The history of the county and city of Cork (vol. 1)

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

1. Castle of Donnelong on Inisherkan surrendered to Spanish

   near Sherkin Island · townland · Cork · 1601

   Sir Finnin O'Drishall surrendered his castle of Donnelong on the island of Inisherkan (Sherkin Island) to the Spanish. Together with the castle of Donneshed at Baltimore, these two castles debarred all entrances into Baltimore harbour.

   Read the passage

   " Untill this time none of the provincials of Mounster, that had beene either protected or pardoned, relapsed ; but now upon the comming of these seconds to Castlehaven, Sir Finnin O'Drischall and all the O'Drischalls, Sir Owen MacCartie's sonnes, and almost all the Carties in Carbrie, Donnell O'Sulevan Beare, O'Sulevans More's eldest son, Donnell Mac Cartie, the Earle of Clan-Care's base sonne, with all the Carties of Desmond, John O'Conner Kerry, the Knight of Kerry, all the protected and pardoned men in Kerry and Desmond, and all else from Kinsale and Limericke westwards, joyned with O 'Donnell and the Spaniards ; whereat Kttle wonder is to bee made, considering what power religion and gold hath in the hearts of men, both which the Spaniards brought with them into Ireland. Donach O'Drischall delivered unto them his castle at Castlehaven, which commanded the harbour; Sir Finnin O'Drischall (who never in the course of his whole life had beene tainted with the least spot of disloyaltie) rendred unto them his castle of Donneshed at Baltimore, and his castle of Donnelong, in the island of Inisherkan, betwene which castles all entrances into that haven was debarred; and Donnell O'Sulevan surrendered unto them his strong castle of Dunboy, which absolutely commands Bearehaven ; these three harbours being without all exception che best in the west of Mounster."

   364: HISTORY OF COEK.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 165

2. Castle of Dunboy surrendered to Spanish

   near Dunboy · street · Cork · 1601

   Donnell O'Sullivan Beare surrendered his strong castle of Dunboy, which absolutely commanded Bearehaven, to the Spanish forces. Castlehaven, Baltimore, and Dunboy harbours were described as without exception the best in the west of Munster.

   Read the passage

   " Untill this time none of the provincials of Mounster, that had beene either protected or pardoned, relapsed ; but now upon the comming of these seconds to Castlehaven, Sir Finnin O'Drischall and all the O'Drischalls, Sir Owen MacCartie's sonnes, and almost all the Carties in Carbrie, Donnell O'Sulevan Beare, O'Sulevans More's eldest son, Donnell Mac Cartie, the Earle of Clan-Care's base sonne, with all the Carties of Desmond, John O'Conner Kerry, the Knight of Kerry, all the protected and pardoned men in Kerry and Desmond, and all else from Kinsale and Limericke westwards, joyned with O 'Donnell and the Spaniards ; whereat Kttle wonder is to bee made, considering what power religion and gold hath in the hearts of men, both which the Spaniards brought with them into Ireland. Donach O'Drischall delivered unto them his castle at Castlehaven, which commanded the harbour; Sir Finnin O'Drischall (who never in the course of his whole life had beene tainted with the least spot of disloyaltie) rendred unto them his castle of Donneshed at Baltimore, and his castle of Donnelong, in the island of Inisherkan, betwene which castles all entrances into that haven was debarred; and Donnell O'Sulevan surrendered unto them his strong castle of Dunboy, which absolutely commands Bearehaven ; these three harbours being without all exception che best in the west of Mounster."

   364: HISTORY OF COEK.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 165

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Dunboy, in 1601, Donnell O'Sullivan Beare surrendered his strong castle to the Spanish forces. The castle absolutely commanded Bearehaven. Until this time, none of the provincials of Munster who had been protected or pardoned had relapsed. But when the Spanish came to Castlehaven, that changed. Sir Finnin O'Drischall and all the O'Drischalls joined them, along with Sir Owen MacCartie's sons and almost all the Carties in Carbrie. Donnell O'Sullivan Beare, O'Sullivan More's eldest son, Donnell MacCartie, the Earl of Clan-Carthy's base son, all the Carties of Desmond, John O'Connor Kerry, the Knight of Kerry, and all the protected and pardoned men in Kerry and Desmond joined with O'Donnell and the Spaniards. The writer notes little wonder should be made, considering, as he puts it, "what power religion and gold hath in the hearts of men, both which the Spaniards brought with them into Ireland." Donach O'Drischall delivered his castle at Castlehaven, which commanded that harbour. Sir Finnin O'Drischall, who had never been tainted with disloyalty, rendered his castle of Donneshed at Baltimore and his castle of Donnelong in the island of Inisherkan, between which all entrances into that haven were debarred. These three harbours, Castlehaven, Baltimore, and Dunboy, were without all exception the best in the west of Munster.

3. Confiscation of the Earl of Desmond's vast estates

   near Great Island · townland · Cork · 1583–1589

   Following a special act of attainder passed in 1583, 574,628 acres of the Earl of Desmond's patrimonian lands were forfeited to the Crown. The estates stretched from Dunquin in Kerry to the meeting of the Three Waters at Waterford, and from the Great Island of Ard-Nemidh to Limerick, containing 343 castles. The confiscated lands were apportioned among English undertakers.

   Read the passage

   The " patrimonian lands " of the late earl extended, according to the Four Masters, from Dun-caoin, in Kerry, to the meeting of the Three Waters, at Waterford, and from the Great Island of Ard-Nemidh (on which Queenstown stands) in Hy-Liathain, to Limerick, consisting of over a million acres, of which 574,628 were forfeited to the crown by a special act of attainder passed against him in 1583.

   " This is the quantity of land which the Earl of Desmond had before he opposed the sovereign, i.e. 3555^ seisreachs [ploughlands]. According to the English, he had 106,606 seisreachs. This was his royal rent, at half a rialo per acre, six thousand pounds a-year. And this was the earl's rent at thirty pound per geisreach, i.e. 106,570. There were 343 castles on the lands of the Earl of Desmond." — Duald Mac Firbis.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 123

4. Cormac MacCarthy's rebellion and execution

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1172–1174

   Cormac, eldest son of Dermot, king of Cork, rose in rebellion against his father, seized and imprisoned him, and attempted to dethrone him. The old king sought aid from Raymond Le Gros, then besieging Limerick, who marched against Cormac, arrested him, and delivered him to his father, who had him beheaded. The Annals of Ireland record he was 'treacherously slain by his own people.'

   Read the passage

   Henry's grant of "all the kingdom of Cork" except the city and the before-mentioned cantred, to Fitzstephen and De Cogan, does not seem to have interfered with Mac Carthy's grant of a part of the kingdom to Raymond Le Gros. The circumstance is worthy of record. Cormac, eldest son of Dermot, king of Cork, rose in rebellion against his father, seized, imprisoned, and attempted to dethrone him. The old man, in his emergency, sought the aid of Eaymond Le Gros, who

   * Pills, i.e. castles or strongholds. It is likely thut the verbs to pillage aud pilfer, are derived from pill, a caslle.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 11

5. Crossing the Shannon in horse-hide boats

   Shannon · town · Clare · 1602

   O'Sullivan's forces crossed the River Shannon in makeshift boats fashioned from horse hides, called naomhógs by the Irish. They were assailed on the opposite bank by the Sheriff of Tipperary, who killed many of their rearguard.

   Read the passage

   They crossed the Shannon in boats made from the hides of their horses.* They were assailed on the opposite bank of the river by the Sheriff of Tipperary ; and further north by Sir Thomas Burke, (brother to the Earl of Clanricard) and Captain Henry Malby, the latter of whom they slew, and passed without further impediment into O'Rourke's country, or the county Leitrim.

   *The hides of horses. " They killed many of their horses, and made shift with their hides to make certainc little boats, called by the Irish nevogs, [naebhog] in the which they transported their men and baggage." — Pac. 2Iib., p.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 189

6. Dermot MacCarthy urges Florence to betray Cork to Spain

   Cork · city · Cork · 1600

   Dermot MacCarthy, acting as Florence MacCarthy's agent in Spain, wrote from Spain advising Florence to offer King Philip whatever towns or castles he could place at his disposal, and specifically to say whether Cork could be surprised. He hoped the King of Spain would send an army to Ireland in spring.

   Read the passage

   Florence was also in correspondence with Dermot Mac Carthy. Indeed, this Dermot, who was his kinsman, acted as a sort of agent, or ambassador in Spain, where he had resided some years. He writes to Florence in March, 1600, wishing him joy of his return to Cork, after his eleven years detention in England ; he advises him to write to Philip, and say what force he will be able to raise in Ireland, what towns or castles he can place at his majesty's disposal ; and to say if Cork could be surprised. He hopes the King of Spain will send an army to Ireland in spring. He tells Florence to send his letters through Don Diego Brochero, a great favourer of the Irish nation, and in great credit with the King.

   O'Neill also writes to Florence, Feb. 6th., 1600, and exhorts him to serve valiantly against the Pagan beast. "We cannot say whether Hugh intended this compliment for the queen or the English church.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 159

7. Desmond's 1523 Treaty with France

   Kinsale · town · Cork · 1523

   In June 1523, Francis I of France made a treaty with James, Earl of Desmond, to wage war against Henry VIII. The treaty stipulated that Desmond would hold his country, except for one of the ports of Kinsale, Cork, or Youghal, which Francis was to reserve for his ships.

   Read the passage

   A paper in the British Museum,* Titus, B. xi. leaf 352, said to be collected by Sieur de Tillet, out of the records in France, and written in his book, entitled " Le Eecueil des Eoys de France," states, that in June, 1523, Francis I. made a treaty with James, Earl of Desmond, (styled a prince in Ireland,) by which the earl engaged to make war, in person, and at his own charge, against Henry VIII., as soon as the French army should land in Ireland ; and to bring into the field four hundred horse, and ten thousand foot, and, when need should require, to aid the French with fifteen thousand foot or more, and to furnish horses for the draft artillery ; and the king engaged to pay the wages of the troops at certain stipulated rates. The objects of the war were, to conquer Desmond's country, f and to place the Duke of Suffolk (Richard Pole) on the throne of England ; and it was provided that the Earl of Desmond should hold his country to his own use and benefit, except one of the three ports of Kinsale, Cork, or Youghal, which Francis was to reserve for ever, for the security of his ships.

   Another source of rebellious feeling in the minds of tbe Earls of Desmond, was the general preference or precedence given to the Earls of Ormond, who lived nearer the pale, and were more frequently consulted on state affairs. When Surrey left Ireland, an Earl of Ormond was appointed Deputy in his stead, and, if we are to believe the State Papers of the period, employed his power to cut down both the great

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 55

   As the companion tells it

   As the road reaches Kinsale in Cork, you're passing through a town that was named in a secret treaty between a French king and an Irish earl. In June 1523, Francis I of France made a treaty with James, Earl of Desmond, who was styled a prince in Ireland. The earl engaged to make war in person and at his own charge against Henry VIII, as soon as the French army should land in Ireland. He promised to bring into the field four hundred horse and ten thousand foot, and, when need should require, to aid the French with fifteen thousand foot or more, and to furnish horses for the draught artillery. The king engaged to pay the wages of the troops at certain stipulated rates. The objects of the war were to conquer Desmond's country and to place the Duke of Suffolk, Richard Pole, on the throne of England. It was provided that the Earl of Desmond should hold his country to his own use and benefit, except one of the three ports of Kinsale, Cork, or Youghal, which Francis was to reserve for ever, for the security of his ships. The paper recording this is in the British Museum, said to be collected by Sieur de Tillet out of the records in France, and written in his book entitled "Le Recueil des Roys de France."

8. Desmond submits to St. Leger at Cashel

   Cashel · townland · Cork · 1538–1540

   Lord Deputy St. Leger and the Earl of Ormond met James of Desmond at Cashel. Desmond, demanding Ormond as a hostage, eventually knelt and delivered his submission before two hundred Irish gentlemen.

