The history of the county and city of Cork (vol. 2)

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. Jeremiah Twomey executed at Gallows Green, Cork, 1767

   Cork · city · Cork · 1767

   On 18 April 1767, Jeremiah Twomey was executed at Gallows Green for robbing the dwelling-house of Joanna Norton at Crosses Green, Cork. Her husband was so ill-treated during the robbery that he died afterwards. The mob believed Twomey innocent and brought his body in a coffin to the prosecutor's door, where they bled him and removed the rope.

   Read the passage

   " April 18, 1767. — Jeremiah Twomey was executed at Gallows Green for robbing the dwelling-house of Joanna Norton, at Crosses Green. Her husband was so ill-treated the night of the robbery, that he died in some time after. Twomey was convicted of the robbery alone. The general opinion was that he died innocent> in consequence of which the mob brought him from the gallows, in his coffin, to the prosecutor's door, where they bled him, took the rope off his neck, threw

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 104

   As the companion tells it

   Passing through Cork, this is where Jeremiah Twomey was executed on 18 April 1767 at Gallows Green, for robbing the dwelling-house of Joanna Norton at Crosses Green. Her husband was so ill-treated the night of the robbery that he died some time after. Twomey was convicted of the robbery alone. The general opinion was that he died innocent, so the mob brought him from the gallows in his coffin to the prosecutor's door, where they bled him, took the rope off his neck.

2. Repeal of woollen export act proclaimed in Cork

   Cork · city · Cork · 1780

   On 1 January 1780, the repeal of the act of William and Mary prohibiting Irish woollen exports was proclaimed in Cork with bell-ringing, feu de joies, and public illuminations. The author notes the repeal came too late to revive the woollen trade, which had already relocated to England.

   Read the passage

   The English government were not slow in discovering this change of feeling, and that Ireland could be no longer governed on the " divide and conquer " principle. They hailed, we hope with sincerity, a better feeling between Protestant and Catholic, and passed an act on the 25th of September, 1778, permitting Catholics to take long leases; and on the 1st of January, 1780, the repeal of the act of William and Mary, which prohibited the export of Irish woollen goods, was proclaimed in Cork amidst the ringing of bells, the firing of feu de joies, and public illuminations. But the repeal of this infamous law was too late ; our woollen trade was too far gone to be recalled ; it had now a fixed habitation in England. The repeal of the law was not worth the powder expended on the feu de joie, but it amused the people.

   On the 31st of May, 1780, there was a grand review of the " United Independent Volunteers, " in the city of Cork; and on the 4th of November, of the same year, the anniversary of King William's birth, "some" of the armed societies met, and fired three vollies on the Mall. Irish Protestants were just beginning to open their eyes, and to understand that the bright

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 121

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Cork, this is the city where, on the 1st of January 1780, the repeal of the act of William and Mary prohibiting the export of Irish woollen goods was proclaimed. The proclamation was met with ringing of bells, firing of feu de joies, and public illuminations. But the author of this history calls it an infamous law whose repeal came too late. The woollen trade was too far gone to be recalled. It had now a fixed habitation in England. In the author's words, the repeal of the law was not worth the powder expended on the feu de joie, but it amused the people. Later that same year, on the 31st of May 1780, there was a grand review of the United Independent Volunteers in the city of Cork. On the 4th of November, the anniversary of King William's birth, some of the armed societies met and fired three volleys on the Mall. The author notes that Irish Protestants were just beginning to open their eyes and to understand that the bright prospects held out to them were not all they seemed.

3. Richard Boyle arrives in Dublin, 1588

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1588

   Richard Boyle, later Earl of Cork, arrived in Dublin on Midsummer eve, June 23, 1588, at the age of twenty-two with only £27 and a few possessions. He described this arrival as guided by divine providence.

