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

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read it as the scan has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too. The passages are read off photographs of the page by machine, so a word here and there comes out wrong; they are kept as the reading produced them, so you can check any of them against the scan.

1. Andrew Skiddy acquires the dissolved Shandon Friary site

   near Shandon · locality · Cork · 1562–1596

   The dissolved Shandon friary, having been recovered from John Browne and Edmond Gould, passed to Andrew Skiddy in 1562. The extensive property included halls, a cloister, churchyard, orchards, water mills, a salmon weir, and lands in Templenamraher, County Cork. Skiddy's interest was later purchased by Richard Boyle, first Earl of Cork.

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   It was recovered to the church in Mary's reign, from the hands of John Brown and Edmond Gowle, or Gould, and passed in 1562, during the reign of her sister Elizabeth, into those of Andrew Skiddy,* gent.

   " The scite and precinct of the late house of Ffranciscans, neare unto Corke, with the appurtenances, containing one hawle. one kitchen, one cloyster, six chambers, six cellars, one church-yard, one little orchard, and three gardens, the moytie of one water mille, called the Ffrier's milne, and the third part of one watermille there, one fishing place for salmonde, and one salraonde weare, called Gowle's weare, tenn acr of land arr, and xu accr. of pasc. and xxtie ac. of underwood, wth thapp* in the town and fields of Templenamraher, in the aforesaid County of Cork ; one half acre and one stagne of land arr. in the aforesaid County, and seven gardens, late belonging to the said house, to the said Andrew Skyddye and heyres males of his body, lawfully begotten in Capite per service xxmo parte unius feod mil, rent per annum, ad Recept scij per pmiss rvnj8 vnjd str. at the feastes of Easter and St. Michaell by even porcons."

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 85

   As the companion tells it

   You are coming through Shandon, on the north side of Cork, where a Franciscan friary once stood. In Queen Mary's reign the site was recovered to the church from the hands of John Browne and Edmond Gould. Then in 1562, under her sister Elizabeth, it passed to Andrew Skiddy, a gentleman of Cork. The grant sets out what he got. The site and precinct of the late Franciscan house, with its appurtenances: one hall, one kitchen, one cloister, six chambers, six cellars, one churchyard, one little orchard, and three gardens. Half of a water mill called the Friar's mill, and a third part of another water mill there. A fishing place for salmon, and a salmon weir called Gould's weir. Ten acres of arable land, pasture and twenty acres of underwood in Templenamraher, in County Cork. All held by Skiddy and his male heirs, paying rent at Easter and St. Michael's by equal portions. Skiddy's interest in the property was later purchased by Richard Boyle, who became the first Earl of Cork.

2. Attempt to take Kilfeacle castle; two houses burned

   Kilfeacle · townland · Laois · 1564

   Sir T. Wrothe informed Cecil that he had burned two houses in an attempt to take the castle of Kilfeacle in county Tipperary. The footnote notes that the remains of the castles of Grantstown and Castlefield in this parish were still extant at the time of writing.

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   The accounts from other quarters of the earl's proceedings were not quite so satisfactory. Sir T. Wrothe informs Cecil of his having burned two houses, in an attempt to take the castle of Kilfeacle,f in the county Tipperary. Ormond writes to Cecil to say, that her majesty's subjects under Desmond's rule, are daily invaded by the Earl, his brother John, and their retinue, that he (the Earl of Ormond,) was on the very point of removing the " dam'd impost of coyne and livery," J when the earl's invasions compelled him to continue one evil, in order to meet another. He writes again, (December 4th, 1564,) complaining that his "tenants are spoiled by the earl of Desmond," asking letters to the Lord Justice " to stay the said earl."

   * Brian Boru or Boroimhe. — We find in the presentment of a Cork jury, a complaint that Owen Mac Carthy and Douuell Mac Carthy, " take of the same freeholders and inhabitants a sum of money called cowe."

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 92

3. Battle of Affane: Earl of Desmond captured

   Affane · townland · Waterford · 1565

   In 1565 the Earl of Desmond was ambushed and taken prisoner by the Earl of Ormond's forces at Ath Meadhain (Affane) on the river. Desmond was wounded in the thigh by a pistol shot from Sir Edward Butler and was lame for the rest of his life. The site was also where Sir Walter Raleigh first planted cherries.