   Read the passage

   St. Leger, who has returned to Ireland a second time, as Lord Deputy, sets out for Cashel, accompanied by the Earl of Ormond, who made him and his fellowes 11 grete chere " by the way. They meet Desmond in Cashel, who is on his guard, and demands Ormond, who has made him good cheer, as a hostage. Such a thing is not to be thought of — St. Leger refuses, but sends his own brother and the Archbishop of Dublin instead, throwing in John Travers, Master of the Ordnance, to make up the difference. They meet in the house of Sir Thomas Butler, and there, "in the presence of Me William 0' Conor, and divers other Irish gentlemen, to the number of two hundred at the least, he kenelyd down before me, and most humbly delivered his said submission, affirming that it was more glad to him to be reconciled to your favours, than to have any worldly treasure." After this he is appointed one of the Council, in which capacity, St. Leger says, he is " a very wise and discrete gentleman."

   But there must be some atonement for all the bloodshed and misgovernment of the last ten or twelve years. Who is to be the scape-goat ? The Council have already decided that Lord Leonard Gray, who has been so long running with the hare and holding with the hounds, and playing fast and loose with the Pretended Earl, should bear their sins as well as his own ; they accordingly draw out the articles of indictment. They contain ninety distinct charges, — for uniting with Irish rebels, for taking them into his

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 74

9. Drury camps near Kilmallock; Desmond submits and gives hostage

   Kilmallock · town · Limerick · 1579

   Sir William Drury pitched his camp near Kilmallock, where the Earl of Desmond came to meet him, protesting innocence of Fitzmaurice's invasion and delivering up his only son as a hostage. Despite promises, Desmond's territory was nonetheless plundered.

   Read the passage

   Sir William Drury, accompanied by the Earl of Kildare and Sir Nicholas Malby, left Cork, and pitched his camp in the neighbourhood of Kilmallock. " Hither the Earl of Desmond came to meet them, and endeavoured to impress on their minds that he had no part in bringing over James Fitzmaurice, or in any of the crimes committed by his relatives, and he delivered up to the Lord Justice his only son and heir as a hostage, to ensure his loyalty and fidelity to the crown of England. A promise was thereupon given to the earl that his territory should not be plundered in future, but although the promise was given, it was not kept, for his people and cattle were destroyed, and his corn and edifices burned."

   Sir William Drury left the camp of Kilmallock at the head of four hundred men, to search the wood of Kilmore [Coill Mhor] in the county Cork. They fell in with John and James Oge at Gort na Tiobrad, the " field of the spring," or Springfield. A fierce engagement ensued, in which the Lord Justice was defeated, three hundred of his men and three of his captains (namely Herbert, Eustace, and Price) having been slain. The remnant of his army fled back to the camp near Kilmallock. Sir William left Kilmallock for Athneasy,* a ford on the Morning-star river, about four miles to the east of Kilmallock. Here he took his death sickness. Leaving Captain Malby to prosecute the war against the Geraldines, he was conveyed in a chariot to Waterford, where he died.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 111

10. Flooding Kilbarry ponds to defend Waterford

    Kilbarry · townland · Waterford · 1497

    To prevent the junction of Warbeck's forces during the siege of Waterford, the defenders kept the ponds of Kilbarry full. They raised a mound of earth to stop the river flowing from Kilbarry into the Suir.

    Read the passage

    ponds of Kilbarry were kept full, the besieged having raised a large mound of earth to stop the course of the river, which flows from Kilbarry into the Suir. The necessary preparations being completed, the siege was vigorously commenced and carried on, for eleven days, with great zeal and activity. In the many skirmishes and sorties which took place, the citizens were generally victorious, and routed or captured their opponents. In the field, the citizens covered themselves with glory ; but it is to be regretted that after the fight their valiant hearts had no touch of pity. On one occasion, 'after a successful sortie, in which they committed great slaughter, they returned to the city with a numerous band of prisoners ; they carried them to the market place, chopped off their heads, and fastened them on stakes, as trophies of their victory. Their valour and the dread of their cruelty could no longer be resisted, the besieged became the assailants; the enemy were repulsed in every direction, and what served to ensure the victory of the citizens, the cannon planted on Reginald's Tower, after many days' hard firing, beat in the side of one of the ships, when the entire crew perished.

    "The enemy, disheartened by all these untoward occurrences, and fearing to await the vengeance of the enraged citizens, raised the siege, and on the night of the 3rd of August, retreated to Ballycasheen, from thence they proceeded to Passage, where Perkin Warbeck embarked, and fled to Cork. The citizens pursued him, with four ships, and, after an eager chase, followed him to Cornwall, where he landed. W hen this intelligence reached the king, who was then

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 43

11. Geraldines pursue English lords to the gate of Mallow

    Mallow · town · Cork · 1598

    The Geraldine forces pursued the Earl of Ormond and Sir Thomas Norris to the gate of Magh Ealla (Mallow) and dared them to battle. The two English commanders declined combat, with Norris retreating to Cork and Ormond to Butler territory.

    Read the passage

    Ormond, hearing of the sudden rising, hastened, with his troops, to join the president. The Irish leader, nothing daunted, marched upon Kilmallock. " Upon seeing them, the lords, (i.e , the earl and the president), agreed to avoid meeting them, and turned off towards Magh Ealla," * now Mallow. The Geraldines " persued them to the gate of Magh Ealla " and dared them to battle, saying, they never had a better opportunity. Notwithstanding, " the two great men " determined, that the one, Sir Thomas Norris, should repair to Cork, and the other to the territory of the Butler.

    We conclude that this piece of poltroonery was arranged by Ormond, the Generalissimo of the queen's forces in Ireland. He left Marshal Bagnell to fight the battle of the Yellow Ford, while he went preying and spoiling in Leix, and in Leix he left the post of danger to his brother, James, who was slain by Brian O'More. The earl was informed there were only a few to guard the territory. He ordered his brother, James, to enter the pass before him. It was Sunday morning. James was loath to go ; but set out at the earl's command. He fell mortally wounded. Brian O'More died soon after of his wounds. Brian was succeeded by Owny, the son of Eory 0' Moore, who had his revenge on Ormond. The story is told in the Pacata Hibernia. Sir George Carew, the new lord president of Munster, is passing through Kilkenny, on his way to Cork. Here he meets Ormond, who tells him he has arranged a parley with Owny Mac Rory O'Moore. The place of parley is Corronneduff, eight

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 132

12. Hugh Roe O'Donnell's march to Kinsale

    Kinsale · town · Cork

    The memory of his unjust kidnapping and imprisonment drove Hugh Roe O'Donnell to lead an army to Kinsale to aid the Spanish. This action was a direct consequence of the treacherous conduct of the English government.

    Read the passage

    The illegal kidnapping and unjust imprisonment of Hugh Roe O'Donnell, by Sir John Perrott, * led to much evil. This noble young Irish chieftain never forgot nor forgave what he endured on that occasion. It was the recollection of all he suffered while a mere youth that hastened his march, at the head of an army, to aid the Spaniards at Kinsale. Treachery in rulers is short-sighted policy. The English government feared, if the lad arrived at maturity, he would join with his brother-in-law, O'Neill, whose loyalty was strongly suspected ; it was therefore resolved to remove him from the north. A ship arrives at Lough Swilly, some of the crew come ashore in a small boat, as merchantmen ; they have wine to sell. The inhabitants of the neighbourhood buy, and drink to intoxication. The young chieftain comes up and is invited, with a select party, aboard. The invitation is accepted. In the midst of their conviviality, the hatches are closed, and the vessel sails out of the harbour.

    The Dublin council are " rejoiced at the arrival of Hugh,'' and order him to be confined in a " strong stone castle," — the Bermiugham Tower. After three years' imprisonment, he attempts to escape, f but is retaken and loaded with irons, to the l( grief, indignation, and despair " of his people. He tries again, and succeeds. It is night. Hugh, with Henry, and Art,

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 130

    As the companion tells it

    As you come into Kinsale now, near where Hugh Roe O'Donnell led an army to aid the Spaniards. He had been illegally kidnapped and unjustly imprisoned by Sir John Perrott, and this noble young Irish chieftain never forgot nor forgave what he endured. It was the recollection of all he suffered while a mere youth that hastened his march here. Treachery in rulers is short-sighted policy. The English government feared that if the lad arrived at maturity, he would join with his brother-in-law, O'Neill, whose loyalty was strongly suspected. It was therefore resolved to remove him from the north. A ship arrived at Lough Swilly. Some of the crew came ashore in a small boat, as merchantmen, with wine to sell. The inhabitants bought and drank to intoxication. The young chieftain came up and was invited, with a select party, aboard. The invitation was accepted. In the midst of their conviviality, the hatches were closed, and the vessel sailed out of the harbour. The Dublin council were "rejoiced at the arrival of Hugh" and ordered him confined in a "strong stone castle," the Birmingham Tower. After three years' imprisonment, he attempted to escape but was retaken and loaded with irons, to the "grief, indignation, and despair" of his people. He tried again, and succeeded. It was night.

13. Interception of Spanish despatches near Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1602

    Captain Nuce, with men disguised as bandits, intercepted a Spanish messenger carrying letters from the King of Spain within five miles of Cork. The stolen despatches revealed Philip's determination to conquer Ireland.

    Read the passage

    bandits, and rob the messenger of letters, money, and even horses, and leave him and his guide bound in some wood. Captain Nuce meets the Spaniard within five miles of Cork, and does his business to perfection. He brought the packet to the president at Shandon Castle, the day Don Juan is dining there. The Spanish messenger, who has been unbound by some friendly hand, gains the city that evening, and tells Don Juan that he has been robbed of his despatches by soldiers in the guise of bandits. The Spanish general goes to the deputy, grievously complaining that his messenger has been robbed by soldiers. The deputy is very sorry; adebaucht souldiers " is a common thing in every army, but he suspects it was done by country thieves, that they might shew the letters to their friends in rebellion. Don Juan is by no means satisfied with this reply, and requests the deputy to inquire of Sir George, of whom he has " a vehement suspicion." The Lord Deputy answers, — "Upon his fayth, he was sure the president had them not ; which hee might well doe, for they were in his owne possession." In order to satisfy the Don, Mountjoy published a proclamation, and offered a reward to any one who could discover the thieves, promising to spare the lives of those who committed the theft, on their coming forward, and making a full confession.

    The letters were of so grave and important a character, and so explicit as it regarded Philip's determination to conquer Ireland, that we doubt, if Don Juan would have ventured to embark his forces in the face of them. The first is from the Duke of Lerma : —

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 171

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Cork, this is the city where a bold intelligence coup unfolded in 1602. Captain Nuce, with men disguised as bandits, met a Spanish messenger within five miles of Cork and robbed him of his letters, his money, even his horses, leaving him and his guide bound in some wood. Nuce brought the packet to the president at Shandon Castle the very day Don Juan, the Spanish general, was dining there. That evening the messenger, having been unbound by some friendly hand, reached the city and told Don Juan he had been robbed of his despatches by soldiers in the guise of bandits. Don Juan went to the deputy and complained grievously. The deputy expressed sorrow and said that debauched soldiers were common in every army, but he suspected country thieves had done it so they could show the letters to friends in rebellion. Don Juan was not satisfied. He asked the deputy to inquire of Sir George, saying he had a vehement suspicion. The Lord Deputy answered that upon his faith he was sure the president did not have them, which he could well say, for they were in his own possession. To satisfy Don Juan, Mountjoy published a proclamation offering a reward to anyone who could discover the thieves, promising to spare the lives of those who came forward and made a full confession. The letters were of such grave and explicit character regarding Philip's determination to conquer Ireland that it is doubtful Don Juan would have ventured to embark his forces in the face of them.

