into Meath and reduced it to submission. The Ossorians, emboldened by this diversion, showed signs of revolt. Donogh attacked them again, but this time they defeated him with great loss. That severe check reduced him to inactivity, all the more galling because he began to perceive a design on the part of Turlogh, the son of his murdered brother, to assert his own right to the sovereignty.

Donogh Rua MacNamara dies at Kilmacthomas

Kilmacthomas · town · Waterford · 1814

The Clare-born poet and schoolmaster Donogh Rua MacNamara died in 1814 at Kilmacthomas, reputedly aged over one hundred years, after a life spent as an itinerant teacher across Munster.

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He spent most of his life in the counties of Cork and Waterford, and died, A.D. 1814, at Kilmacthomas. It is certain that he lived into his hundred and fourth year.
Another of the same class, and still more noted for his poetic vein, was Andrew Magrath, who, though born in the county of Limerick, near the Maigue, — the southern boundary of the Dalcassiau principality, — was of the Clare family of that name. He was popularly known as the " Mangaire Sugach," " Jolly Pedlar," and justified the appellation by his roving disposition and the licentiousness of his life and his songs. Some of these — notably the " Shanduine," or " Old Husband " — are still only too well known. He was regarded as the truest Irish poet of the century. The Press was not a power in his day, as it is in ours. For those writing in Irish it was non-existent. They wrote under conditions the most unfavourable, and yet their songs and poems are still popular — no small testimony to their merit. Magrath, like MacNamara, died in extreme old age. Unlike so many others, the " Uisce Beatha" — " Water of Life " — was for them no misnomer.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 169

Earl of Thomond abandons Bunratty and Clare Castles

near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 1642

The Earl of Thomond took no part in the struggle, retiring to England and leaving his castles of Bunratty and Clare in the hands of the king's forces, who discovered and kept a sum of £2000 found in Bunratty.

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The Earl of Thomond took no part in the struggle. He retired into England, leaving his castles of Bunratty and Clare in the hands of the king's forces ; in the former of which a sum of not less than £2000 was discovered, and, needless to add, turned to their own account. He afterwards tried, but failed, to have this regarded as a debt. He observed throughout a prudent caution, not making himself very obnoxious to the Irish, while appearing always on the side of the English,
The occupation of Limerick by the Confederate army under General Barry and Lord Muskerry, and the surrender of the castle when undermined some weeks after, left Clare as well as Limerick practically in the hands of the Irish. One check, however, they sustained in Clare. John O'Molony, Bishop of ^ Carte's Ormond, vol. iii. p. 61. * Leland's Hist. Book v.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 131

English defeated crossing the Shannon at Killaloe

near Killaloe · townland · Clare · 1192

In 1192 the Normans crossed the Shannon at Killaloe intending to strike into Clare, but the Dalcassians opposed and repelled them with great slaughter, pursuing them to near Thurles.

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The Dalcassians, returning in triumph to their homes after this important victory, were left undisturbed for the next four years. During this period they doubtless restored the towns and churches which had been reduced to ruins by the allied English and Connaughtmen, a short time before the decisive victory of the Curlieu mountains. The Normans, however, only took breathing time to recruit their ranks, with the fixed purpose of returning to the assault. In 1192 they gathered together all their forces scattered through Leinster, and, entering East Thomond, the present Tipperary, committed great depredations. They then boldly pushed across the Shannon at Killaloe, turning southwards along the plain by the river, with the view of striking into the heart of Clare; but here the Dalcassiansopposed their further progress, and obliged them to retreat after much slaughter. They followed up their advantages, pursuing the flying English till, coming up with the main body near Thurles, the scene of their former victory, they once more utterly defeated their formidable foes. They dared not pursue them further, knowing well that their old enemies, the Irish of Leinster, would be sure to rally to the side of the Normans. Had the former seized the golden opportunity, and, uniting their forces with the triumphant Dalcassians, fallen upon the common foe, he might have been expelled the kingdom. After such a lesson, the invasion, in all likelihood, would have come to an end, and the country been spared the long agony it afterwards suffered. But the inherited clan animosities barred the way once more to the unity of action so essential for the national welfare. The Dalcassians had to remain content with ridding their own territory of the foreign enemy; and, recrossing the Shannon, disbanded, giving themselves up once more, for a brief space, to the unaccustomed enjoyments of peace. In two years after Donal died. Notwithstanding his occasional coquetting with the invaders of Ireland, the vigour with