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   " A.D. 1565. — It happened on a certain expedition, the Earl of Desmond, i.e. Gerald, the son of James, son of John, had made into the Decies of Munster, that the lord of Decies, namely, Maurice, the son of Gerald, son of John, sent treacherously for the Earl of Ormond, namely Thomas, the son of James, son of Pierce Roe, in order that he might lie in ambush for the Earl of Desmond. The earl (of Desmond) having come to the country, he never perceived until he was surrounded on all sides at a place called Ath Meadhain ; the large body of the ambushed troops attacked, wounded, and took him prisoner, and a great number of his people were either slain or taken prisoners along with him. The Butlers were full of joy and gladness, on account of the great booty and the number of prisoners they had taken on that day, and the result of that capture was, that the two earls went to England, by command of the queen, and having remained for some time in London, they returned back in peace and friendship.

   The Earl of Desmond was wounded in the thigh by a pistol shot from Sir Edward Butler, and was lame the rest of his life. When the Butlers were bearing him on their shoulders from the field!, one of them tauntingly asked, — «' Where is the great Earl of Desmond now?" — "On the necks of the Butlers, where he ought to be," was his ready and witty reply.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 92

4. Bishop Dixon does penance in Dublin Cathedral

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1571

   Bishop Richard Dixon was compelled to do penance in the cathedral of Dublin for retaining a woman of suspected life as his wife. Authorities later sought instructions on depriving him of his position, leading to his deprivation.

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   married wife, has under color of matrimony retained a woman of suspected life as his wife ; that they have compelled him to do penance in the cathedral of Dublin, but fearing to exceed their commission, desire instructions as to depriving him." Weston, writing to Burghley, November 26, 1571, recommends Matthew Seyne to the bishoprick of Cork, " vacant by the deprivation of Richard Dixon."

   Doctor Smith and others, we know not on what authority, say that Dixon was " deprived for popery." No such charge could have been brought against his successor, Matthew Seyne or Sheyne, for this was the bishop who " publicly burnt the image of Saint Dominick at the High Cross of Cork, to the great grief," as Smith says, u of the superstitious Irish of that place." Sheyne was succeeded by the famous William Lyon.*

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 103

   As the companion tells it

   Dublin ahead. In 1571, Bishop Richard Dixon was compelled to do penance in the cathedral here. The charge was that under color of matrimony he had retained a woman of suspected life as his wife. The authorities who compelled him feared to exceed their commission and asked for instructions on depriving him of his position. On November 26, 1571, Weston wrote to Burghley recommending Matthew Seyne to the bishoprick of Cork, vacant by the deprivation of Richard Dixon. Some later writers, including Doctor Smith, claimed Dixon was deprived for popery. The record gives no such charge. The woman, the penance, the cathedral, those are what the commission named.

5. Bishopric of Cork and Cloyne valued at £40

   Cork · city · Cork · 1569–1571

   Lord Deputy Sydney wrote to Cecil in December 1569 seeking appointment of his chaplain Richard Dixon as bishop of Cork and Cloyne, a see whose yearly value did not exceed £40. Dixon was appointed, but within twelve months the appointment was already considered unfortunate, prompting letters from the Lord Chancellor and Archbishop of Dublin to Lord Burghley.

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   ment, in giving absolute power to all their counsellors and governors, which, if they abused, they should afterwards dearly answer. And the contrary thereof, he reprehendeth in the States of Venice, of Florence, and many other principalities of Italy, who use to limit their chief officers so strictly as that thereby they have oftentimes lost such happy occasions, as they could never come unto again ; the like whereof, whoso hath been conversant in the government of Ireland, hath too often seen, to their great hinderance and hurt." The deputy's commission was to make war and peace, to punish or pardon — treason against the queen's person, or counterfeiting money, only excepted — to impose fines, dispose of the estates of rebels, to assemble parliament — with her majesty's privity — to confer all offices, except Chancellor, Treasurer, three Chief Judges, and Master of the Eolls ; and to collate and confer all spiritual promotions, except archbishops, bishops, and deans. In a word, to do all things that the queen would do if present. Although it was decided by Henry VIII., in 1541, that deputies should not appoint to " bishopricks or deaneries," they employed their influence in recommending to these offices, The Lord Deputy Sydney wrote to Cecil, December 26, 1569, to get his chaplain, Eichard Dixon, appointed bishop of Cork and Cloyne, " the yearly value of which did not exceed £40." He was appointed, but the appointment was unfortunate, for in April 16, 1571, we find the Lord Chancellor Weston, Adam Loftus, Archbishop of Dublin, and the Lord Justice Fitzwilliam, writing to LordBurghley, that "Eichard Dixon, Bishop of Cork, less than twelve months, who has a

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 102

6. Bishop Sheyne burns image of Saint Dominick at High Cross of Cork

   Cork · city · Cork

   Bishop Matthew Sheyne publicly burnt the image of Saint Dominick at the High Cross of Cork, causing great grief among the local Irish populace. Sheyne had succeeded the deprived Bishop Dixon.