14. John Annias arrested on Cork city walls

    Cork · city · Cork · 1601

    In March 1601, John Annias was found upon the walls of Cork city, poorly dressed and barefooted, disguised from his usual attire. He gave a false name (John Magues) but was recognised by the mayor John Meade, who committed him to gaol and informed the Lord President.

    Read the passage

    " I am bold to advertise your honour, lately restrained in the Tower, was found upon the walls of this city, poorely arraied, barefotted, and altogether disguised from his wonted attire; who, being brought before me, I examined his name, and he said his name was John Magues ; whom I did know by eyeing him narrowly, and committed him to the gaol, where he is to remain till he has his trial by law, and with whose apprehension I have acquainted the Lord President, for which he was very thankful. Your honour hath received notice, heretofore, of his behaviour since his last departure from thence, wherefore, I think it unnecessary to repeat the particulars.

    How he escapes from the hands of both mayor and secretary on this occasion, without hanging, is a mystery ; but escape he did. Perhaps he broke prison.* "We find him in the June of 1602 writing to Father Dominick Collins respecting the defence of Donboy Castle, which was then besieged by Sir George Carew.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 156

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Cork, this city holds a strange story from March 1601. A man named John Annias, lately restrained in the Tower, was found upon the walls of the city. He was poorly arrayed, barefooted, and altogether disguised from his wonted attire. Brought before the mayor, John Meade, he was asked his name and gave a false one: John Magues. But Meade knew him by eyeing him narrowly, and committed him to the gaol, where he was to remain till his trial by law. Meade acquainted the Lord President with the apprehension, for which the President was very thankful. How Annias escaped from the hands of both mayor and secretary without hanging is a mystery, but escape he did. By June of 1602, he was writing to Father Dominick Collins about the defence of Donboy Castle, then besieged by Sir George Carew.

15. Lady Ursula St. Leger besieged in Carrigaline Castle

    Carrigaline · town · Cork · 1569

    Lady Ursula St. Leger was besieged by rebels in Carrigaline Castle after her husband Sir Warham St. Leger departed for England. She wrote to the Deputy describing the rebel actions across the surrounding countryside.

    Read the passage

    Mac Carthy Beagh, James Fitz-Edmund, and others, were on the qui-vive, waiting the word to start into actual rebellion. It was reported that the Earl of Desmond had sent word to his people to unite with the other Irish chieftains in throwing off the English yoke. Andrew Skiddy, writing to the Lord Deputy, says, — " Yesterday, Mac Carthy More, whom I dare not name an earl, and James Fitzmaurice, spoiled all the inhabitants of Kerrycurrihy, and the farm Sir Warham Sentleger has of the Earl of Desmond, and laid siege to the abbey of Tracton." The mayors and councils of Cork, Youghal, and Kinsale also write. The Lady Ursula St. Leger, who is besieged by the rebels in the castle of Carrigaline, writes the Deputy to this effect :— " On Wednesday, Sir Warham St. Leger, the sheriff of Cork, left for England. The next morning James Fitzmaurice, with 4000 men, spoiled Kerrycurrihy ; on Friday they took Tracton, and slew John Enchedon and all his men ; on Saturday they laid siege to the castle of Carrigaline." Jaspar Horsey, writing, says, "St. Warham St. Leger's tall ship* is threatened." Sydney did not lose an hour in marching to the lady's relief. Most opportune, he found four hundred newly arrived troops in Cork. He followed the rebels from Cork to Buttevant, and from Buttevant to Kilmallock, which was burnt before his arrival. The

    • St. Warham St. Leger's tall ship.— The district farmed by St. Leger under the Earl of Desmond, was called De Cogan's ship. It is to a great extent surrounded by water.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 96

16. MacCarthy deceives president in Cork, betrays plans westward

    Cork · city · Cork · 1600

    MacCarthy audaciously visited Cork and saw the president, who gave him confidence and informed him of an expedition to the west. MacCarthy immediately communicated this intelligence to James Fitz-Thomas, who prepared to meet the president, the treachery being discovered through Fitz-Thomas's intercepted reply.

    Read the passage

    Some of his people attack and kill some of the queen's forces under the command of Captain Flower, a few miles from Cork. The president demands an explanation. He writes a letter " stuffed with damnable oaths and execrable blasphemies, "in which hedenies allknowledge of the slaughter. He has even the audacity to go to Cork and see the president, who gives him his confidence, and informs him he is starting on an expedition to the west, which Mac Carthy at once communicates to James Fitz-Thomas, who prepares to meet him. The president discovered this treachery by James Fitz-

    348 HISTORY OF CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 158

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this is where MacCarthy came in 1600. His people had killed some of the queen's forces under Captain Flower a few miles from the city. The president demanded an explanation. MacCarthy wrote a letter, "stuffed with damnable oaths and execrable blasphemies," denying all knowledge of the slaughter. He then had the audacity to visit Cork and see the president, who gave him his confidence and told him of an expedition to the west. MacCarthy at once communicated this to James Fitz-Thomas, who prepared to meet him. The president discovered the treachery through Fitz-Thomas's intercepted reply.

17. Massacre of Spaniards and Italians at Smerwick

    Smerwick · townland · Kerry · 1580

    The section references Lord Grey's role in the massacre of Spaniards and Italians at Smerwick, noting that Spenser praised Grey for this action. Grey was later attainted of treason despite his zeal in the massacre.

    Read the passage

    The rising sun has more worshippers than the setting sun. Elizabeth's ministers were at this time carrying on a private correspondence with James VI. of Scotland, and would not be likely to cherish the man who had villified his mother. But the poet may have injured himself just as much by his foolish laudations of Lord Grey — his Talus with the iron flail — who, notwithstanding his zeal in the massacre of the Spaniards and Italians at Smerwick, was in the end attainted of treason. His praises of this nobleman must have nettled Elizabeth. He fell between two thrones.

    Of Spenser's genius as a poet there can be but one opinion. It was of the very highest order. Kings and queens and politicians may have been frowning when he died, but, as Camden says, the Muses were

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 138

18. Mixed Welcome for Parliamentary Earl at Kilmallock

    Kilmallock · town · Limerick · 1600

    James Fitzgerald was sent to Kilmallock under the charge of the Archbishop of Cashel. The townspeople gave him a rapturous welcome, crowding the streets and tossing wheat and salt upon him as a token of prosperity. The next day, returning from the Protestant church, he and the archbishop were hooted, cursed, spat upon, and bespattered with mud.

    Read the passage

    This state of feeling lasted just twenty-four hours, for the next day, when returning with the Archbishop of Cashel from the Protestant Church, both he and the archbishop were hooted, cursed, spit upon, and bespattered with mud. The editor of the Pacata Hibernia says, " the young earl came to Kilmallock upon a Saturday, in the evening, and by the way, and at their entry into the town, there was a mighty concourse of people, insomuch that all the streets, doores, and win-

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 150

19. Mountjoy and Carew march from Kilkenny to Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1601

    On learning of the Spanish landing, Lord Deputy Mountjoy, Sir George Carew, and Sir Robert Gardiner hastened from Kilkenny to Cork, stopping overnight at Lord Dunboyne's, Clonmel, and Lord Roche's before arriving in Cork the following day.

    Read the passage

    are taken by surprise. Some propose they should hasten to Dublin to collect a sufficient force. The president, if we can believe Stafford, says to the deputy, "No, rather go to Cork or Kinsale with your page, than turn your back on the enemy." This looks more like Mountjoy than Carew. But let it be the latter. The deputy then asks, what about supplies ? The president has provided the supplies. The deputy is so overjoyed that he rises from his chair and takes the president in his arms. That very day the Lord Deputy, the president, and Sir Robert Gardiner leave Kilkenny, for Cork. They stop the first night at Lord Dunboyne's, the-aext at Clonmel, the next with Lord Roche, and the following day they are in Cork.

    And, "now are we come," exclaims Sir George, " to the siege of Kinsale, a place ordained, wherein the honor and safety of Queen Elizabeth, the reputation of the English nation, the cause of religion, and the crown of Ireland must be by arms disputed."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 162

    As the companion tells it

    As you come near Cork, this is where Mountjoy and Carew raced in 1601. On word that the Spanish had landed, some proposed hurrying back to Dublin to gather a sufficient force. Stafford reports the president turned to the deputy and said, "No, rather go to Cork or Kinsale with your page, than turn your back on the enemy." The deputy asked what about supplies. The president had provided the supplies. The deputy was so overjoyed he rose from his chair and took the president in his arms. That same day the Lord Deputy, the president, and Sir Robert Gardiner left Kilkenny for Cork. The first night they stopped at Lord Dunboyne's, the next at Clonmel, the next with Lord Roche, and the following day they were in Cork. Sir George declared, "Now are we come to the siege of Kinsale, a place ordained, wherein the honor and safety of Queen Elizabeth, the reputation of the English nation, the cause of religion, and the crown of Ireland must be by arms disputed."

20. Munster lords at Dublin parliament require Irish translation

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1541

    A parliament convened in Dublin in June 1541 was attended by the 'Lordes of Monster' and other Irish lords, for whom the Chancellor's opening speech had to be translated from English into Irish. The speech was 'briefly and prudentlie declared in the Irysshe tongue to the said lordes, greatly to their contentation.'

    Read the passage

    but styles him, under Christ, the supreme head of the church on earth : — " Et in terris, immediate sub Christo, Ecclesie Anglicane et Hibernicane Supremi Capitis." It contains the names of my Lord Barry, and my Lord De Rupe, (alias Roche) my Lord of Muskerry, Mac Carthy Reagh, and Barry Oge, (alias young Barry) and O'Sullivan Beare, an Irish captain, (sue Xacionis capitaneum) and Barry Roe, (alias the Lord Red Barry) and Mac Donogh of Dhuallow, (another Irish captain) and Donald Ochallogan, (O'Callaghan) who is styled " Nacionis Primum," and Gerald, the son of John, militem. These noblemen understood Latin somewhat better than English. Of their ignorance of English we have a remarkable example. A parliament * was convened in Dublin in the June of the preceding year, at which these u Lordes of Monster," and divers other lords, were present, for whom it was found necessary to translate the Chancellor's opening speech from English into Irish. The speech was " briefly and prudentlie declared in the Irysshe tongue to the said lordes, greatly to their contentation."

    Contracts with Irish chieftains were generally drawn in Latin ; Conatius O'Neile, in 1541, employs the Latin tongue in renouncing the " Usurpatam auctoutatem Romani Pontifices," and styles the English monarch " Supremum Caput Ecclesie Anglicane et Hibernicane, immediate sub Christo."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 77

21. O'Neill's camp at Inniscarra and Munster assembly

    Inishcarra · parish · Cork · 1600

    O'Neill crossed the Lee and pitched his camp between the rivers Lee and Bandon at Inniscarra, on the confines of Muskerry and Carbery. All the MacCarthys, both southern and northern, repaired there, and Florence MacCarthy was installed as MacCarthy More by O'Neill and the assembled chieftains, resolving a succession dispute with Donnell, the base-born son of the late Earl of Clancare.

    Read the passage

    Leaving Barry more, write the Four Masters, " they crossed the Lee, and pitched their camps between the rivers Lee and Bandon, * on the confines of Muskerry and Carbery." "To this camp, came all the Mac Caxthys, both southern and northern. Thither repaired two who were at strife with each other" — Florence Mac Carthy, who had married lady Ellen, the daughter of the late Earl of Clancare, and Donnell his " baseborn " son. — The strife was to know which should be the Mac Carthy More. O'Neill and the assembled chieftains decided in favor of Florence, who was then and there installed. " Thither repaired the sons of the chiefs of Allow,"— the Mac Carthys of Dhuallow— thither repaired the O'Donohoes, O'Donovans, and O'Mahonys, and the greater number of the English and Irish of the two provinces of Munster," with the exception of David Barry, Cormac Mac Carthy, of Muskerry, and 0' Sullivan Beare. Those who did not attend, sent presents and tokens of adhesion or submission.