   Read the passage

   " After the decease of my father and mother, I being the second son of a younger brother, having been a scholar in Bennett's College, Cambridge, and a student in the Middle Temple, London, finding my means unable to support me to study the laws in the Inns of Court, put myself into the service of Richard Manwood, Knt., Lord Chief Baron of her Majesty's Court of Exchequer, whom I served as one of his clerks; and perceiving that the employment would not raise a fortune, I resolved to travel into foreign lands, and to gain learning and knowledge and experience abroad in the world. And it pleased the Almighty, by his divine providence, to take me, I may justly say, as it were by the hand, and lead me into Ireland, where I happily arrived at Dublin, on the Midsummer eve, the 23rd day of June, 1588."

   He was at this time but twenty-two years of age, with but twenty- seven pounds to begin the world. " When first I arrived in Dublin, the 23rd of June, 1588, all my wealth then was £27 3s. in money, and two tokens which my mother had given me, viz : — a diamond ring, which I have ever since and still do

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 16

   As the companion tells it

   You're coming into Dublin now, the city Richard Boyle reached on Midsummer eve, the 23rd of June, 1588. He was 22 years old. His parents were dead, and as the second son of a younger brother, there was little coming to him. He had been a scholar at Bennett's College, Cambridge, and a student at the Middle Temple in London, but his money ran short and he could not afford to continue studying law at the Inns of Court. So he took a place as clerk to Richard Manwood, Lord Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer. When he saw that post would not build him a fortune, he resolved to travel into foreign lands, to gain learning and experience in the world. He wrote that it pleased the Almighty, by divine providence, to take him, as it were, by the hand, and lead him into Ireland. He arrived in Dublin on the 23rd of June, 1588, with 27 pounds and 3 shillings in money, and two tokens his mother had given him: a diamond ring, which he still kept.

4. Rosscarbery cathedral and St Fachnan's hillside oratory

   Ross Carbery · town · Cork · 500–600

   Rosscarbery, formerly Ross-Alithri ('Wood of the Pilgrims'), had its cathedral said to be founded in the early sixth century by St Fachnan Mongach, patron saint of the diocese. A tradition relates that Fachnan left his prayer-book on a hillside near the town during a wet night, and it remained dry, with a small chapel or oratory said to have been miraculously built over it by angels.

   Read the passage

   This ancient cathedral town was formerly called Boss-Alithri, the u Wood of the Pilgrims." The cathedral is said to have been founded, in the beginning of the sixth century, by St. Fachnan Mongach, " the Hairy," who had been Abbot of Molana, a monastery on an island in the Blackwater, near Youghal. His memory is held in great veneration in Eosscarbery, of which diocese he is patron saint. The following interesting tradition is related of him : It was his daily habit to retire to the side of a hill, near the town, for private prayer. It happened one day that he left his prayerbook behind him. The night was very wet, but the prayer-book was as dry, in the morning, as Gideon's fleece — " the angels had built a small chapel over it." This little chapel, or oratory, stood on the hill side. Doctor Smith says it was repaired by a person, who, in a fit of sickness, had vowed, if he recovered, " to build a church." To build a church, and rebuild an oratory,* are different things.

   About a mile to the west of Boss is Banduff Castle, in Irish Beann-Dubh, "the Black Gable," built by Catherine, daughter of Thomas, eighth Earl of Desmond. Smith says it was built by the O'Donovans,

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 263

   As the companion tells it

   You are coming through Ross Carbery in Cork. This old cathedral town was once called Ross-Alithri, the Wood of the Pilgrims. The cathedral here is said to have been founded at the beginning of the sixth century by St Fachnan Mongach, the Hairy, who had been abbot of Molana, a monastery on an island in the Blackwater near Youghal. His memory is held in great veneration in Rosscarbery, and he is patron saint of the diocese. A tradition is told of him. His daily habit was to retire to the side of a hill near the town for private prayer. One day he left his prayer-book behind him. The night was very wet, but the prayer-book was as dry in the morning as Gideon's fleece — the angels had built a small chapel over it. This little chapel, or oratory, stood on the hillside. Doctor Smith says it was repaired by a person who, in a fit of sickness, had vowed, if he recovered, to build a church. To build a church, and rebuild an oratory, are different things.