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 64

Fitton Opens Court at Ennis on St Patrick's Day

Ennis · town · Clare · 1571

Sir Edward Fitton opened a court at Ennis on St. Patrick's day in 1571 and presided over it for eighteen days, marking the first formal recognition by the Dalcassian chiefs of English law in Clare, though the general population had no part in the surrender of rights made in their name.

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When Lord Justice Sir Henry Sydney heard of this outrage against the queen's representative, he despatched at once a large force, under the command of the Earl of Ormond, into Clare, to reduce the stubborn Dalcassians once more to submission. Being a first cousin of the earl, Ormond entered into a parley with him, and induced him to yield up without a blow the castles of Bunratty, Clare, and Clonroad, reserving to himself but one of his strongholds — that of Moy, in Kilfarboy. No sooner had he done this than he repented of such a tame surrender ; but, not being able to keep the field against the English, or recover his castles, he fled first into Kerry, then into France ; but finally, going into England, he humbled himself to Elizabeth, and was restored to favour. On his return to Ireland the following year, 1571, he put himself into communication with Sir Edward Fitton, yielding up the castle and town of Moy, which he had, on the former occasion, reserved to himself. The latter, having now the co-operation of the earl and his followers, opened a court at Ennis on St. Patrick's day, and for eighteen days presided over it. The jurisdiction of the court extended over the Clanrickard as well as the Dalcassian territory. This was the first formal recognition by the Dalcassian chiefs of English, as opposed to Brehon, law in Clare. The people generally had no part in it, and subsequent events proved that they were opposed to the surrender of this, as well as other rights, made in their name.
In the following year a similar court was held under the J Four Masters.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit

Friars arrested at Rooscagh in Dysert parish

Dysert · townland · Clare

The Earl of Orrery ordered the Sheriff to seize four friars who had branched off from the Ennis Franciscan house to a place called Rooscagh, in the district of Brentree, parish of Dysert, subjecting them to Star Chamber process.

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There was hope that, with the return of Catholic noblemen and gentlemen to their estates in Clare, the Catholic religion would be at least connived at. Priests began to appear in the open. The Abbey of Clonroad was reoccupied, and probably with it their religious houses through the county. So much can be inferred from the severe measures adopted later on by the Earl of Orrery. He ordered the Sheriff to seize on four friars who had branched off from the parent house at Ennis to a place called " Ptooscagh, in the district of Brentree," and in the parish of Dysert. They were subjected to the Star Chamber process by John Gore, Esq.,^ one of His
^ In the Cromwellian Settlement, p. 403, etc., a list of tliese, copied from the original roll, is given, numbering 1360, with the sums contributed by each, varying in amount from the modest £10 of " James Bricdell, of London," — a name still surviving in Clare, — to the £6100 of the ambitious " Richard Wade, of London, Carpenter."

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 139

Great war between O'Briens and MacCarthys devastates Munster

Mangerton · townland · Kerry · 1178

In 1178 a great war between the O'Briens and MacCarthys desolated the country from Limerick to Cork and from the plain of Derrymore to Brandon Hill, driving the Eoghanacht race, including the O'Donovans and O'Collins, into the woods of Ivaha and the Mangerton mountains.