    It was during O'Neill's visit to the south that Warham St. Leger and Maguire encountered and slew

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 145

22. Poet Athairne of Howth satirises Leinster

    Howth · townland · Dublin

    A poet named Athairne, from Binn-Edair (now Howth), satirised the men of Leinster for a full year after they killed his only son. The satire was believed to bring such fatalities that neither corn, grass, nor foliage grew in Leinster that year.

    Read the passage

    Irish poets were fond of this sort of thing, but they did not confine it to the cats ; they more frequently satirised men, and very often great men. We read in the Book of Bally mote (fol. 77, p. 2, col. b.) of a poet named Athairne, of Binn-Edair, (now Howth) satirising the men of Leinster for having killed his only son. " He continued for a full year to satirise the Leinstermen, and bring fatalities upon them, so that neither corn, grass, nor foliage grew for them that year."

    There was an impression abroad at this time, that poets could satirise people to death. The wife of Caier, king of Connaught, conceived a criminal passion for the poet Keidhe, and offered him a ball of silver ; but he, like a second Joseph, rejected her advances, till she offered him the kingdom. "How can that be, seeing the king is living ?'' said Neidhe. — " It will be easy enough," replied 'the queen, "for you are a poet, and can rhyme him to death, or bring a blemish on his cheek. A man with blemish cannot enjoy the kingdom." The poet went to work, and composed an aeir. The king went to the well next morning, to wash his face, and drawing his hand across his cheek felt three great boils.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 31

23. Siege of Dunboy Castle, 1602

    near Dunboy · street · Cork · 1602

    In June 1602, Sir George Carew's forces encamped near Dunboy Castle and opened battery on the turret on 17 June. The besieged fought fiercely from the barbican and castle, causing significant casualties before the English forces could cross the narrow passage dividing the barbican from the castle.

    Read the passage

    Dunboy Castle was of great height, with a turret on the south west, resting on a strongly arched floor. An iron falcon * was mounted on the turret. The outer wall or barbican was sixteen feet high, and four feet thick, faced with sods, intermingled with wood and faggots. This outer wall was defended by turrets and curtains.

    The president's battery opened on the turret of the castle, at five o'clock in the morning, on the 17th of June, and continued to play upon it for five hours, till nine in the forenoon, when turret and falcon " tumbled downe." The cannon then opened on the west point of the castle itself, which fell at one o'clock. On its fall, a messenger was sent with a flag of truce, offering to surrender, if they got their lives. The messenger was executed. A breach is made, and the barbican mounted, and the English colors planted on one of the turrets ; but the invading party fought for a full hour and a half before the eight feet of ground, that divided the barbican from the castle, could be crossed. All who entered this narrow passage were at once crushed with stones and shot from above. But the besieged did not perceive, till it was too late, that in filling up, or partially filling up, this passage, they were making a causeway for the enemy to pass. " The ruins, therefore, made a way that leads to a spike " or window, through which a sergeant enters and gains the top of the arch, upon which the castle turret stood. Where one enters, so may another. The besiegers, in their

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 181

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Dunboy stood the castle at the centre of one of the fiercest fights of 1602. Dunboy Castle was of great height, with a turret on the south west resting on a strongly arched floor, and an iron falcon mounted on top. The outer wall, or barbican, was sixteen feet high and four feet thick, faced with sods intermingled with wood and faggots, defended by turrets and curtains. Sir George Carew's battery opened on the turret at five o'clock in the morning on the 17th of June, and played on it for five hours, till nine, when turret and falcon, in the words of the source, tumbled downe. The cannon then turned on the west point of the castle itself, which fell at one o'clock. On its fall a messenger was sent with a flag of truce, offering to surrender if the besieged got their lives. The messenger was executed. A breach was made, the barbican mounted, and English colours planted on one of the turrets. But the attackers fought for a full hour and a half before the eight feet of ground dividing the barbican from the castle could be crossed. All who entered that narrow passage were at once crushed with stones and shot from above. The besieged did not perceive, till too late, that in filling up the passage they were making a causeway for the enemy. The ruins, the source says, made a way that leads to a spike or window, through which a sergeant entered and gained the top of the arch upon which the castle turret had stood.

24. Battle of Bealach-leachta: Macroom tradition

    Macroom · town · Cork · 978

    An alternative ancient manuscript tradition places the 978 battle of Bealach-leachta, where Moragh son of Brian Boru slew Molloy, at Magh Cromtha (Macroom) near Mushera mountain.

    Read the passage

    " A.D. 978. Brian, son of ^Kennedy, and his son Moragh, at the head of the Dal-glais, fought the battle of Bealach-leachta, against Maolmuaidh [Molloy] son of Bran, at the head of the Eugenians, with the additional forces of the Danes of Munster. In this battle, Maolmuaidh was slain by the hand of Moragh, son of Brian ; two hundred of the Danes were also slain, together with a great number of the Irish " Some think this battle was fought at Bearna-dhearg, (Red-Chair) on Sliabh-Caoin. An ancient manuscript says at Cnoc-ramhra, south of Mallow, on the road to Cork ; another ancient manuscript, at Magh Cromtha (Macroom), near Muisire-na-inona-moire, or Mushera mountain."

    *"St, Barry's Gospel." — There is no such manuscript or book now in existence. Doctors Todd and 0' Donovan, of Trinity College, agree with me in thinking it must have been a copy of the Four Gospels, written by the priests of Saiiit Finn Burr's of Cork.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 2

25. James Oge Captured Raiding Muskerry

    near Muskerry · street · Cork · 1580

    In 1580, James Oge, brother of the Earl of Desmond, raided Muskerry seeking plunder but was intercepted by Cormac MacCarthy, lord of the country. James was captured by a blacksmith, hidden in a bush, and delivered to Sir Cormac Teige MacCarthy after most of his followers were slain.

    Read the passage

    "A.D. 1580. — James Oge set out in rebellion to seek a prey in Muskerry, but Cormac, the son of Teige Mac Carthy, lord of the country, had all his forces assembled to oppose him. Cormac being informed that James had passed by him, proceeded to a certain place through which he knew James would pass, and he soon perceived James coming towards him with a prey, and he attacked him, and slew and destroyed the greater number of his people. James himself was taken, and sent to Cork to be imprisoned. He was [confined] nearly a month in this town, daily preparing himself for death, doing penance for his sins, and asking forgiveness for his misdeeds. At the end of that time a writ arrived from Dublin, from the Lord Justice and the council, ordering the mayor * to put

    * Tlie mayor. — This should be the marshal, Warham St. Leger, to -whom a commission of martial law had been given, February 11, 1579. Cox says, that Sir James was brought to Sir Warham St. Leger and Captain Sir Walter Ealeigh, •who caused him to be hung, drawn, and quartered. We doubt that Sir Walter Ealeigh, who came to Ireland in the Autumn of 1580, with Lord Grey, could have had anything to do with this execution.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 113

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Muskerry, in 1580, James Oge, brother of the Earl of Desmond, set out to seek a prey. But Cormac, the son of Teige MacCarthy, lord of the country, had all his forces assembled to oppose him. Cormac was informed that James had passed by him, so he proceeded to a certain place through which he knew James would pass. He soon perceived James coming towards him with a prey, and he attacked him, and slew and destroyed the greater number of his people. James himself was taken, and sent to Cork to be imprisoned. He was confined nearly a month in this town, daily preparing himself for death, doing penance for his sins, and asking forgiveness for his misdeeds. At the end of that time a writ arrived from Dublin, from the Lord Justice and the council, ordering the mayor to put him to death.

26. Poet Aenghus O'Daly stabbed at Ikerrin

    Ikerrin · barony · Tipperary

    Aenghus O'Daly, who wrote the lampoon known as the Tribes of Ireland satirising Irish chieftains for their poverty and lack of hospitality, was stabbed to the heart in the house of O'Meagher, chief of Ikerrin, in County Limerick. He paid with his life for the fearful satire.

    Read the passage

    Mac Carthy then goes on to say, (and we blush for Florence's sake, to quote his words) that " I mean to employ one of special trust and sufficiency '.'' It is supposed that he here refers to the famous Irish poet, Aenghus O'Daly, who wrote the fearful lampoon on the poverty, meanness, and want of hospitality of Irish chieftains, for which he paid the penalty of his life. He was stabbed to the heart in the house of O'Meagher, chief of Ikerrin, in the county of Limerick.

    The terrific satire for which he met this fearful death, is entitled the Tribes of Ireland. It has been translated from the Irish, and annotated by Doctor O'Donovan. We may have occasion to quote from it.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 31

27. Battle of the Yellow Ford: Bagnell mortally wounded

    Derrynacarrow East or Bellanaboy · townland · Donegal · 1598

    On 10 August 1598, Marshal Bagnell met O'Neill's forces between Lough Erne and Dundalk and was mortally wounded at the battle of the Yellow Ford (Béal an Átha Buí). The English were defeated, and news of the loss spread rapidly through the south.

    Read the passage

    The Annals of Ireland record, under the same year, 1597, the deaths of the Earl of Kildare, the Lord Justice, and his wife's brother. The Lord Justice fell in with a troop of O'Neill's horse, on the banks of the Abhainn-Mor, or Blackwater, where he was wounded. He was carried in a litter to Newry, where he died. The sword of state was therefore entrusted to the Lord Chancellor, the Chief Justice of the Queen's Bench, antt Sir Eobert Gardiner, till a new Chief Justice or Deputy was appointed. Thomas, Earl of Ormond was appointed Generalissimo, who concluded an armistice with O'Neill. When the armistice concluded, Marshal Bagnell, whose sister had eloped with and married O'Neill, met this redoubtable chieftain between Lough Erne and Dundalk, and fell, mortally wounded, at the famous battle of the Yellow Ford.f It was fought on the 10th of August, 1598. The account of this battle, in which the English were defeated, spread like wildfire through the South, and kindled a warlike flame in the bosom of James Fitz-Thomas, the Sugan Earl of Desmond, who considered himself the legitimate heir to the title and vast estates of his outlawed uncle, Garrett. He and his brother John opened the campaign in Qmnello. Sir Thomas Norris, President of Munster, was lying at Kilmallock. The Earl of

    * Died suddenly. — 0' Sullivan Beare tells a story of Sir John and the devil, which Doctor 0' Donovan says would do credit to the author of Doctor Faustus. f Yellow Ford. — Beal an-atha-buidhe, »'*., mouth of the Yellow Ford.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 132

28. Blarney Castle held as pledge for MacCarthy's loyalty

    near Blarney · townland · Cork

    Along with his submission and his son held prisoner in England, MacCarthy's second son and his castle of Blarney were held as pledges for his future loyalty. He was also bound with four barons of parliament in Munster in £3,000 for his future subjection.

    Read the passage

    " Farther, besides his submission and his sonne that was a prisoner in England, his second son, also, and his castle of Blarney, were held as pledges upon him.

    " And whereas the L, Deputie had devised the forme of an oath for the Northern Protectees, he was content to sweare and subscribe to the same oath ; and lastly himselfe with foure of the best barons of parliament in Mounster, were bound in three thousand pounds for his future loyaltie and subjection, so that hee was bound in heaven and in earth, before God and before man, by law and by nature, and nothing but onely hell was remayning for his farther assurance."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 187

29. Captain White Slain Retaking Youghal

    Youghal · town · Cork · 1579

    The Earl of Ormond dispatched Captain White from Waterford to retake Youghal. White entered by the water-gate and seized ordnance, but was attacked by the seneschal of Imokilly with a superior force, charged rashly, and was surrounded and slain.