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   Doctor Smith and others, we know not on what authority, say that Dixon was " deprived for popery." No such charge could have been brought against his successor, Matthew Seyne or Sheyne, for this was the bishop who " publicly burnt the image of Saint Dominick at the High Cross of Cork, to the great grief," as Smith says, u of the superstitious Irish of that place." Sheyne was succeeded by the famous William Lyon.*

   There was persecution at all sides, and great irregularity in church aifairs at this time. Edward Staple, JJishop of Meath, complained, December 16, 1558, " The Lorde Cardinall [Pole] Layed Agaynst me for A grevous Article that I presumed in my sermond to pray for our olde master's sole." The " olde master" was Henry VIII., who had been excommunicated. Essex received instructions from Elizabeth (State Paper, dated May 22, 1561) to repair the jails, and commit such as do not go to church.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 103

   As the companion tells it

   As you travel through Cork, the city carries a story from a time of religious upheaval. Bishop Dixon had been deprived for popery, as Doctor Smith records. His successor was Matthew Sheyne, and no such charge could be brought against him. Sheyne was the bishop who publicly burnt the image of Saint Dominick at the High Cross of Cork. Smith says this brought great grief to the superstitious Irish of that place. Sheyne was later succeeded by the famous William Lyon. It was a time of persecution on all sides and great irregularity in church affairs. In December 1558, Edward Staple, Bishop of Meath, complained that the Lord Cardinal Pole laid against him a grievous article because he presumed in his sermon to pray for our old master's soul. The old master was Henry the 8th, who had been excommunicated.

7. Cork city disturbed by Desmond's wife and brother in revolt

   Cork · city · Cork · 1563

   In 1563, while the Earl of Desmond was detained in England, his brother John and wife Joan took the field against the queen, rendering Munster too hot for her deputy. The city of Cork was disturbed, and its mayor, bailiffs, and commons asked to be protected from pirates, rovers, and malefactors generally.

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   He is detained so long in England, that John his brother, and Joan his wife, take the field against the queen, in 15G3, and render Munster too hot for her deputy. This was the invariable policy when any of these great Irish lords were either detained, or entertained, too long in England, be their place of residence the Tower, the house of the Lord Treasurer, or Hampton Court. The Lord Lieutenant and Council, writing to the queen, inform her that Nicholas Heron and Edward Fitzsymon have delivered " a perfect look " of the hurts committed by the Countess of Desmond, and John, the earl's brother. The Lord Koche, Lord Barry, Sir Maurice of Desmond, Teig Cormac, and others, have received "great hurts." The city of Cork is also disturbed. The mayor, bailiffs, and commons of Cork speak of their exposed position, and ask to be protected from pirates, rovers, and malefactors generally.

   190 HISTORY OF CORK.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 91

   As the companion tells it

   The road brings you near the city of Cork. In 1563, while the Earl of Desmond was detained in England, his brother John and his wife Joan took the field against the queen, and rendered Munster too hot for her deputy. This was the invariable policy when these great Irish lords were detained too long in England, whether their place of residence was the Tower, the house of the Lord Treasurer, or Hampton Court. The Lord Lieutenant and Council wrote to the queen that Nicholas Heron and Edward Fitzsymon had delivered "a perfect look" of the hurts committed by the Countess of Desmond and John, the earl's brother. The Lord Roche, Lord Barry, Sir Maurice of Desmond, Teig Cormac, and others had received "great hurts." The city was also disturbed. The mayor, bailiffs, and commons spoke of their exposed position, and asked to be protected from pirates, rovers, and malefactors generally.

8. Cork mint and counterfeit coiners under Edward IV

   Cork · city · Cork · 1272–1483

   A mint was established in Cork during the reign of Edward I. Under Edward IV, light and adulterated metal was coined there; three coiners were indicted and the Mayor of Cork was instructed to execute the law on them as traitors. The silver money struck in Cork was ultimately 'utterly damned' by act of parliament.