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In the absence of the invaders, the wretched old quarrel between the Dal-Cais and the Eoghanachts broke out afresh. In 1178 the former proceeded southwards in great force, laying waste the whole country, and driving the inhabitants, notably the O'Donovans and O'Collins, before them into the mountains of Kerry and the recesses of South Cork. The Annals of Innisfallcn give an epitome of this disastrous civil war in the following words: " a.d. 1178. There was a very great war between the O'Briens and the MacCarthys, so that they desolated the entire country, from Limerick to Cork, and from the plain of Derrymore to Brandon Hill ; and the greater part of the race of Eoghan fled to the woods of Ivaha, south of the river Lee, and others to Kerry and Thomond. On this occasion the Hy Conaill Gabhra and the Hy Donovan fled southwards to the Mangerton mountains." The Four Masters bear similar testimony. It is curious to note that some of them took refuge even in the territory of the enemy ; from whom are descended, in all probability, the MacCarthys, the O'Collins, and the O'Donovans, who are at this day settled down in considerable numbers through all Clare.
It would be interesting to note at this turning-point in Clare history the localities occupied by the principal clans. This can be done with the greater accuracy since they began to be known by certain family names, though the old prized title of Dalcassian belonged then and ever since to all alike. The O'Briens, as the dominant clan, had secured lands in

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 62

Kincora demolished by Northern forces

near Kincora · monument · Clare · 1080–1090

After their victorious campaign, the Northern forces returned in triumph having broken down and demolished the royal fortress of Kincora, taking many hostages.

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dynasty, claiming the throne of Ireland, overawed O'Connor, taking hostages from him in token of submission. Both together then advanced by the eastern side of the Shannon on Limerick, and, laying it in rnins, plundered the rich plain to the south as far as Emly and Bruree. On their return they crossed the Shannon at Limerick, bringing with them the head of O'Euarck, which had been exposed at Singland near that city ; and, after " breaking down and demolishing " Kincora itself, returned in triumph with great spoil, and not fewer than eight score Dalcassian and Danish hostages. A time of woe indeed in proud Thomond. But the Dalcassian spirit was not subdued. A race less warlike might, for a time at least, succumb to such a series of defeats. In the very next year they tried to recover their lost prestige by an attack on Connaught. Ascending in their vessels, they plundered the islands in Lough Eigh, sparing the holy sanctuary of Clonmacnoise. Here they again met with a repulse, and in their retreat found themselves confronted by Eory O'Connor, who had in the meantime taken possession of two islands which offered an advantageous position for intercepting their return homeward. Driven back towards Athlone, they were watched by Donal O'Mealaghlin, King of Meath, and had to surrender to him their vessels for a safe-conduct through his territory. With these vessels, O'Mealaghlin and O'Connor, who were acting in concert, swooped down directly on their baffled foes, and carried away great plunder from East Thomond (Tipperary).

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 50

Lismore and Cashel surrender to Henry II

Cashel · townland · Tipperary · 1171

Henry II marched first to Lismore, then to Cashel, both of which surrendered without a blow; at Cashel a synod was held presided over by the Bishop of Lismore acting as papal legate.

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Henry II., having collected an army of about four thousand men, sailed from Milford Haven in a fleet of two hundred and forty small vessels, and landed near Waterford on the 18 th October 1171. That city was at once delivered up to him by Strongbow. The news of his arrival soon spread, causing a general panic. It was known that not only were his forces equipped in a manner immeasurably superior to the Irish gallowdasses and kern, but that he was also armed, as he alleged, with a Bull from the Pope. He lost no time in the endeavour to establish his authority. He marched first to Lismore, and thence on to Cashel, both of which places surrendered without a blow. At Cashel a synod was held, presided over by the Bishop of Lismore, who had received from the Pope the appointment of Legate. The alleged Bull from the Pope was produced, and Henry made a bid for clerical support by ostentatiously encouraging their claim to immunity from cesses and blood-tax. Some of the provincial princes made, without waiting for attack, an inglorious submission. Among these, as might be expected
114 HISTORY OF CLARE.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 61