    Read the passage

    The Earl of Ormond dispatched a barque, with Captain White, from Waterford, " a very valiant man of a stout stomach," to retake the town. He entered by the water-gate, and took some pieces of ordnance. He was attacked by the seneschal of Imokilly, at the head of a superior force, whom he charged more " rashlie than consideratlie," and was very soon surrounded and slain ; and with much ado did a few of his company gain their ship.

    * Not habitable for some time afterwards — " The Lord Governor, when he «ame to the town, fonnd it all desolate, rifled, and spoiled, and no man, woman, or child therein, saving one friar, whom he spared, because he had fetched the body of Henrie Davels, from Traleigh, and had it carried to Waterford, where it was buried in the chancel of the cathedral church." — JlolinsJted.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 113

30. Carew's distrust of Cork apothecaries and Irish physicians

    Cork · city · Cork · 1602

    Carew wrote from Cork in September 1602 that Ireland was destitute of learned English-born men and dared not venture with Irish physicians despite their goodwill. The O'Cullinans were noted as hereditary physicians to the Kings of Desmond or Cork, with a saying that 'an O'Cullinan could not cure him' for a despaired-of patient.

    Read the passage

    What the necessaries were for which he had to go to England we cannot say. Carew makes a mystery of it. Those who knew Carew, and his arrangements with Nugent to assassinate John Fitz-Thomas, might whisper poison. Something that would be slow and sure. There was no licensed apothecary in Cork, none, at least, that Carew would trust to poison his enemy. The president when sick, and in want of a doctor, writes to the queen, from Cork, Sept. 29, 1602, " Ireland is destitute of learned men of English birth ; and with Irish physicians * — knowing the good will they leare me — if they were learned, I DARE NOT VENTURE."

    The report was abroad, that Carew and Cecil had engaged John Annias to poison Florence. Cecil, of course, repudiates the charge, and writes to Carew to hang Annias at once. Dead men tell no tales. It would appear that " the wicked and horrible wretch, Annias, had given out the vile untruth " of both president and secretary : —

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 155

    As the companion tells it

    The road passes through Cork, a city with a dark thread from September 1602. Carew, the president, wrote to the queen from here. He said Ireland was destitute of learned men of English birth. Of Irish physicians he wrote, knowing the good will they bear me, if they were learned, I dare not venture. There was no licensed apothecary in the city that Carew would trust to poison his enemy. What the necessaries were he had to go to England for, Carew made a mystery of. Those who knew him and his arrangements with Nugent to assassinate John Fitz-Thomas might whisper poison, something slow and sure. The report went abroad that Carew and Cecil had engaged John Annias to poison Florence. Cecil repudiated the charge and wrote to Carew to hang Annias at once. Dead men tell no tales. Annias, called a wicked and horrible wretch, had given out what was called the vile untruth of both president and secretary.

31. Failed prisoner exchange at Kilmallock

    Kilmallock · town · Limerick

    The president came to Kilmallock with a thousand foot and two hundred horse expecting Lady Margaret to deliver the Sugan Earl for a thousand pounds. She never appeared, and the president left empty-handed.

    Read the passage

    The earl is thunderstruck ; 0' Conor, who is cool and conscientious, must hold him in custody till he has consulted O'Neill, so he sends him to Castle Lyshin, to the care of his wife, Lady Margaret, and writes to the president, who was lying at Limerick, to come to Kilmallock, where Lady Margaret would deliver up the prisoner and receive the thousand pounds. The president comes in all haste, " the next morrow," (the twentieth of June,) «c with a thousand foot and two hundred horse," but there is no Lady Margaret to meet him, and no James Fitz-Thomas, or Sugan Earl, to be had for a thousand pounds. The president is chap-fallen. CTConor writes an awkward letter of apology, to say tnat Lyshin Castle was hardly beset. There is another explanation ; Lady Margaret is first-cousin to the Sugan Earl, and he is "the handsomest man of his time." The president is beaten this time, but he will try again.

    0' Conor, for whom Munster is too hot, gets a safe conduct to his own country, through the intervention of his wife, who does not accompany the traitor. He being now past Clanricard, and within seventeen or eighteen miles of Limerick, Theobald Burke of the Ships, with a company of a hundred foot in her majesty's pay, meets and assails him, notwithstanding his safe conduct. He flees for refuge to an old church. They set fire to the church, and kill forty of his men as they rush through the flames. He is taken alive, and beheaded the next day.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 148

32. James Oge Imprisoned and Executed in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1580

    James Oge was sent to Cork and imprisoned for nearly a month, daily preparing himself for death and doing penance. A writ from Dublin ordered his execution; he was reportedly hung, drawn, and quartered by Sir Warham St. Leger.

    Read the passage

    "A.D. 1580. — James Oge set out in rebellion to seek a prey in Muskerry, but Cormac, the son of Teige Mac Carthy, lord of the country, had all his forces assembled to oppose him. Cormac being informed that James had passed by him, proceeded to a certain place through which he knew James would pass, and he soon perceived James coming towards him with a prey, and he attacked him, and slew and destroyed the greater number of his people. James himself was taken, and sent to Cork to be imprisoned. He was [confined] nearly a month in this town, daily preparing himself for death, doing penance for his sins, and asking forgiveness for his misdeeds. At the end of that time a writ arrived from Dublin, from the Lord Justice and the council, ordering the mayor * to put

    * Tlie mayor. — This should be the marshal, Warham St. Leger, to -whom a commission of martial law had been given, February 11, 1579. Cox says, that Sir James was brought to Sir Warham St. Leger and Captain Sir Walter Ealeigh, •who caused him to be hung, drawn, and quartered. We doubt that Sir Walter Ealeigh, who came to Ireland in the Autumn of 1580, with Lord Grey, could have had anything to do with this execution.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 113

    As the companion tells it

    In 1580, James Oge set out in rebellion to seek a prey in Muskerry. Cormac, the son of Teige Mac Carthy, lord of that country, had all his forces assembled to oppose him. When Cormac learned that James had passed by him, he went to a place he knew James would have to come through. He soon saw James coming towards him with the prey, attacked him, and slew and destroyed the greater number of his people. James himself was taken and sent to Cork to be imprisoned. He was confined nearly a month in this town, daily preparing himself for death, doing penance for his sins, and asking forgiveness for his misdeeds. At the end of that time a writ arrived from Dublin, from the Lord Justice and the council, ordering the mayor to put him to death.

33. John O'Healy caught at port of Cork with secret letters

    Cork · city · Cork · 1602

    John O'Healy, described as one of Cormac Mac Carthy's old thieves, was hidden aboard a vessel at the port of Cork with letters and credentials to secretly convey the young lord of Muskerry from Oxford to Ireland. The president discovered the plot; O'Healy was caught but threw his letters and money into the sea.

    Read the passage

    him against the Sugan Earl, then in rebellion. The friends of Cormac Mac Dermot, Lord of Muskerry, resolve to copy the president in this instance, by having the young lord of Muskerry, who is at this time a student at the University of Oxford, privately conveyed into Ireland. John O'Healy, " one of Cormac's old theeves " is to be the messenger. He is aboard, in the hold of the vessel, with the necessary letters and credentials. The vessel is to sail from the port of Cork, by the next tide, when the president gets a whisper of the plot. John is caught, and searched, but manages to throw his letters and money into the sea, so nothing could be proved.

    The president, who is doubly suspicious of Dermot Mac Carthy, sends for Master Ealph Hammon, the gentleman porter, and charges him, on his duty to the state, his allegiance to her majesty, and the love he bears himself, to be as careful of the Lord of Muskerry as of his own life. He also sends for the bishop of Cork, and requests him to warn Hammon to be vigilant. The bishop does so, " gravely and pathetically " — "Abundans coutela non nocet." Master Richard promises to be careful, but, at the same time, requests the president not to torment his mind with imaginary doubts.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 186

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this is the city where a plot was undone in 1602. The friends of Cormac Mac Dermot, Lord of Muskerry, resolved to copy the president, who had acted against the Sugan Earl, then in rebellion. They planned to privately convey the young lord of Muskerry, a student at Oxford, into Ireland. They chose John O'Healy, described as "one of Cormac's old theeves," as their messenger. O'Healy hid in the hold of a vessel at the port of Cork, carrying letters and credentials. The vessel was to sail by the next tide, but the president got word of the plot. O'Healy was caught and searched, yet he managed to throw his letters and money into the sea, so nothing could be proved. The president, doubly suspicious of Dermot Mac Carthy, sent for Master Ralph Hammon, the gentleman porter, and charged him, on his duty to the state, his allegiance to her majesty, and the love he bears himself, to be as careful of the Lord of Muskerry as of his own life. He also sent for the bishop of Cork, asking him to warn Hammon to be vigilant. The bishop did so, "gravely and pathetically," with the words "Abundans coutela non nocet." Master Richard promised to be careful, but asked the president not to torment his mind with imaginary doubts.

34. Lord President plots to seize Blarney Castle from Mac Carthy

    near Blarney · townland · Cork · 1602

    After the fall of Dunboy, the Lord President Sir George Carew turned his attention to Blarney Castle, held by Cormac Mac Dermot Mac Carthy, Lord of Muskerry, who had allied with Crown forces at the siege of Kinsale. The president schemed to use Mac Carthy's cousin Teige to dispossess him.

    Read the passage

    THERE is one more castle in the county of Cork which the Lord President desires to see in the hands of the state before he can write the last page of his Pacata Hibernia. The name of the castle is BLARNEY, and it is in the possession of Corrnac Mac Dermot Mac Carthy, the Lord of Muskerry, a nobleman, who has been long reconciled; who united his forces with those of the Lord Deputy Mountjoy, at the siege of Kinsale ; who marched with the Lord President to Holy cross, to meet O'Donnell, and bar his way to Munster ; who ate and drank with the president, and for aught we know, was his " loving bed-fellow sometimes;" but now that Dunboy is taken, and his services are no longer required, Sir George is about rewarding him in the Cyclopean fashion of eating him last ; but the affair is somewhat delicate and requires wise handling.

    The Lord of Muskerry has a cousin called Teige Mac Cormac, son to that "well-deserving gentleman," Sir Cormac Teige Mac Carthy; " the rarest man of all the Irishry." This young gentleman was in the president's troop of horse, but stole away to the Spaniards. He now desires to be reconciled, and what is more

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 184

35. Murder of Barry More and burning of fratricide David Barry

    Cloyne · town · Cork · 1500

    In 1500, Barry More was slain by his kinsman David Barry, Archdeacon of Cloyne and Ross, who was in turn slain by Thomas Barry and Muinter O'Callaghan in revenge. The Earl of Desmond then disinterred David's body after twenty days and burned it.

    Read the passage

    "A.D. 1500. — Barry More was slain by his own kinsman [or brother] David Barry, Archdeacon of Cloyne and Ross. David was slain by Thomas Barry and Muinter O'Callaghan. The Earl of Desmond disinterred the body of David in twenty days, and afterwards burned it.

    The Dublin copy of the Annals of Ulster say the Earl of Desmond made " meal and ashes" of the fratricide's bones. The Thomas Barry who united with O'Callaghan in revenging the death of Barry More, by slaying the Archdeacon, seems to have been engaged in the Simnel rebellion, and was obliged to take a new oath of allegiance.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 42

36. O'Driscolls' attempt to retake Castlehaven

    Castlehaven · townland · Cork · 1602

    Captain Roger Harvey took possession of Castlehaven Castle from the Spanish Veador, Pedro Lopez de Soto. While Harvey and Soto drank wine, the O'Driscolls seized the castle, but Harvey's brothers arrived with heavy ordnance and forced the O'Driscolls to surrender it back to the Spaniards.

    Read the passage

    \V hatever Sir George's knowledge may have been, there was one matter of which both Soto and Harvey were perfectly ignorant, namely, that the O'Driscolls had made themselves masters of the castle while they were discussing the conduct and character of princes and presidents over their wine ; and if Harvey's two brothers had not sailed up within sight of the castle, with some heavy ordnance, — in the very nick of time — they might have had some trouble in regaining possession. The Spaniards were trying to get in again, by undermining, when the Harveys entered the haven. " Upon sight of the ships," the O'Driscolls — " by composition to depart in safety — rendered it to the Spaniards, who had lost two of their soldiers in the attempt."