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   A mint was established in Cork in the reign of Edward I. It appears by acts passed, (the llth and

   * " Irish harps" were silver coin that passed for twelve pence in Ireland, and nine pence in England. They bore the queen's head on one side and three harps on the other.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 88

9. Death of the Earl of Desmond at Askeaton

   Askeaton · townland · Limerick · 1558

   The Earl of Desmond died on 14 October at Askeaton, County Limerick, though the Lord Deputy did not report his death to the queen until 31 October. His son Garrett succeeded him as the 'Great Earl of Desmond.'

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   About six months after this, the Lord Deputy writes to the queen — " The Earl of Desmond is now certainly dead" This was written on the 31st October, but the earl died on the 14th, at Askeaton, in the county of Limerick. His son Garrett, who succeeded him, is styled " the Great Earl of Desmond," but this

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 86

10. Desmond and Fitzmaurice dispute over liberties of Kerry

    Kerry · county · Kerry · 1551–1553

    The old Earl of Desmond had a dispute with Lord Fitzmaurice regarding the 'liberties' of Kerry. Desmond offered to entertain judges at his own cost so the case could be fully and fairly tried.

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    The Earl of Desmond is made Treasurer, "with such pre-eminences and dignities as may stand with the surety of the state." There was a necessity for this saving clause, for at this very time the Lord Deputy had to call Gerald, the earl's son, and Maurice, the earl's brother, before him, "for preys they had taken from the O'Mahons;" and the old earl himself had a dispute with Lord Fitzmaurice, respecting the "liberties" of Kerry. He offers to entertain at his own cost,* the Chief Justice Luttrell, P. Barnewall, Master of the Eolls, or any other judges who can speak the language, that the case may be fully and fairly tried. The earl also lays claim to the manor of Dungarvan, which was wrested from him by the Earl of Ormond ; he supplicates the Privy Council, and gets Sir Thomas Cusake, the new Lord Chancellor, to " recommend his suit." This was nothing uncommon in these days.

    Sir John Alen, the late Lord Chancellor, had retired on a pension of two hundred marks, and was engaged in making out depositions against St. Leger, on the score of religion. He was unable to go to England, as the surgeon, in attempting to bleed him in the

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 84

11. Desmond pleads for restoration of Shandon Friary to Cork merchants

    near Shandon · locality · Cork · 1577

    The Earl of Desmond petitioned the Crown in 1577 to compel John Browne and Edmond Gould of Cork to restore the dissolved Friary of Shandon, located outside the city walls, arguing it would benefit the local people. The friary, founded in 1231 by MacCarthy More, was a significant burial site for lords and gentlemen. Its site later became occupied by the North Mall.

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    Lord Fitzwauter succeeds to the title of Earl of Sussex. Philip and Mary send a circular to the nobility of Ireland, charging them to further all good order pertaining to piety. The Earl of Desmond replies, (the letter is dated, Youghal, October 13th,) If her majesty would direct letters to John Browne, and Edmond Gowle, [Gould] merchants of Cork, to restore the dissolved house of Friars' Preachers, adjoining to the city walls, (where many gentlemen and lords have their monuments) it would " do moche good emonges her grace's pore savage people in thies partes, that knoweth not decently where to be buryed."

    The house of Friars' Preachers, of which the earl speaks, was called the Monastery of the Minorites, or the Friars of Seandun, or Shandon. It was founded

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 85

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Shandon, outside the old city walls of Cork. In 1577 the Earl of Desmond wrote from Youghal to the Crown, asking that letters be sent to two Cork merchants, John Browne and Edmond Gould, to restore the dissolved house of Friars Preachers that stood here. He said it would, in his words,

12. Earl of Desmond claims manor of Dungarvan

    Dungarvan · town · Waterford · 1551–1553

    The Earl of Desmond laid claim to the manor of Dungarvan, which had been taken from him by the Earl of Ormond. He petitioned the Privy Council and secured the new Lord Chancellor's support for his suit.

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    The Earl of Desmond is made Treasurer, "with such pre-eminences and dignities as may stand with the surety of the state." There was a necessity for this saving clause, for at this very time the Lord Deputy had to call Gerald, the earl's son, and Maurice, the earl's brother, before him, "for preys they had taken from the O'Mahons;" and the old earl himself had a dispute with Lord Fitzmaurice, respecting the "liberties" of Kerry. He offers to entertain at his own cost,* the Chief Justice Luttrell, P. Barnewall, Master of the Eolls, or any other judges who can speak the language, that the case may be fully and fairly tried. The earl also lays claim to the manor of Dungarvan, which was wrested from him by the Earl of Ormond ; he supplicates the Privy Council, and gets Sir Thomas Cusake, the new Lord Chancellor, to " recommend his suit." This was nothing uncommon in these days.