As the companion tells it

Close to Cashel, in 1171, Henry the Second received the surrender of this place without a single blow struck. He had landed near Waterford on the 18th of October with about 4,000 men in 240 small vessels, and Waterford itself was handed over to him by Strongbow. From there he marched first to Lismore, and then here to Cashel, and both places gave in without resistance. At Cashel a synod was held, presided over by the Bishop of Lismore, who had been appointed papal legate by the Pope. The alleged Bull from the Pope was produced, and Henry made a bid for clerical support by ostentatiously encouraging their claim to immunity from cesses and blood-tax. Some of the provincial princes made their submission without even waiting for an attack.

Lord Clare's letter ordering confinement of Protestants at Clare Castle

near Clarecastle · population centre · Clare · 1689

Lord Clare wrote to Donal O'Brien of Ennistymon ordering the removal of Protestants from Clare Castle and their confinement at Pierse Creaghe's house under guard, while certain named individuals were to remain at Clare Castle under Hugh Sweeney's charge.

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" Cork, Aug. 10, 1689. " Dear Cousin, — For your comfort I have only to tell you that yesterday came to me here a gentleman who belongs to the King (James IL), and comes with letters from the King of France. He left Brest on Monday last, where he saw a hundred capital ships and fire-ships under sail, going towards Plymouth, to seek the English and Dutch fleet, and from thence to come to us. He says we shall have in Kinsale this night or to-morrow three frigates laden with arms and ammunition ; and our men which were in the Isle of Wight and a great many French officers are coming. . , . Speak to Father Teigue, and send to all the clergy in the county, to pray for their good success. You are to remove all the Protestants from Clare Castle, and to keep them confined at Pierse Creaghe's house, with a guard of your militia and townsmen, except G. Stamer . . . and Thos. Hickman, who are both to remain at Clare Castle, as well as W. Purdon, under the charge of Hugh Sweeney. And herein fail not to confine without delay Bindon, Hewitt, and such other townsmen as are in the county, though you have them not in the list returned from Dublin, as Colpoys, young Lee, young Vandaleur, Smith, and all such, especially when you hear of an invader. . . . Ye ould folks may not be so strictly used. But leave not a young Protestant in the county without streight imprisonment, for which this shall be your warrant." (Signed) " Clare." ^
1 Canon Dwyer, pp. 386-389.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 144

Lysaght of Kilfenora and Frost of Rossmanaher transported for life

Kilfenora · town · Clare · 1798

One of the Lysaghts of Kilfenora and Thomas Frost of Rossmanaher, along with others, were transported for life following their trials connected with the 1798 rebellion period.

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Drum-head court-marshals were held at Limerick, before which the accused from the surrounding counties were brought for trial. Some of these were hanged on the new bridge ; but most of them got off with transportation or whippings. Among the latter were about a score brought in from Killaloe by Major Purdon's corps of yeomanry, and a few captured by Captain Studdert's near Kilkishen. One of the Lysaghts of Kilfenora and Thomas Frost of Eossmanaher, with others, were transported for life.
The infamous Judkin Fitzgerald was busy with the lash and the pitch-cap and the rope through Tipperary. It is a singular fact that the last of his descendants in the male line — a boy of nine or ten years of age — hanged himself accidentally some years ago, while showing his young companions how his grandfather hanged the Croppies in 1798. The poor lad paid dearly for the teaching he evidently received at the hearthstone.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 168

O'Connor of Corcomroe slain at Lahinch by nephews

Lehinch · town · Clare · 1471

O'Connor himself was slain two years later, in 1471, at Lahinch, by his own nephews, a violent episode of internal clan conflict.