    Captain Roger Harvey and his friend, Soto the Veador, set sail, the 23rd of February, for Donnelong, Baltimore, where they were " feasted" by the Governor Andreas de Aervy. Here they shipped seven pieces of cannon. On the 26th, both the castles, Donnelong and Donneshed, were, with " Spanish gravitie" and Greek faith, delivered into the hands of the English.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 176

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Castlehaven, somewhere around here, in 1602, Captain Roger Harvey had taken possession of the castle from the Spanish Veador, Pedro Lopez de Soto. The two men sat down to drink wine together, discussing, as the record puts it, the conduct and character of princes and presidents. While they talked, neither man knew that the O'Driscolls had taken the castle for themselves. It was Harvey's two brothers who turned the tide. They sailed up within sight of the castle, carrying heavy ordnance, arriving, as the passage says, in the very nick of time. The Spaniards had been trying to get back in by undermining when the ships appeared. Upon sight of the ships, the O'Driscolls made terms to depart in safety and rendered the castle back to the Spaniards, who had lost two of their soldiers in the attempt. Harvey and Soto sailed on the 23rd of February for Donnelong, Baltimore, where the Governor Andreas de Aervy feasted them, and they shipped seven pieces of cannon. On the 26th, the castles of Donnelong and Donneshed were delivered, with Spanish gravity and Greek faith, into the hands of the English.

37. Ormond's military dispatch from Cork, 1583

    Cork · city · Cork · 1583

    The Earl of Ormond wrote to Queen Elizabeth from Cork on 24 April 1583, reporting that 120 traitors had been executed and that Desmond had fled over the mountains into Kerry. He sent forces toward Castlemaine to intercept the earl.

    Read the passage

    " There have been six score traitors put to the sword and executed since my coming. Desmond being long since fled over the mountaine into Kerry e, is now gone to seek relief by such spoils as he can take from the Earl of Clancartie, (his brother-in-law), Captain Barkley having followed him thither, to aid the Earl of Clancartie. I have sent Sir Cormok Mac Tiege and Sir William Stanley towards Castlemaine to lie for him thereabout (if, in the meantime, they met him not), myself with my horsemen intend to lie out this side of the mountaine for him. I find your majesty's opinion proveth true, for since I kept him from the counties of Waterford and Tipperary, his men have been forced many times to eat horses and carrion, and being now kept from cows in the mountains of Desmond, famine will destroy them as daily it doth. God send them all the plague I wish them, and bless your majesty with a most happy reign.

    "Tnos. OKMOND & Oss.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 119

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Cork now. In April 1583 the Earl of Ormond wrote to Queen Elizabeth from this city, reporting on the campaign against the Desmond rebellion. He told her that 120 traitors had been put to the sword and executed since his coming. Desmond had fled over the mountains into Kerry, and was now seeking relief by taking spoils from his own brother-in-law, the Earl of Clancarty. Captain Barkley had followed Desmond there to aid Clancarty. Ormond sent Sir Cormac Mac Tieghe and Sir William Stanley toward Castlemaine to lie in wait for Desmond, while he himself with his horsemen intended to stay this side of the mountain. He told the Queen her opinion had proved true: since he kept Desmond from Waterford and Tipperary, his men had been forced to eat horses and carrion, and now kept from cows in the mountains of Desmond, famine would destroy them as it daily did. He signed the letter "Ormond and Ossory."

38. Raleigh besieges Barryscourt Castle

    near Barryscourt · street · Cork · 1580

    Captain Raleigh received instructions to besiege the castle of Barrys-Court, but Lord Barry fired his own castle rather than surrender it. The Fitzgerald seneschal of Imokilly then set an ambush for Raleigh on his return journey.

    Read the passage

    We find Captain Ealeigh in Cork this year. He seems to have had a constable's commission for arresting persons suspected of disloyalty, and, to do him justice, manifested as much zeal as foolish daring in the discharge of his office. He sets out from Cork to Dublin to make a complaint to his patron, Lord Grey, of the Barrys and Condons, for assisting the rebels, and receives instructions to besiege the castle of Barrys- Court, which he sets about with a will. But he had to deal with resolute and cunning men. Lord Barry fired his castle of Barrys-Court, and his friend, Fitzgerald, the seneschal of Imokilly, set an ambush for the English captain on his return. They lay on the banks of the stream, near the old abbey from which Midleton derived its ancient name of Chore Alley* The place where Ealeigh crossed (near Mr. Murphy's distillery) is pointed out to the present day. Holmshed's account of the affair is amusing enough : —

    " Captain Ealeigh, not mistrusting any thing, had with him only two horsemen, four shot on horseback, and a guide, who was servant to John Fitz-Edmonds, of Cloyne, then a good subject to the queen, and who knew every corner of the country. Being arrived at the ford, the seneschal observing him alone, having outrode his men, clapt spurs to his horse, and crossed him in the water ; however, Ealeigh regained the other side, at which time his guide thought proper to forsake him, and fled towards an adjacent ruined castle for shelter.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 116

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Barryscourt, Captain Raleigh came in 1580. He had a commission for arresting persons suspected of disloyalty, and he showed zeal and foolish daring in carrying it out. He set out from Cork to Dublin to make a complaint to his patron, Lord Grey, that the Barrys and Condons were assisting the rebels. He received instructions to besiege the castle of Barrys-Court, and he set about it with a will. But he was dealing with resolute and cunning men. Lord Barry fired his own castle rather than surrender it. Then his friend, Fitzgerald, the seneschal of Imokilly, set an ambush for the English captain on his return. They lay on the banks of a stream, near an old abbey from which Midleton got its ancient name of Chore Alley. The place where Raleigh crossed is pointed out to the present day. Holinshed gives an account of what happened. Raleigh, not mistrusting anything, had with him only two horsemen, four shot on horseback, and a guide, who was servant to John Fitz-Edmonds of Cloyne, then a good subject to the queen, and who knew every corner of the country. Being arrived at the ford, the seneschal observing him alone, having outrode his men, clapt spurs to his horse, and crossed him in the water. Raleigh regained the other side. At that point his guide thought proper to forsake him, and fled towards an adjacent ruined castle for shelter.

39. Raleigh's night raid on Lord Roche at Castletown

    Castletownroche · town · Cork

    Raleigh left Cork at night with ninety men and gained entry to Castletown, Lord Roche's residence, by pretending to be a benighted traveller. After supper he informed his host that he had orders to convey him and his lady to Cork as prisoners.

    Read the passage

    Raleigh left Cork at ten o'clock at night, with ninety men, for Castletown, the residence of Lord Roche. He approached the gate as a benighted traveller, and asked admittance. When the gites were opened, he and his party pressed in. He saw Lord Roche, and was invited to supper. He supped, and after supper informed his hospitable host, that he had orders to convey him and his lady to Cork. The seneschal of Imokilly and David Barry, prepared a force to intercept them. It was a tempestuous and rainy night, on which no lady should have been asked to travel. Raleigh gained the city by day -break. There is but one apology for Raleigh's unknightly conduct, but it is a good one: — "Zouch ordered him to take Lord Roche and his lady prisoners, and bring them to Cork." The same excuse holds good as it regards the massacre at Smerwick — Raleigh acted under orders. The little we know of Raleigh in Ireland is not to his credit, if we except the introduction of the potato. But this should cover a multitude of sins.

    The Captain Zouch, under whom Raleigh acted, was made Governor-General of the province under the Deputy Lord Grey. Hearing that Sir John of Desmond, the Earl's brother, and James Fitz-John, his warder of Strancally castle, were in the neighbourhood of Castle-Lyons, he resolved, if possible, to seize them. John is described by the Four Masters at this time as

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 117

40. Sir Thomas Norris dies at Mallow (O'Sullivan Beare account)

    Mallow · town · Cork · 1599

    O'Sullivan Beare records that Sir Thomas Norris was carried to Mallow, where he died within fifteen days of receiving his death-wound. The fatal blow was struck by John Burke, Nobilis Connachtus, who left the iron spear-point in Norris's head.

    Read the passage

    The Eour Masters say he was carried from the field to Kilmallock, where he died in six weeks — O'Sullivan Beare says, to Mallow, where he died within fifteen days, and that he received his death- wound from the hand of John Burke, Nobilis Connachtus : —

    "Aliquot inde mensibus Thomas Burkus Castelconelli Baronis frater qui ab Anglis desciuit receptis a Eaymundo Barone, et eius fratre Guilielmo militibus in Muscria Kurkia* castella non satis munita expugnabat quso circa loca Norris qui cum exercitu erat, cum equitibus amplius ducentis, & peditibus mille in Thoman ire contendit, illumque cum equitatu, & bombardarijs ad Killthiliam nanciscitur. Thomas, qui ducentos tantum perdites tune habuit, loco cedere putauit. Eare non contentus Norris in eius ultimos ordines cum equitatu proruit : in cuius impetum Thomas sese conuertit, & Johannes Burkus Nobilis Connachtus Norrisem hasta per Galeam ferit in capite ferream hastse cuspidem relinquens. Norris vulnere

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 143

41. Spanish fleet of forty-five ships arrives at Kinsale

    near Old Head of Kinsale · promontory · Cork · 1601

    On the evening of 20 September 1601, the Spanish fleet of forty-five ships was sighted from the Old Head of Kinsale. The sovereign of Kinsale sent word to Sir Charles Wilmot in Cork that the fleet had passed the river mouth and was bearing up for Cork harbour, preparing to enter the Cove.

    Read the passage

    But the real Spanish fleet came at last, on the 20th of September, "towards night." The sovereign of Kinsale sent a messenger to inform Sir Charles Wilmot, who was in Cork, that a fleet of five-and-forty ships were observed from the Old Head of Kinsale; that they had passed the mouth of the river, and were bearing up for Cork harbour. The information was correct ; the Spaniards were preparing to enter the Cove, when

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 161

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Old Head of Kinsale, on the evening of 20 September 1601, a Spanish fleet of forty-five ships was sighted. The sovereign of Kinsale sent word to Sir Charles Wilmot in Cork that the fleet had passed the river mouth and was bearing up for Cork harbour, preparing to enter the Cove.

42. Spanish foray seizes cattle and sheep at Castlepark

    Castlepark · street · Cork · 1601

    The Spaniards raided the tongue of land at the mouth of Kinsale harbour, carrying off three hundred cows and a number of sheep, which they brought to Castlepark. The raid reflects the food shortages facing the Spanish forces.

    Read the passage

    Don Juan, " Commander in God's War," makes a proclamation to all the Irish Catholics in Kinsale, Cork, and other villages and cities, in which he explains that they owe no subjection to Queen Elizabeth, who has been deprived of her kingdom, and her subjects absolved from their fidelity, by the Pope. But this has not the desired effect, for Cormac Mac Carthy, Lord of Muskerry, and his people, unite with the deputy against the strangers. The Irish are marched up to the very trenches, that the Spaniards may see the side they have taken. They even come to blows with the foreigners, and are found to strike hard and home. The Spaniards make a foray on the " island, as it seemed," — the tongue of land in the mouth of the harbour — and carry off three hundred cows and a number of sheep, which they bring to Castle Park. Captain Taaffe* pursues the party, and retakes a portion of the prey beneath the walls of Castle Park.

    The castle of Eincurran, which lies outside the town, is in the hands of the Spaniards. It is besieged by the

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 163

43. Warders demolish Askeaton castle upon hearing artillery

    Askeaton · townland · Limerick · 1580

    Upon hearing the tremendous roars of the Lord Justice's new guns at the siege of Carrig an Phuill, the warders of Askeaton and other castles were terrified. They began to demolish their own castles with their own hands and left the gates open to the conqueror.