5. Wentworth fines Lord Cork over Youghal College property

   Youghal · town · Cork · 1633

   Lord Wentworth (Strafford) prosecuted the Earl of Cork for unlawful possession of the college and revenues of Youghal, fining him £15,000 and depriving him of all advowsons and patronages, except the college-house and some demesne lands near Youghal. Laud approved of the action, writing that 'church cormorants' needed a vomit of physic.

   Read the passage

   The Earl of Cork is taken by suprise, and not having his papers in Dublin, where he was then residing, asks for time, and pleads his privilege, " it being parliament time." The suit is put off till next term, when the earl produces his leases, deeds and patents. Lord Wentworth, after hearing the defence, adjourned the court, and sent a message to Lord Cork, to say, that if he submitted his case to him he would prove the best friend he ever had. Lord Cork, seeing no wiser course, agreed to abide by the Lord Deputy's decision, who fined him fifteen thousand pounds in lieu of the rents and profits of the Youghal College property, which he had drawn, and deprived him of all the advowsons and patronages — of everything, with the exception of the college-house and some fields or demesnes near Youghal.

   The earl was never so " done " in all his life. This decision was apples and nuts to Laud, who writes Wentworth, November 15, 1633—" My lord, I did not take you to be so good a physician as you are for the truth ; a great many church cormorants have fed so full upon it that they are fallen into a fever, and for that no physic is better than a vomit, if it be given in time, and therefore you have taken a very judicious course to administer one so early to my Lord Cork. I hope it will do him good, though, perchance, he thinks

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 28

6. Admiral Hawke's lead statue at Rostellan

   Rostellan · townland · Cork

   A lead statue of Admiral Lord Hawke, originally commissioned by the Corporation of Cork, was purchased by the Earl of Inchiquin and erected near the battery at Rostellan with its back to the city. It fell from its pedestal, lay buried under rubbish, and was later discovered and restored by Doctor Wise, who supplied a new nose.

   Read the passage

   was completed, the work was left on the artist's hands. The Earl of Inchiquin became the purchaser, and set it up near the battery, with its back towards the ungrateful city. It fell from its pedestal many years ago, and lay buried beneath a heap of rubbish. Here it was discovered by Doctor Wise, in a sadly battered state, wanting a nose, which has been supplied with great skill. The admiral is now established in the hall of Eostellan, amidst a splendid array of guns, pistols, blunderbusses, swords, spears and daggers, of every imaginable size and shape, intermingled with the antlers of Irish deer, and the heads of Indian tigers. Here the old warlike admiral* must feel quite at home. The conduct of the corporation to Lord Chatham,* or rather to his statue, was on a par with their conduct to Admiral Hawke. When Cork supported and lauded the measures of the great statesman, he praised both city and citizens, of which they shewed their appreciation by voting him a statue, and the freedom of the city in a gold box. When Cork was quoted against Chatham, " Quote Cork against me, forsooth," thundered the great commoner — " What do I care for what is done in Cork, that refuge for pirates, that spawning ground for smugglers, and prolific nursery of privateers." It was after this that his statue was stowed

   * The old warlike admiral. We conclude that Her Majesty's ship Hawke, which, for the last few years, has been guard-ship of our harbour, was called after this old admiral.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 226

7. Lord Clare's failed meeting with the Sheares in Limerick

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1798

   Before the 1798 rebellion, Lord Chancellor Clare met the Sheares brothers at a house in Limerick during the assizes in a failed attempt at conciliation. The meeting ended in exasperation, with the brothers leaving flushed and defiant.

   Read the passage

   " Before the outbreak of the insurrection in 1798, during the assizes of Limerick, Lord Clare desired to have an interview with the two Sheares, to which my father, in the hope of a pacific result, invited them to his house ; but it ended, unfortunately, in more intense exasperation and irritation, as was discernible in the young men's flushed features and defiant bearing as they parted. Yet the Chancellor's object was certainly benevolent and conciliatory, but they were intractable. The interview was close and private, still I marked their aspect on leaving the house — inflamed and indignant in every lineament. Possibly overtures repulsive to their feelings may have thus excited them."