    Sir John Alen, the late Lord Chancellor, had retired on a pension of two hundred marks, and was engaged in making out depositions against St. Leger, on the score of religion. He was unable to go to England, as the surgeon, in attempting to bleed him in the

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 84

13. Earl of Tyrone arrested in Dublin through guile

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1553

    In 1553 the king wrote to Con, Earl of Tyrone, who had been arrested in Dublin 'through gentill entretenment,' referring him to Sir Anthony St. Leger, whom he intended to send to Ireland as Lord Deputy.

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    leg,* had hit the wrong vein, or u severed a sinew." St. Leger was also hors de combat. In sending a packet of letters to the Duke of Northumberland, he says, — " For thys ij days I have bene so paynyd with the syatyca, as I ame nether hable well to goo nor ryde." In the mean time, Alen's case against St, Leger seems to have broken down, for the king, writing in 1553 to Con, Earl of Tyrone, who, " through gentill enterteignment," was arrested in Dublin, refers him to " Sir Anthony St. Leger, whom he purposes to send presently into Ireland as Lord Deputy."

    We meet at this time with a "Device for the better Government of Ireland," in which it is proposed that no man be Deputy above one year ; that every three years a mere Englishman be Deputy ; that after one year the Earl of Kildare be Deputy. These are among the last Irish State Papers of the reign of Edward VI., and are dated Westminster, June 9th, 1553.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 84

14. Foundation and description of the Shandon Franciscan Friary

    near Shandon · locality · Cork · 1231

    The Monastery of the Minorites, or Friars of Seandun (Shandon), was founded by MacCarthy More in 1231 and was known as 'The Mirror of Ireland' for its strict discipline. It stood outside the city walls on the north side of the river, and its site is now occupied by houses of the North Mall, still known as 'North Abbey.'

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    The house of Friars' Preachers, of which the earl speaks, was called the Monastery of the Minorites, or the Friars of Seandun, or Shandon. It was founded

    13

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 85

15. Kinsale council petitions queen on Desmond's behalf

    Kinsale · town · Cork

    Patrick Meagh, late sovereign of Kinsale, carried an address from the council of Kinsale to the queen, stating that the Earl of Desmond was their only help and security against the disorders of the country, and entreating her majesty to "animate" him by her favour on his present journey to her presence.

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    "Desmond's facteous intention of building a castle," and to Desmond, to hasten his journey. The earl sends Patrick Meagh, late sovereign of Kinsale, to England, to spy out, or pave the way. Meagh carries an -address from the council of Kinsale to the queen, which states that the Earl of Desmond is their only help and security against the disorders of the country, and entreats her majesty to " animate" him by her favor, on his present repair to her presence. To do him justice, he was never wanting in animation.

    He goes, and as he might have suspected, is " sequestered from his liberty," in the house of the Lord Treasurer of England. But the queen is kind to him, and writes to his wife, Joan ; and gets him to swear — to which he never objected in his life — that he will confine himself to his own kin and his own affairs, in the counties of Cork, Limerick, Kerry, and Waterford, and no longer molest the " Lord Great Barry, the Lord Eoche, Little Barry, Barry Eoe, the Lord Courcy, the Lord Fitzmaurice, Sir Maurice Fitzgerald, Mac Carthy More, Mac Carthy Eeagh, Teig Cormac Mac Carthy, O'Sullivan Beare, O'Sullivan More, O'Donoghue, O'Callaghan, and others, which oath he faithfully promises to observe. He also promises — the hypocrite — to assist the protestant bishop in the furtherance of religion. But her most gracious majesty, knowing his weak point, and many temptations, furnished him with a bill, in the way of reminder, entitled, " Book of the debt of the old Earl of Desmond, and of Gerald, the new Earl of Desmond, for rents and possessions held of the crown, £1,386 10s. 8d." Perhaps it was to meet this that he sued Ormond for