    Read the passage

    The Four Masters' description of the Lord Justice's artillery, at the siege of Carrig an Phuill, or " the Eock of the Hole," is amusing: — " "When the warders of Askeaton and other castles heard the tremendous terror- Wat ing roars of those unknown guns, the like of which had never been heard before, they began to demolish their castles with their own hands, leaving the gates of these which they could not demolish wide open to the conqueror. There was not a solitude, a wilderness, a declivity, or woody vale, from the Cearn of Breas to Cnox-Meadha-Sieril, in which the roar of these wonderful cannon was not heard, and all who heard trembled. James Eustace, son of Eoland, son of Thomas, broke down his castles."

    The new Lord Deputy, Arthur Lord Grey, came to Ireland the 12th of August, 1580, to supersede the Lord Chief Justice, Sir William Pelham. Pelham went to Dublin the 6th of September, and surrendered the sword of office (which he had sharpened and used with tremendous effect) into the hands of his successor. Lord Grey, as the Four Masters observe, was " of higher title and honors" than Sir William, but there never came to Ireland an Englishman more energetic or triumphant than the latter. Grey was accompanied by Captain Sir Walter Ealeigh, and the poet, Spenser, as his secretary.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 114

44. Battle at Monaster-Neva near Bruff between Malby and Geraldines

    Bruff · town · Limerick · 1579

    Captain Malby overtook the Geraldines at Monaster-Neva, about five miles north-west of Bruff, where a battle was fought. The papal standard was displayed and the Jesuit Allen distributed benedictions before the rebels were routed with considerable slaughter; Allen was among the slain.

    Read the passage

    Captain Malby, who was left in command by Drury, followed the Geraldines to Askeaton, and overtook them at Monaster-Neva,f about five miles to the northwest of Bruff. We learn from the Four Masters that the Irish forces were routed, with the loss of Thomas, son of John Oge, and that " great spoils, consisting of weapons and military attire," were left on the field. Leland, who had the English and Irish accounts of the battle before him, gives us the following, which appears the most circumstantial: —

    '* The [English] army consisted of nine hundred foot and fifty horse. Of these three hundred infantry and fifty horse were left in garrison at Kilmalloek ; and on intelligence received that Sir John Desmond lay a few miles distant from Limerick, with a considerable body, Malby marched to attack him with the residue of his

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 112

45. Blarney Castle surrendered to Captain Taaffe

    near Blarney · townland · Cork · 1602

    After being held in irons at Shandon Castle, Cormac Mac Carthy perceived that the president was determined to break him and commanded his constable to deliver Blarney Castle into the hands of Captain Taaffe. He did not regain his liberty after the surrender.

    Read the passage

    or danger. Mac Carthy, perceiving that " the president was resolved either to make him bend or breake," commanded his constable to deliver the castle into the hands of Captain Taaffe. Whether or not he stipulated for his liberty we cannot say, but he did not gain it.

    This Lord of Muskerry was possessed of two other castles, which were deemed of "good importance to command the country, the castle of Kilcrea,* and the castle of Macroom." Kilcrea was rendered — we are not told how — to Captain Slingsby, whom the president sent there to take possession. The case was different with Macroom, seated in the heart of Muskerry, and environed about with woods and bogs. The president sent Captain Flower, and afterwards Sir Charles Wilmot, to lie before it, and gain it by sap or mine, or other stratagem. That which Sir Charles could not accomplish, was done by a very simple accident. The warders having killed a pig, and having " no water to scald the same, were constrained to singe her, as the manner of some countries is." The fire caught the thatch of a cabin, within the bawn, and then the castle. The guard rush out, when about fifty of them are slain, and the smouldering ruins possessed by the Lord President's troops, by whom it is furnished, victualled, and rendered tenable.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 186

46. Captain Taaffe retakes livestock beneath Castlepark walls

    Castlepark · street · Cork · 1601

    Captain Taaffe, whose grandson later commanded the Irish army at Knockninoss, pursued the Spanish raiding party and recaptured a portion of the stolen cattle beneath the walls of Castlepark.

    Read the passage

    Don Juan, " Commander in God's War," makes a proclamation to all the Irish Catholics in Kinsale, Cork, and other villages and cities, in which he explains that they owe no subjection to Queen Elizabeth, who has been deprived of her kingdom, and her subjects absolved from their fidelity, by the Pope. But this has not the desired effect, for Cormac Mac Carthy, Lord of Muskerry, and his people, unite with the deputy against the strangers. The Irish are marched up to the very trenches, that the Spaniards may see the side they have taken. They even come to blows with the foreigners, and are found to strike hard and home. The Spaniards make a foray on the " island, as it seemed," — the tongue of land in the mouth of the harbour — and carry off three hundred cows and a number of sheep, which they bring to Castle Park. Captain Taaffe* pursues the party, and retakes a portion of the prey beneath the walls of Castle Park.

    The castle of Eincurran, which lies outside the town, is in the hands of the Spaniards. It is besieged by the

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 163

47. Capture of Lough Gur Castle by bribery

    near Lough Gur · lake or lakes · Limerick · 1600

    Sir George Carew obtained Loughguire Castle (now Lough Gur) by bribing Owen Grome, to whom John Fitz-Thomas, the Earl's brother, had entrusted its care, with threescore pounds. The ruins of the castle remain to this day in the parish of Knockany, County Limerick.

    Read the passage

    The remark, "touching Loughguire [Castle,]* wherein your brother and yourself have well merited," is a master-stroke, and sufficient of itself to damn the earl's character and reputation as an Irishman and a soldier with O'Neill, and every Irish chieftain in rebellion. The president, as we learn from his panygerist, got possession of this castle by bribing one Owen Grome, — to whom John Fitz-Thomas, the Earl's brother, had committed its care, — with " threescore pounds."

    But let us see how O'Conor acts when he gets possession of the president's forged letter. He requests an interview with the earl, and when they meet, says, u My Lord, you are in hand" — arrested. " In hand ! For whom, or for what?" — " You have combined with the English, and promised the president to deliver me, either alive or dead into his hands, and for proof behold these letters which were intercepted and brought to me."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 147

48. Cormac Mac Carthy examined at Shandon Castle

    near Shandon · locality · Cork · 1602

    Cormac Mac Carthy, Lord of Muskerry, was called before the president and council at Shandon Castle and solemnly denied all charges, especially dealings with the Pope's Apostolic Vicar Owen Mac Egan. The president demanded he surrender Blarney Castle as proof of loyalty, and when he refused, ordered him kept in irons.

    Read the passage

    He is called before the president and council, at Shandon Castle, and solemnly denies all the charges, and especially all dealings or combinations with Owen Mac Eggan, or Mac Egan, the Pope's Apostolic Vicar. The president replied that this was the only matter of importance with which he could be arraigned, his pardon covering any former charges. He was therefore requested, as a proof of his loyal and guiltless heart, to deliver up his castle of Blarney, with the promise of having it restored, if the charge of his dealing and complicity with Owen Mac Egan, were not fully proved. To this he objected. An order was therefore issued to the gentleman porter, to keep him " in yrons closer than before, untill he should demean himself in more dutiful conformitie." Captain Taaffe, in whom Mac Carthy reposed much trust, was employed to persuade him to surrender the castle ; undertaking — " upon his credit " — to preserve his goods from loss

    408 HISTORY OF COBK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 186

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Shandon now, on the edge of Cork. In 1602, Cormac Mac Carthy, Lord of Muskerry, was called before the president and council at Shandon Castle. He solemnly denied all the charges, especially any dealings or combinations with Owen Mac Egan, the Pope's Apostolic Vicar. The president replied that this was the only matter of importance with which he could be arraigned, his pardon covering any former charges. He was therefore requested, as proof of a loyal and guiltless heart, to deliver up his castle of Blarney, with the promise of having it restored if the charge of dealing with Owen Mac Egan were not fully proved. He objected. An order was issued to the gentleman porter to keep him, in the words of the source, "in yrons closer than before, untill he should demean himself in more dutiful conformitie." Captain Taaffe, in whom Mac Carthy reposed much trust, was employed to persuade him, undertaking "upon his credit" to preserve his goods from loss.

49. Desmond escaped from custody of marshal of Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    The Earl of Desmond, having refused to swear fealty to the English crown, was committed to the custody of the marshal of Limerick by the Lord Justice Roger Outlaw. Desmond managed to escape from this custody before being retaken by Sir Anthony Lucy.

    Read the passage

    the English crown, he was committed (by the Lord Justice, Eoger Outlaw,) to the custody of the marshal of Limerick, from whom he escaped. He was retaken soon after by Sir Anthony Lucy, and released upon a solemn oath of fidelity. His sincerity being suspected, he was retaken, and confined for eighteen months in Dublin castle, till he found security for his future good behaviour.

    Edward III. having discovered that the over-large grants of land made to Anglo-Norman lords, had raised them to the position of Irish kings, and produced the same insubordination and anarchy which had existed before the conquest, attempted to curtail, and in some instances to nullify and resume these lordly inheritances, which produced a rebellion among Irish lords that was headed by the Earl of Desmond. The king sent over Ralph Ufford, who summoned a parliament to meet in Dublin, on the 7th of June, 1345. The Earl of Desmond not only refused to attend,* but summoned an opposition parliament to meet at Callan, in the county of Kilkenny, which so provoked Ufford, that he confiscated Desmond's lands, and attempted to seize his person, but not succeeding, took two of his castles, Iniskysty and Island Castle, and hung three of his followers, Sir Eustace Power, Sir William Grant, and Sir John Cotterel.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 22

50. Earl of Desmond lost near Listowel and married Mac Cormac's daughter

    Listowel · town · Kerry

    Thomas, the sixth Earl of Desmond, while hunting on the banks of the Feal near Listowel in Kerry, strayed from his companions and lost his way. He took shelter in the house of his dependant Mac Cormac, whose fair daughter Catherine he wooed and married—an alliance that provoked his followers to desert him and elect his uncle James as chief.

    Read the passage

    Of Thomas, the sixth earl, who died in 1520, we have a sadly interesting tale. When hunting on the banks of the Feal, near the town of Listowel, in Kerry, he strayed from his companions, and lost his way, and being benighted, took shelter in the house of Mac Corinac, one of his dependants. Mac Cormac had a fair daughter, Catherine,* with whom the young earl

    * Catherine Ni William Mac Cormac : Cox.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 29

51. Fitzmaurice's body found and hung at Kilmallock

    Kilmallock · town · Limerick · 1579

    Fitzmaurice's headless body, concealed under an aged tree after his death in battle, was discovered by a hunter. It was then brought to Kilmallock, hung on a gallows, and fired at by a heretic.

    Read the passage

    commanded that one of the ringleaders should be hung, but John of Desmond would not hear of it. In passing through the baronies of Connello and Clanwilliam, the people assembled to oppose them, headed by Theobald and Ulick, the sons of William Burke. They overtook the invaders, who had halted in a wood. Fitzmaurice, at an early period of the engagement, received a ball in the chest ; the wound was mortal, but it fired him to a last effort ; so clearing a passage through the enemy's forces, he rushed up to Theobald Burke, and with one blow of his sword, clave his head in twain.* This decided the battle in his favor. But he had not passed far from the scene of his conquest, when the langour of death came over him. He made a will in a few words, and ordered his friends to cut off his head after his death, lest his enemies should know him, and mangle his remains. O'Daly informs us that his kinsman, Maurice had ordered his head to be cut off, and his body to be concealed under an aged tree,f where, not long after, it was found by a hunter, brought to Kilmallock, hung on a gallows, and fired at by a heretic.