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He was but barely recognised chief of the Dal-Cas, when he was called on by his relative, the MacWilliam of Clanrickard, to join him in a war against the O'Kellys of Hy Many, who had the support of the rival MacWilliam Eighther and the O'Donnells. The opposing forces met at Cros-magh-croin, now Crosmacroin, near the city of Galway. A son of MacWilliam Oughther, two sons of O'Kelly, some of the leading O'Donnells, together with a large number on both sides, fell in this unnatural conflict ; but victory remained with the Dalcassian and MacWilliam Oughther.^ This only begat more strife. The O'Donnells mustered a strong force two years after, and, with the aid of MacWilliam Eighther, invaded and plundered the territory of MacWilliam Oughther. "MacWilliam {i.e. Ulick), however, drew and gathered to his assistance the sons of O'Brien (i.e.) Gilla-Duv, the son of Teigue, and Mortogh Garv, the son of Teigue, and a body of Dalcassian chieftains along with them." ^ The hastily summoned cavalry fell with great vigour on the Northern army retreating with its booty, but were twice repulsed, the last time with considerable loss, including a son of O'Connor of Corcomroe, at a place called Glanog, in the barony of Clare- Galway. O'Connor himself was slain in two years after, A.D. 1471, at Lahinch, by his own nephews. The Eour Masters also give, at the year 1474, an occurrence little creditable to the O'Briens. Teigue, the son of Conor, the
1 Annals of the Four Masters. Annals of D. F. ^ Four Masters.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 79

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Lehinch, you are travelling a place marked by a violent family killing. O'Connor of Corcomroe was slain here in 1471, killed by his own nephews in a bitter episode of internal clan conflict. His death came two years after his son fell at a place called Glanog, in the barony of Clare-Galway, during a failed cavalry attack on a retreating northern army that had plundered the territory of MacWilliam Oughther. That earlier battle was part of a wider web of Dalcassian alliances and feuds. O'Connor had joined MacWilliam of Clanrickard in war against the O'Kellys of Hy Many, whose supporters included the rival MacWilliam Eighther and the O'Donnells. The opposing forces met at Cros-magh-croin, near the city of Galway, where many fell on both sides, including two sons of O'Kelly and leading O'Donnells. Victory went to the Dalcassians, but it only brought more strife. The O'Donnells returned with MacWilliam Eighther, plundering and raiding, which led to the fight at Glanog and, in turn, to O'Connor's murder at Lahinch at the hands of his own kin.

Parliament at Limerick arranges surrender of Dalcassian independence

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1542

Lord Deputy Anthony St. Leger held a Parliament at Limerick in February 1542 to arrange terms of surrender, leading to the merging of the ancient dignity of Prince of Thomond into an English title of nobility.

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The Lord Deputy Anthony St. Leger held a Parliament at Limerick in February 1542, with a view to arrange the terms of surrender. As soon as Henry was made aware of this peaceful surrender, he himself, in a letter to the Lord Deputy and Council,^ had suggested that the ancient dignity of Prince of Thomond should merge into an English title of nobility. This was a bitter pill to Irish pride, but there was no help for it. Besides, it came to Morogh O'Brien gilt with the gift of "certain abbeyes lately suppressed," and the acknowledgment of ownership of property belonging of right to the clans. Others of the more powerful neighbouring chiefs, notably MacXamara and O'Grady, had also to be conciliated, and so at this Parliament arrangements were entered into * which were soon after completed in the king's palace of Greenwich. The policy of bribing the chiefs with the
1 Four Masters. ^ Memoirs of the O'Briens by O'Donohue.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 93

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, you are near where Lord Deputy Anthony St. Leger held a Parliament in February 1542 to arrange the terms of surrender. The aim was to merge the ancient dignity of Prince of Thomond into an English title of nobility. King Henry himself suggested this in a letter to the Lord Deputy and Council. It was, as the old history puts it, a bitter pill to Irish pride, but there was no help for it. Morogh O'Brien was given certain suppressed abbeys and acknowledgment of clan property. Other powerful neighbouring chiefs, Macnamara and O'Grady, were also conciliated. The arrangements begun here were soon after completed at the king's palace of Greenwich.