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 90

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Kinsale in Cork, this is a town that sent a quiet appeal to a queen. The Earl of Desmond had factional intentions of building a castle, and he was told to hasten his journey to England. He sent Patrick Meagh, late sovereign of Kinsale, ahead. Meagh carried an address from the council of Kinsale to the queen, stating that the Earl of Desmond was their only help and security against the disorders of the country, and entreating her majesty to "animate" him by her favour on his present journey to her presence. To do him justice, he was never wanting in animation. He went, and as he might have suspected, he was sequestered from his liberty in the house of the Lord Treasurer of England. But the queen was kind to him. She wrote to his wife, Joan, and got him to swear, to which he never objected in his life, that he would confine himself to his own kin and his own affairs in the counties of Cork, Limerick, Kerry, and Waterford, and no longer molest the Lord Great Barry, the Lord Roche, Little Barry, Barry Roe, the Lord Courcy, the Lord Fitzmaurice, Sir Maurice Fitzgerald, Mac Carthy More, Mac Carthy Reagh, Teig Cormac Mac Carthy, O'Sullivan Beare, O'Sullivan More, O'Donoghue, O'Callaghan, and others, which oath he faithfully promised to observe. He also promised, the hypocrite, to assist the protestant bishop in the furtherance of religion. But her most gracious majesty, knowing his weak point and his many temptations, furnished him with a bill by way of reminder, entitled "Book of the debt of the old Earl of Desmond, and of Gerald, the new Earl of Desmond, for rents and possessions held of the crown, £1,386 10s. 8d." Perhaps it was to meet this that he sued Ormond for...

16. Philip de Barry's bronze statue and notable friars of St. Mary's of the Island

    Cork · city · Cork

    St. Mary de Insula, the Dominican house on an island in Cork, was founded by Philip de Barry, whose equestrian bronze statue was preserved until the convent's destruction. Several notable churchmen took the Dominican habit there, including David Mac Kelly, Bishop of Cloyne, and Alan O'Sullivan, Bishop of Lismore.

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    "St. Mary de Insula" was founded by Philip de Barry, whose equestrian bronze statue was preserved till the destruction of the convent. David Mac Kelly, dean of Cashel, and bishop of Cloyne, took the Dominican habit in this house, as did also Alan 0' Sullivan, bishop of Lismore, and David, archbishop of Cashel, who built for his brethren a beautiful church and abbey near his own cathedral, on the Eock of Cashel.

    The Earl of Desmond's chaplain writes, May, 1558, from London to the old earl and countess, saying he has presented their letters to the Secretary Petre, but has not been introduced to the queen, or able to deliver the letters brought to him by Thomas Fanning, the tailor, of Youghal. He then adds, that he is going to Flanders or Brabant, to see Cardinal Caraffa, the Pope's legate, respecting a dispensation for the marriage of their daughter, Onoria, with Mac Carthy More — Cardinal Pole, the queen's cousin, not having as yet received his powers.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 86

17. St. Mary's of the Island Dominican friary in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1224–1557

    The Dominican friary of St. Mary's of the Island, adjoining the walls of Cork, was partly thrown down by 1557 when friar Robert Gogan petitioned for its restitution. Founded by Philip de Barry, the convent housed an equestrian bronze statue of its founder until its destruction.

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    A petition was presented to the queen in 1557, by Kobert Gogan, one of the friar preachers of the convent of Youghal, praying for the restitution of the monastery of St. Mary's of the Island, adjoining the walls of Cork, and partly thrown down. This order of friar preachers, or black friars, settled in Ireland, in 1224. The house on the island in Cork,"1 called

    • CJtalice.—NT. Windele, writing in 1844, says, the chalice "is in the possession of the Rev. T. R. England, the biographer of the Abbe Edgeworth aud Father Arthur O'Leary."— Guide to the South of Inland, p. 72.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 86

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this was the site of St. Mary's of the Island, a Dominican friary adjoining the city walls. The order of friar preachers, the black friars, settled in Ireland in 1224. Philip de Barry founded the convent, and for a time it held an equestrian bronze statue of him. By 1557 the friary had been partly thrown down. That year, friar Robert Gogan of the convent of Youghal petitioned the queen, praying for restitution of the monastery.

18. Stone coffins and inscriptions unearthed at North Mall

    North Mall · street · Cork · 1804

    In 1804, digging for the foundations of houses on the North Mall in Cork uncovered numerous stone coffins, believed to contain the remains of the lords and gentlemen mentioned by the Earl of Desmond. One coffin bore a sceptre, while another had the inscription 'Sa Alme hait merci.'