   Lord Clare, after this, gave them up, and, it is said, got the infamous Toler — better known as Lord Norbury — appointed as Attorney- General, that he might conduct the prosecution. Sir Jonah Barrington waited on Fitzgibbon, and urged him to save the elder, if it were only for the sake of his wife and children. The

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 133

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, this city holds a story from 1798, before the insurrection broke out. During the assizes here, Lord Chancellor Clare wanted to meet the two Sheares brothers. The narrator's father invited them to his house, hoping for a peaceful result. But the meeting ended in deeper exasperation and irritation. The Chancellor's aim was benevolent and conciliatory, but the brothers were intractable. The interview was close and private, yet the narrator marked their aspect as they left the house, inflamed and indignant in every lineament. Possibly overtures repulsive to their feelings may have thus excited them. After this, Lord Clare gave them up. He got Toler, better known as Lord Norbury, appointed as Attorney-General to conduct the prosecution. Sir Jonah Barrington waited on Fitzgibbon and urged him to save the elder brother, if only for the sake of his wife and children.

8. Lord Muskerry's blockade of Cork and sally from the city

   Cork · city · Cork · 1642

   Lord Muskerry invested the city of Cork in 1642 from his camp at Rochfortstown three miles away. On 13 April his troops chased English scouts into the suburbs, but Lord Inchiquin and Colonel Yavasor sallied forth, routing the besiegers for three miles, killing Captain Sugane and 200 Irish troops.

   Read the passage

   " On the 13th of April the Lord Muskerry, who had kept his camp at Roehfortstown, within three miles of Cork, caused a party of the army to chase the English scouts into the very suburbs." The Lord President, Sir William St. Leger, is within the walls, too sick to take an active part in the defence of the city. Lord Inchiquin and Colonel Yavasor get his permission to sally. They catch the besiegers in the act of packing up their traps; they chased them for three miles, taking their equipages and carriages, with Lord Muskerry's armour, tent and trunks. Mac Fineen's brother, better known as Captain Sugane, with two hundred of the Irish troops, were slain.

   The parliamentary troops are in need of everything, so much so that St. Leger permits them to seize £4,000, which Sir Robert Tynte, of Youghal, was transporting into England. Tynte was afterwards recompensed by the grant of land* between Youghal and Castlemartyr. Lord Cork says, writing to the Earl of Warwick, "Before this rebellion, my revenue, besides my houses, demesnes, parks, and other royalties, did yield me fifty pounds a day rent. I do vow unto your lordship that I have not now fifty pence a week coming to me." He had to provide in Youghal for fifteen companies, who were fed on salt beef, barrelled butter, and biscuit— " with water to drink," — " which," says his lordship, "made a rich churchyard and a weak garrison."

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 37

9. Raleigh's farewell dinner at Clayton's house

   Cork · city · Cork · 1617

   On the day Sir Walter Raleigh took ship from Cork on his last voyage, he dined at Sir Randall Clayton's house. Boyle provided him with money and provisions, and Raleigh charged his son never to dispute Boyle's purchase of his Irish lands.

   Read the passage

   " Moreover, sir, I pray believe, for upon the faith of a Christian, it is most true, that your father's last coming into Ireland* cost me above 1,000 marks sterling, whereof I supplyed him, in ready money, with 350 crowns, as his several receipts, all written in his own hand, do testify, which are extant with me. Besides the oxen, biscuit, beer, iron, and other wants of his, which I bought and supplyed withall. And the very day that he took shipping from Cork, on his last fatal voyage, he did me the honour to dine with me,

   * Last coming to Ireland.— Sir Walter Raleigh sailed from Cork harbour on his last unfortunate expedition to the West Indies, the 9th of August, 1617. His vessel lay in the river, somewhere between Dundanion and Tivoh. I have been >inted to cedars at Tivoli which tradition says were planted by Sir Walter 1 '^h's own hand.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 22

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Cork, this is the city where Sir Walter Raleigh sailed on his last voyage in 1617. On the very day he took ship, he dined at Sir Randall Clayton's house. Boyle had supplied him well. He gave Raleigh 350 crowns in ready money, with receipts in Raleigh's own hand, and bought oxen, biscuit, beer, iron and other provisions. Raleigh's last coming into Ireland had cost Boyle above 1,000 marks sterling. At that farewell dinner, Raleigh charged his son never to dispute Boyle's purchase of his Irish lands.