    Queen Elizabeth, to express her sympathy with the sorrow of Sir William Burke, and her sense of his sons' services to the state, created the father a peer of the realm, under the title of Lord Baron of Castle- Connell. Camden remarks, that the old man died

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 111

52. Letter to King of Spain from Donegal, January 1601

    Donegal · town · Donegal · 1601

    Donough Mac Cormac wrote a letter on behalf of Florence MacCarthy to Philip, King of Spain, dated from Donegal on 5 January 1601, offering MacCarthy's person, lands, vassals and subjects to the Spanish royal service and requesting aid against the heretics. The letter, copied by Thomas Shelton, was intercepted by Sir George Carew.

    Read the passage

    majestie, how the said earle hath written to your majestie by two or three wayes ; but understanding that these letters came not to your royall hands, hee hath now againe written by me to your majestie, making offer as well of his person and lands as of his vassals and subjects to your royall service; humbly beseeching your majestie to receiue favour, and aide him with your power and liberall hand, seeing there is no other that can and will assist us better against these heretikes in this holy enterprise. From Donegall, the fift of January, 1601.

    " Your majesties loyal vassall to kisse your royall hands,

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 158

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near Donegal now. In January 1601, Donough Mac Cormac wrote a letter from here on behalf of Florence MacCarthy to Philip, King of Spain. He offered MacCarthy's person, lands, vassals and subjects to the Spanish royal service, and begged the king to aid them against the heretics, writing that there was no other who could and would assist them better in this holy enterprise. The letter was dated from Donegal, the 5th of January, 1601. Thomas Shelton copied it, but it never reached Spain. Sir George Carew intercepted it.

53. MacCarthy's men kill queen's forces near Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1600

    Some of Florence MacCarthy's followers attacked and killed some of the queen's forces under Captain Flower a few miles from Cork. When the president demanded an explanation, MacCarthy replied with a letter full of oaths and blasphemies denying all knowledge of the slaughter.

    Read the passage

    Some of his people attack and kill some of the queen's forces under the command of Captain Flower, a few miles from Cork. The president demands an explanation. He writes a letter " stuffed with damnable oaths and execrable blasphemies, "in which hedenies allknowledge of the slaughter. He has even the audacity to go to Cork and see the president, who gives him his confidence, and informs him he is starting on an expedition to the west, which Mac Carthy at once communicates to James Fitz-Thomas, who prepares to meet him. The president discovered this treachery by James Fitz-

    348 HISTORY OF CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 158

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, you are near the ground where, in 1600, some of Florence MacCarthy's followers attacked and killed some of the queen's forces under Captain Flower. The president demanded an explanation. MacCarthy wrote back a letter the source calls "stuffed with damnable oaths and execrable blasphemies," denying all knowledge of the slaughter. He then had the audacity to go to Cork and see the president, who gave him his confidence and told him he was starting an expedition to the west. MacCarthy at once passed this to James Fitz-Thomas, who prepared to meet him. The president discovered the treachery.

54. Norris forces ambushed marching from Newry to Armagh

    near Newry · town · Down · 1595

    In 1595, Sir John Norris and his brother Sir Thomas Norris led forces from Munster and Meath into Ulster, marching to Newry and then towards Armagh. The Irish attacked them continuously for twenty-four hours, preventing any advance, and the Norris brothers were forced to retreat to Newry, leaving behind men, horses, and arms; both brothers were wounded.

    Read the passage

    " A.D. 1595.— For some time after this the English did not dare to bring any army into Ulster, except one hosting which was made by Sir John Norris and his brother, Sir Thomas Norris, the President of the two provinces of Munster, with the forces of Munster and Meath, to proceed into Ulster. They marched to Newry, and passed from thence towards Armagh. When they had proceeded near half way, they were met by the Irish, who proceeded to annoy, shoot, pierce, and spear them, so that they did not suffer them either to sleep or rest quietly for the space of twenty-four hours. They were not permitted to advance forward one foot further, and their chiefs were glad to escape with their lives to Newry, leaving behind them many men, horses, arms, and valuable things. The general, Sir John Norris, and his brother, Sir Thomas, were wounded on this occasion. It was no ordinary gap of danger for them to go into the province after this."

    Soon after this, Sir Thomas Norris returned to Cork to his duties of Lord President, where he hung Conor

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 131

55. Old Countess of Desmond's extreme longevity

    Mallow · town · Cork · 1589

    Thomas Maol, Earl of Desmond, was husband of the Old Countess of Desmond, who reportedly lived to the age of 162 or 163. Sir Walter Raleigh claimed to have known her in 1589 and stated she had been married during the reign of Edward IV.

    Read the passage

    James, Earl of Desmond, died 1529, and was succeeded by his uncle, Sir Thomas Maol, third son of Thomas of Drogheda. This was the Thomas who united with Cormac Oge and Mac Carthy Eeagh, against his nephew, James, the eleventh Earl of Desmond, at the battle of Mourne Abbey, near Mallow. " In nine battles he wore the palm," and was celebrated by bards as the Victorious. He was even more distinguished as the husband of the old Countess of Desmond, who lived to the age of a hundred and sixty-two, or three. I knew the old countess," says Sir Walter Raleigh, in his History of the World, " who lived in the year, 1589, and many years since, and who was married in Edward the Fourth's time, and held her jointure

    * Lord J}ept(ty.—'Re was not Deputy to the king, but to the Duke of Ekhmond, the king's natural son, who was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland on the 22nd of June, 1529, and held office till his death.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 59

56. Sir John Perrott arrives as Lord President of Munster

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1571

    Sir John Perrott, the reputed son of Henry VIII, arrived in Waterford on 27 February 1571 as the newly appointed Lord President of Munster. He was authorised to bring servants, grain, butter, and cheese to support his administration.

    Read the passage

    SIR JOHN PERROTT, the reputed son of Henry VIII. , and brother to the queen, arrived in Waterford the 27th of February, 1571, as Lord President of Munster. His appointment dated from the latter end of the previous year. The queen writes from Hampton Court, December, 1570, to the President and Council of Wales, to permit Sir John Perrott, appointed president of Munster, to take thirty-four of his own servants and tenants to attend him into Ireland. We meet with a patent, signed the 1st of January, 1571, authorising him to transport 1,000 quarters of grain, 30 barrels of butter, and 500 stone of cheese yearly. Drury got a similar patent in June, 1576.

    It is a received, but erroneous opinion, among Irish writers, that Sir Warham St. Leger was the first Lord President of Munster, in 1567. We do not think that the presidency court of Munster was instituted as early as 1567. We meet among the State Papers, with " Commissioners for Muuster," about this time, or in February, 1568, but no presidency court. There is talk of establishing a presidency court in Muuster, as

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 98

57. Sugan Earl Imprisoned at Shandon Castle

    near Shandon · locality · Cork · 1600

    After his capture in Aherlow, the Sugan Earl was carried prisoner to Kilmallock, then to Shandon Castle in Cork, where the president Sir George Carew resided. From Cork he was sent to the Tower of London, where he died.

    Read the passage

    Fitzgibbon, who was accompanied by Eedmond Burke and six or seven of his own followers, advanced to the mouth of the cave and called out, "James Fitz- Thomas, come out and render yourself a prisoner" The earl came to the mouth of the cave and called on Eedmond Burke to seize Fitzgibbon ; but " the wheel of his fortune being turned," they pointed their swords on himself, and his only companion, a foster-brother. The earl was disarmed, bound, and carried prisoner to Kilmallock, from Kilmallock to Shandon Castle, Cork, where the president, Sir George Carew, resided, and from Cork to the Tower of London, where he died, and lies buried with his cousin the Parliamentary Earl.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 151

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead, the road takes you through Shandon, on the outskirts of Cork. In 1600, the Sugan Earl, James Fitz-Thomas, was captured in a cave in Aherlow. Fitzgibbon came with Eedmond Burke and six or seven followers and called out, "James Fitz-Thomas, come out and render yourself a prisoner." The earl came to the mouth of the cave and called on Burke to seize Fitzgibbon. But they turned on him, pointing their swords at the earl and his foster-brother. He was disarmed and bound, carried to Kilmallock, then brought here to Shandon Castle, where the president Sir George Carew resided. From Cork he was sent to the Tower of London, where he died, and lies buried with his cousin the Parliamentary Earl.

58. Tense stand-off at Desmond's castle in Tralee

    Tralee · town · Kerry · 1576

    The Earl of Desmond invited Sir William Drury to his castle at Tralee during his 1576 circuit. Drury arrived with 120 men but the earl had assembled 800. After a skirmish, the countess persuaded Drury they were merely a hunting party welcoming him.

    Read the passage

    We conclude it was during this tour that the Earl of Desmond invited Sir William to his castle at Tralee. He came, accompanied by a hundred and twenty men. The earl assembled eight hundred to meet, some say to surprise, the Lord President. He made a rush or charge at the wild kerne and galloglasses, and drove them to cover. He then rode up to the castle, and

    236 HISTORY OF CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 108

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Tralee in Kerry. In 1576 the Earl of Desmond invited Sir William Drury to his castle in the town during his circuit. Drury arrived with 120 men. The earl had assembled 800, some say to surprise the Lord President. Drury charged the wild kerne and galloglasses and drove them to cover, then rode up to the castle.

59. William Spencer guides Ginckell in southern military operations

    Cork · city · Cork · 1689–1691

    William Spencer joined King William at the Revolution and acted as guide to General Ginckell in military operations in the South. He lost 300 black cattle and 1,500 sheep, had his house plundered, and his only son wounded in twenty places by the Irish army.

    Read the passage

    The estate was restored, but not till after the restoration of the Stuarts. In July 31, 1678, he obtained a royal grant of other property, to the extent of nearly two thousand acres, in the counties Galway and Eoscommon, among which was Ballinasloe, so famous for its fair. At the Eevolution he joined King William, and it is stated in a representation of his claims, drawn up about 1700, that he had rendered important public services, by acting as a guide to General Ginckell, (afterwards Earl of Athlone) in his military operations in the South. For his zeal in this way he lost 300

    312 HISTORY OF COEE.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 140

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Cork, this is the country where William Spencer guided General Ginckell, afterwards Earl of Athlone, in his military operations in the South. Spencer joined King William at the Revolution. A representation of his claims, drawn up about 1700, stated he had rendered important public services as Ginckell's guide. For his zeal he lost 300 black cattle and 1,500 sheep, had his house plundered, and his only son was wounded in twenty places by the Irish army.

60. Wilmot overruns Beare and Bantry, devastating the country

    Bantry · town · Cork · 1602–1603

    After O'Sullivan's departure, Sir Charles Wilmot found only sick and wounded men in the abandoned camp, whom the soldiers killed. His regiments then overran all Beare and Bantry, destroying everything fit for human relief and wholly wasting the country.

    Read the passage

    When Sir Charles Wilmot entered the camp which O'Sullivan had deserted in Beare, " he found nothing but hurt and sick men, whose paines and lives, by the soldiers, were both terminated. Hereupon Sir Charles, with the English regiments, overran all Beare and Bantry, destroying all that they could find meet ior the relief of man, so that the country was wholly wasted." They were themselves the first to suffer for this inhuman barbarity. " The sharpnesse of this winter journey did exceedingly weaken our companies; for the mountains of Beare being at that time quite covered with snow, tested the strong bodies, whereby many returned sicke, and some, unable to endure the extreamity, dyed standing centinnell,"

    We shall conclude the account of this most unhappy and terrific civil and religious war, with a scene in Carbery, where the Catholic bi&hop of Eoss was slain :

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 189

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Bantry now. In 1602, after O'Sullivan deserted his camp, Sir Charles Wilmot entered and found only hurt and sick men, whose lives the soldiers ended. His English regiments then overran all Beare and Bantry, destroying everything fit for the relief of man, so that, as the record says, "the country was wholly wasted." The soldiers themselves soon paid for it. The winter journey through snow-covered mountains weakened them badly, and some, unable to endure the extremity, "dyed standing centinnell."