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    Whilst digging in 1804 for the foundation of the present line of houses on the North Mall, a number of stone coffins were discovered, which no doubt contained the remains of the " many gentlemen and lords" of which the Earl of Desmond speaks. A sceptre is inscribed on one of the coffins, on another, " Sa Alme hait merci"

    A small chapel stood on the site of the monastery, in 1690. In this little chapel the ill-fated James IL heard mass. There is a chalice * belonging to this chapel still in existence, engraved " Dna Margareta Sarsfield me fieri fecit pro Fribus Minoribus de Shandon. Anno Domini 1627. Orate pro ea et pro marito ejus Waltro Coppinger."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 86

    As the companion tells it

    Burial ground on North Mall, Cork. In 1804, digging for the foundations of the present line of houses uncovered a number of stone coffins. These no doubt held the remains of the many gentlemen and lords of which the Earl of Desmond speaks. A sceptre is inscribed on one coffin. On another, the words 'Sa Alme hait merci.' A small chapel stood on the site of the monastery in 1690, and in it the ill-fated James II heard mass. A chalice belonging to this chapel still exists, engraved with words recording that Margaret Sarsfield had it made in 1627 for the Friars Minor of Shandon, asking prayers for herself and her husband Walter Coppinger.

19. Youghal council commends Earl of Desmond to queen

    Youghal · town · Cork

    The mayor, bailiffs, and council of Youghal wrote to the queen commending the Earl of Desmond, describing the protection he had given them and how he drove out a den of thieves from a castle four miles up the river. This occurred while the queen demanded Desmond's presence in England.

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    The queen, who held the Earl of Desmond responsible not only for his own conduct but that of his house, demanded his presence in England. Fitzwilliam writes him about Ormond's five hundred pounds, and hints that his delay in answering the queen's lettre de cachet, must seem strange. He asks if he shall meet him at Waterford. The earl screws up his courage, and promises to go ; so the Chief Justice prepares a proclamation for the safety of Desmond during bis absence, and the mayor, bailiffs, and council of Youghal write, commending him to the queen, telling of the protection he has given them, and how he drove out a den of thieves from a castle four miles up the river* — when who should cross his path, and decide his doom, but a messenger from the famous Shane O'Neill, who is in rebellion, and desires the aid of an Irish chieftain to put the South in the same commotion as he has put the North. The earl hesitates. A new idea has struck him, so he begins to build a castle in Lord Eoche's country. Fitzwilliam writes to Cecil of

    * A castle four miles up the river. — The castle, we suspect, of Ehincrvw, or the " Firm Promontory," about four miles above Youghal, on the Blackwater. It is supposed to have been possessed by the order of Knights Templars. Raymond Le Gros, who is believed to have been the founder of Rhincrcw, died here, and was buried in the neighbouring Abbey of Molana. The ruins are still extensive, containing chapel, cloisters, refectory, kitchen and dormitories.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 90

20. Battle of Moin-mor (Moanmore), 1151

    Moanmore · townland · Tipperary · 1151

    In 1151, Thorlough O'Conor, king of Connaught, and Diarmaid MacMurrough, king of Leinster, united forces against Turlough O'Brien and gave battle at Moin-mor. Seven thousand of the Dalcassian troops were slaughtered, their bodies left in the waters, and among the slain was Muircheartach O'Brien, lord of Thomond.

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    The bishop-king was succeeded by his son Diarmaid. It was not till the year 1151, that an opportunity was afforded Diarmaid Mac Carthy of throwing off the yoke of the man who had murdered his pious father. Thorlough 0' Conor, king of Connaught, led an army into Munster, and established Diarmaid in the sovexeignty of Desmond. But 0' Conor had not long withdrawn his forces, before O'Brien set out upon another of his predatory excursions. On his return he met 0' Conor, king of Connaught, and Diarmaid Mac Murrough, king of Leinster, who, with their united forces, gave battle to this redoubtable descendant of Brian Boru. The Dalcassian, or O'Brien troops, were defeated with tremendous slaughter. Seven thousand of their carcases were left to blacken in the waters of Moin-mor,* or great bog. Among the slain was Muircheartach, son of Conor O'Brien, f lord of Thomond, and royal heir of Munster, " the second best man among the Dalcassians." There escaped but one shattered battalion out of three which came to the ground in all the pride and panoply of war. Turlough O'Brien was banished, and the supremacy of Munster assumed by the conqueror, Thorlough 0' Conor, king

    » Moin-mor, i.e. the " Large Bog."— There are many places of this name in Munster, hut the place where this terrible battle was fought, would seem to be Moanmore, in the parish of Emly, barony of Clanwilliam, and county of Tipperary. — 0' 'Donovan's Edition Four Masters, vol. i. p. 1098,

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 3

21. Norman capture of Waterford

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1169

    Norman forces under Strongbow took Wexford and entered Waterford at the point of the sword, slaying about seven thousand Danish and Celtic inhabitants and making prisoners of local leaders.