Plunder and desecration of the Abbey of Boyle

Boyle · town · Roscommon · 1202

In 1202 Dalcassian and English forces under the same leaders plundered and polluted the Abbey of Boyle, an outrage the Annals of Kilronan attribute specifically to the archers of the English army.

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The English connection brought infamy of a deeper dye still on the Dalcassians. Along with them, and under the same leaders, they, in the year 1202, not only plundered but polluted the Abbey of Boyle. It is only fair to add that this latter phase of the seizure of the holy place was the work of the English alone ; for in the Annals of Kilronan, which give a full account of the dastardly outrage, it is said to have been the work of " the archers of the army." Cathal Carach O'Connor, who had deposed his own father, Eoderick, and against whom the expedition was planned, was slain, with other Connaught chiefs of note, leaving the way to the throne clear for Cathal Crovdearg O'Connor, brother-in-law to the Dalcassian princes.
The return of the Dalcassians to their own territory was

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 66

Prisoners sheltered at Richard White's house in Kilmurry

Kilmurry · town · Clare · 1642

After the fall of Tromoroe Castle, some captives asked to be allowed to go safely to the house of Richard White of Kilmurry, where they found shelter, contradicting depiction of savage warfare.

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with O'Flaherty. The latter offered them (the parish priest — the Unionist of that day — being, curiously enough, of the number) their lives, but Ward obstinately refused to surrender. He was soon overpowered and slain, and the castle taken and plundered. Some of those captured asked to be allowed to go in safety to the house of Eichard White, of Kilmurry, where they found shelter.^ This does not look like the savage warfare described in the depositions.
A little careful inquiry into those depositions will disclose the fact that they were, for the most part, bold efforts of the imagination. When it is borne in mind that money in those days was at least five times its present value, the losses sworn to must have been very great indeed. They exceed, in fact, all belief. For instance, William Chambers, of Kilrush, British Protestant, swears he was robbed of his goods and chattels, worth £1519, also his cattle; and Max Graneer, Dutch settler, declares his loss at £2389 ! while bitterly complaining of the violence of Charles and Owen O'Cahane. Ann Usher, of Killimer, swears she was robbed of goods to the value of £994. "And after many raids upon her cattle and garrons, her house was rifled and pillaged by Charles O'Cahane of Termon. Jurat!' George Waters, British Protestant (a strong claim that), had taken from him £2047, and John Pring, of Latoon, £1354, etc. Multiplying these figures by ten, or, even at the lowest computation, by five, one would not find in the Clare of to-day many of its inhabitants so blessed with the world's goods as were, at their own showing, those Protestant settlers of 1641.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 129

Purcell's soldiers hanged at Colmanstown Castle

Colmanstown · townland · Clare · 1578

MacMahon brought the captured soldiers to his castle of Colmanstown in the parish of Kilofin and hanged them the following day.

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The Earl of Desmond was still holding out against the English south and east of the Shannon. One of his bravest captains, David Purcell, with sixteen more, rowed across for some reason not specified, perhaps being hard pressed, and rested for the night in Iniscatha. MacMahon, hearing this, surrounded the house in which they were, set fire to it, and as they came out, unarmed, asking for mercy, they were all captured. Brincrincr them with him to his castle of Colmanstown, in the present parish of Kilofin, he hanged the soldiers on the following day, and handed over Purcell to the garrison of Limerick, by whom he was soon put to death.^ It would appear from this that he too, like the Earl of Thomond, had thrown his lot in with the English.
Very little of note occurred during the following four years in Clare. We find mention made, but only bare mention, of a Dean O'Grady as a man of great power in Church 1 Four Masters.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 105

Rectory of Quin left with 'no cure served' and 'church all wast' in 1693

Quin · town · Clare · 1693

A 1693 return by the Protestant Bishop of Killaloe listed John Lawson as appointed rector of seven parishes including Quin, noting that no cure was served, no church was in repair, and the county was entirely wasted, reflecting the devastation of MacNamara territory after the war.