10. 1641 rising at Clonakilty and Inchidonny drownings

    Clonakilty · town · Cork · 1641

    During the 1641 civil war, English settlers in Clonakilty fled to Bandon. Lord Forbes arrived with Scotch troops and Bandon militia, but the Irish rose in his absence and cut off the Scotch regiments. The Irish retreated toward Inchidonny in Clonakilty harbour, where a number were drowned by the incoming tide.

    Read the passage

    Clonakilty is a post and market town, twelve miles from Bandon and thirty-two miles from Cork. It is governed by town commissioners. It was formerly governed by a sovereign and burgesses, like Kinsale. It was a borough town, and sent members to the Irish parliament. It was incorporated in 2nd of James L, through the interest of the Earl of Cork. At the breaking out of the civil war in 1641, the English settlers in Clonakilty fled en masse to Bandon, which was a walled town. Lord Forbes, a Scottish nobleman, who had served with distinction under Gustavus Adolphus, marched to the relief of Clonakilty, where he left two companies of Scotch troops, and some Bandon militia, and pressed on to Bath-Barry. The Irish rose in his absence, and cut off the Scotch regiments, the Bandon men making good their retreat to an old fort near Boss, where they maintained their ground till reinforced by Lord Forbes. The Irish retreated, and made for Inchidonny, in Clonakilty harbour, but the tide coming in, a number of them were drowned. On Lord Forbes5 return to the town, he found some of the English settlers imprisoned in the market-house, who firmly believed they were to be burned alive, as a feu dejoie for the victory of the Irish over the Scotch.

    A very good classical school was established here in 1808, by the Earl of Shannon, who assigned a fine house and some land towards its support. Here that pure and noble-minded lady, Miss Donovan, established a female school in connexion with the National Board, which was a model for the whole county, and did much for the moral and social advancement of the females of the town and neighbourhood, where the influence of

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 260

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Clonakilty, a post and market town twelve miles from Bandon and thirty-two from Cork. It was a borough town, incorporated in the 2nd year of King James I through the interest of the Earl of Cork. It sent members to the Irish parliament and was governed by a sovereign and burgesses, like Kinsale. At the breaking out of the civil war in 1641, the English settlers in Clonakilty fled en masse to Bandon, which was a walled town. Lord Forbes, a Scottish nobleman who had served with distinction under Gustavus Adolphus, marched to the relief of Clonakilty. He left two companies of Scotch troops and some Bandon militia there, and pressed on to Bath-Barry. The Irish rose in his absence, and cut off the Scotch regiments. The Bandon men made good their retreat to an old fort near Boss, where they maintained their ground till reinforced by Lord Forbes. The Irish retreated, and made for Inchidonny, in Clonakilty harbour, but the tide coming in, a number of them were drowned. On Lord Forbes's return to the town, he found some of the English settlers imprisoned in the market-house, who firmly believed they were to be burned alive, as a feu de joie for the victory of the Irish over the Scotch.

11. Armed men attacked woollen draper's shop near North Bridge, 1772

    Cork · city · Cork · 1772

    On January 11th, 1772, a number of men with blackened faces and armed with hangers and bludgeons entered the shop of a woollen draper near North Bridge in Cork. They broke the shop windows, cut and spoiled goods, and carried off large quantities, apparently because he sold English and Dublin goods.