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    The first fleet of foreigners that came to Ireland with Diarniaid, king of Leinster, in 1169, are called 1 i Flemings" by the Four Masters. With these Flemings were seventy heroes, in coats of mail. The men of Munster "set nothing by the Fleming," thought them unworthy of their steel. But those that followed Strongbow, Fitzstephen, Eaymond Le Gros, and Milo de Cogan, were men of weightier metal. They took Wexford, and entered Waterford at the point of the sword, slaying about seven thousand of the Danish and Celtic inhabitants, and making prisoners of Gillemaire, the officer of the fortress, and O'Faclain, lord of Deisi, and his son.

    Diarmaid Mac Carthy, king of Desmond, or Cork, acted a curious and dubious part during the progress of the Norman Invasion. His conduct appears brave, noble, and patriotic, at first ; vacillating and suicidal in the end. The Annals of Ireland, for the year 1170, contain this entry: — "A victory was gained by the son of Cormac, (grandson of Carthach,) and the people of Desmond, over the knights who were left to protect Port Lairge," or Waterford. But the victory was not followed up by either Mac Carthy or 0' Conor. The latter confined his revenge to the murder of one of the sons of the king of Leinster, whom he held as a hostage for his father's good conduct. Donnell O'Brien, king of Thomond, and his Dalcassians, in order, it would

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 8

22. Thorlough O'Brien flees to Limerick with Brian Boru's drinking-horn

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1151–1153

    After the defeat at Moin-mor, Thorlough O'Brien went to Limerick but could not find shelter anywhere in Munster. He carried with him a vast quantity of gold and jewels, including the drinking-horn of Brian Borumha, which he distributed among Connaught chieftains in a futile attempt to regain support.

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    The condition of Thorlough O'Brien, after the battle, appears to have been truly miserable and contemptible, that of an outcast and a wanderer. Take the following entry : — "Thorlough O'Brien went to Limerick, but he did not get shelter in Munster, and he took many jewels with him, i.e. ten score ouuces of gold and sixty beautiful jewels, beside the drinking-horn of Brian Borumha, and he divided them among the chiefs of Sil-Muireadhaigh, (the O'Conors of Connaught,) Ui- Briuin, (the O'Eourkes of Brefney,) and Commhaicne, (the O'Farrells,) but his presents to the Connaught chieftains were of no avail ; two years after this (1153,) he was banished to the north of Ireland, and Munster was divided between Fadhg O'Brien and Diarmaid Mac Carthy.

    Fadhg O'Brien's reign was of short duration; he was taken prisoner the next year by Finn O'Brien, blinded, and thus rendered, according to the Brehon law, incapable of reigning.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 4

23. Turlough O'Brien slays Hugh O'Keeffe, lord of Fermoy, 1162

    Fermoy · townland · Cork · 1162

    In 1162, Turlough O'Brien, king of Thomond, waged war against Desmond and won two battles. In the second battle he slew Na-Caeimh (Hugh O'Keeffe), lord of Fermoy, and two other chieftains, marking the beginning of a wider war between Thomond and Desmond with fearful slaughter on both sides.

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    Four years after his restoration (1162,) we find him "at war, and winning. In the first battle, the grandson of Carthach, and other men of distinction were slain. In a second battle, he was also victorious, slaying Na-Caeimh, lord of Feara-muighe, (Hugh O'Keeffe, lord of Fermoy,) and two other chieftains. These two battles were only the commencement of a more general war between Thomond and Desmond, during which there was fearful slaughter and devastation on both sides.

    The old man was soon after this deposed by his own son, and driven into Leinster. He made no further effort to regain his throne. It is probable that the unnatural conduct of his son shortened his life. We have the following entry in the annals under A.D. 1167: — "Thorlough, son of Diarmaid O'Brien, king of Munster and Leath-Mhoga, a man who had aimed at the sovereignty of all Ireland, the best man that came in his time for bestowing jewels and wealth upon the poor and the indigent of God, died."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc01gibsiala, Chapter 5