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claims first attention. The castle of Clare, which was garrisoned by a troop raised at the expense of Teigue Mac- Namara of Ayle, near Tulla, was surrendered, as stipulated for in the treaty, MacNamara being allowed to return to his estate. Lord Clare chose to abandon Carrigaholt Castle and all his vast possessions rather than submit and swear allegiance to William and Mary. Such of the people as still remained had now but to wait the will of their victorious enemies. The county was practically a desert. Taking the population of all Ireland in 1641 given by Sir William Petty in his Political Anatomy of Ireland, as 1,466,000, and reduced by war to 850,000 in 1652, we can infer that half a million would be as much as could have survived all the disasters of the succeeding years, culminating in the surrender of Limerick. That would leave in all Clare probably not more than about fifteen thousand of both sexes reduced to utter subjection and despair. In a return sent by Eyder, Protestant Bishop of Killaloe, to Dublin Castle in 1693, for the publication of which we have again to thank Canon Dwyer, the following significant entry appears : " John Lawson, Englishman," being appointed to the " Eectory and vicaridge of Quin, Rectory and vicaridge of Tulloe, Eectory and vicaridge of Cluony, Eectory and vicaridge of Dowry, Eectory of Templemaley, Eectory of Kilraghtis, Eectory of Kilmurry-negaul," — in a word, to seven of the finest parishes in the heart of fertile Clare, — has placed opposite to his name, " No cure served at present ; noe church in repaire ; the county all wast." This was mostly MacNamara territory. The principal families of this once powerful sept, refusing to abandon their faith, or swear allegiance to William, have altogether disappeared, some during the progress of the wars on the Continent, others reduced to penury and obscurity for safety's sake among the peasants in Clare.^ A few of the minor branches, having

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 151

Repeal banquet at the Old Chapel of Ennis

Ennis · town · Clare · 1843

The Ballycoree meeting proceedings concluded with a banquet held in the Old Chapel of Ennis, attended by magistrates who had lost their Commission of the Peace for supporting the Repeal movement.

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perance banners. Over a hundred bands enlivened the proceedings throughout. The day being very fine, gave full effect to the vast and varied concourse. When at last the platform was reached, the chair was taken, on the motion of Hewitt Bridgeman, M.P. for Ennis, by Cornelius O'Brien, M.P. for Clare. Animated and eloquent speeches were delivered by the Bishop, Fathers Sheehan, Comyn, MacMahon, and Quaid, Caleb Powell, M.P. for Limerick, Tom Steele, D. O'Connell of Kilgorry, and others ; but the great event of the day was O'Connell's own splendid speech, delivered in his happiest mood, No accident marred the proceedings, which wound up with a banquet given in the Old Chapel of Ennis, one feature of which was the presence of some magistrates who had been deprived of the Commission of the Peace for their action in connection with the Eepeal movement. Caleb Powell, M.P., Dillon Browne, M.P., for Mayo, and John MacNamara of Moher, represented those who had received from the Government ^ this mark of distinction. Among those present were, beside those already named as at the meeting, Hugh O'Loughlin, J.P., Fort; John MacMahon, J.P., Firgrove ; Maurice O'Connell, J.P., Kilgory ; J. P. Molony, J.P., Tulla; M. Canny, J.P., Clonmony; Ed. M'Grath, Kill)arron; Dr. Foley, Kilrush; M. Canny, C. O'Connell, etc. etc. Father Sheehy of Tulla delivered a most eloquent speech, in the course of which he announced that £1200 would be handed the following morning to the Liberator, as the Clare contribution to the Eepeal Eent, and was complimented highly by him for his talented and spirited address. One sentence only of O'Connell's speech may be given here as indicating the tone of the whole : " I am proud of Clare — ever-glorious Clare. I am proud of the conduct of the people everywhere, and particularly so at the feeling of scornful indignation with which they reject every thought that would make this a party or sectarian question,"
Dr. Kennedy's splendid speech on this occasion was chiefly

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 183

History of Clare and the Dalcassian clans of Tipperary, Limerick, and Galway ... with an ancient and a modern map

The stories, best first

Crop failures and evictions in Clare, 1863-64

Dathi's burial at Rath Cruachan

Dispersal of Clare bishops' forces near Quin

Donal O'Brien's empty submission at Limerick

Drury's Eight-Day Assize at Ennis Monastery Forces Tribute

Earl of Thomond's Castle of Clare Watches Over Ennis Court

Edmund Magrath granted lands at Tyredagh near Tulla

Extravagant loss depositions from Kilrush and Killimer settlers

Great storm burns Cashel and Kincora

Head of O'Ruarck exposed at Singland

MacLiag, chief poet and friend of Brian Boroimhe, dies

Mortogh installed prince of Thomond at Magh-Adhair

National Council at Drogheda and consecration of Mellifont Abbey

O'Brien feted at Kilrush and Limerick after release from imprisonment

O'Donnell's forces revel at the ruins of Corcomroe Abbey

Plunder of Kells and Ardee by O'Neill and O'Donnell

Rejoicing at Kincora after Brian's victory

Romantic legend of Donal's escape by swimming Carrigaholt bay

Siege of Bunratty Castle prepared by Lord Muskerry

Society of Friends witness extreme poverty in West Clare

Teigue's march and tribute imposed on Limerick

The Island of Fitha Divided by the Sea, Now Mutton Island

The Naming of Cashel and the Angel's Prophecy

William O'Connell of Toureen Challenges Road Contract Monopoly

Relief Committee distributes charity during renewed famine distress in Clare

1659 Census records population of transplanted Clare

1727 Election Voided Over Popish Wives Clause

1807 Ennis Meeting of Protestants for Catholic Relief

Ambush of Clare Dragoons at Lisnaskea

Ancient oak and ash woods once covered Ennistymon district

Battle near Thurles, 1328

Battle of Magh-Leua near Tullamore

Battle of Moinmore near Emly - Dalcassian disaster

Battle of Tully O'Dea near Dysert

Comic anecdote of organiser mistaking O'Connell for a Kerry rogue

Corcomroe Abbey founded in O'Loughlin territory

Death of Ceallagh (St. Celsus) at Lismore

Death of Conor Earl of Thomond and Burial at Ennis Monastery

Defeat of Mortogh's forces near Armagh

Destruction of Castleconnell castle

Destruction of Dun-tri-liag fortress near Corbally

Destruction of the wooden bridge at Portcroissi above Castleconnell

Donogh marches to Dublin claiming kingship of Leathmogha

Donogh Rua MacNamara dies at Kilmacthomas

Earl of Thomond abandons Bunratty and Clare Castles

English defeated crossing the Shannon at Killaloe

Fitton Opens Court at Ennis on St Patrick's Day

Friars arrested at Rooscagh in Dysert parish

Great war between O'Briens and MacCarthys devastates Munster

Kincora demolished by Northern forces

Lismore and Cashel surrender to Henry II

Lord Clare's letter ordering confinement of Protestants at Clare Castle

Lysaght of Kilfenora and Frost of Rossmanaher transported for life

O'Connor of Corcomroe slain at Lahinch by nephews

Parliament at Limerick arranges surrender of Dalcassian independence

Plunder and desecration of the Abbey of Boyle

Prisoners sheltered at Richard White's house in Kilmurry

Purcell's soldiers hanged at Colmanstown Castle

Rectory of Quin left with 'no cure served' and 'church all wast' in 1693

Repeal banquet at the Old Chapel of Ennis