    Read the passage

    "January llth, 1772. — A number of men this evening, with their faces blackened, and armed with hangers and bludgeons, entered the shop of a respectable citizen, a woollen draper, near North Bridge, where they behaved in a most riotous and cruel manner, put out the candles, broke his shop windows in pieces, and cut, spoiled, and carried off large quantities of his goods. No reason could be assigned for this outrage, but that he sold English and Dublin goods."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 107

    As the companion tells it

    Cork, January 11th, 1772. A number of men with blackened faces, armed with hangers and bludgeons, entered the shop of a respectable woollen draper near North Bridge. They put out the candles, broke the shop windows in pieces, and cut, spoiled, and carried off large quantities of his goods. The only reason that could be assigned for the outrage was that he sold English and Dublin goods.

12. Bishop Bramhall escapes Cromwell in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1649

    Bishop Bramhall narrowly escaped Cromwell's hands while in Cork, as Cromwell seems to have borne him a grudge. Cromwell remarked he would have given a good sum for 'that Irish Canterbury.'

    Read the passage

    Bishop Bramhall narrowly escaped the protector's hands in Cork, who seems to have owed him a grudge. " I'd have given a good sum for that Irish Canterbury," said the nonconformist general, who was fond of a joke, though his jokes were generally poor ones. Being in want of artillery, he ordered the Cork bells toT)e converted into battering ordnance. Some of his friends remonstrating on the score of sacrilege, he replied, " Since gunpowder was invented by a priest, I think it not amiss to promote the bells into canons."

    Cromwell's humour was sometimes of a very grim kind. Eichard Magner, of Castle-Magner, near Mallow, went to pay his respects. Some one whispered in Cromwell's ear that Magner was a troublesome fellow, who had been active in the late rebellion. Oliver received him with apparent favor, and gave him a letter for his friend, Colonel Phair, the Parliamentary Governor of Cork. Magner thought it prudent to look at the letter before handing it to such a man. He broke the seal, and read his own death-warrant, in these words — " EXECUTE THE BEARER." This letter shall be delivered, soliloquised Eichard, but not by me ; so he posted off to Mallow, and handed it to the officer commanding there — who had often preyed upon his lands — telling him that General Cromwell directed that he should deliver it in person. This officer did not hesitate a moment. It might contain instructions for his promotion ; it might give him a lift, very likely,

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 59

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this city has a story from 1649. Bishop Bramhall narrowly escaped Cromwell's hands here in Cork. Cromwell seems to have borne him a grudge. He said he would have given a good sum for, in his words, that Irish Canterbury. The nonconformist general was fond of a joke, though his jokes were generally poor ones. Being in want of artillery, he ordered the Cork bells to be converted into battering ordnance. Some of his friends remonstrated on the score of sacrilege. He replied, since gunpowder was invented by a priest, he thought it not amiss to promote the bells into canons. Cromwell's humour was sometimes of a very grim kind. Richard Magner of Castle-Magner, near Mallow, went to pay his respects. Someone whispered in Cromwell's ear that Magner was a troublesome fellow, who had been active in the late rebellion. Oliver received him with apparent favour, and gave him a letter for his friend, Colonel Phair, the Parliamentary Governor of Cork. Magner thought it prudent to look at the letter before handing it to such a man. He broke the seal, and read his own death-warrant, in these words: execute the bearer. This letter shall be delivered, soliloquised Richard, but not by me. He posted off to Mallow, and handed it to the officer commanding there, who had often preyed upon his lands, telling him that General Cromwell directed that he should deliver it in person. This officer did not hesitate a moment.

13. Castlehaven defeats Vavasor near Fermoy, June 1643

    Fermoy · townland · Cork · 1643

    On Sunday, 4 June 1643, the Earl of Castlehaven commanded the Irish confederate army to a complete victory over Colonel Vavasor's forces near Fermoy, along the Blackwater. The English lost their colors, artillery, and five or six hundred slain, with Vavasor taken prisoner.

    Read the passage

    It was Sunday, the 4th of June, when Mr Hill, with a troop of horse, were sent to scout or pillage near Clooheen. The morning was dark and cloudy. "When the sun dispelled the mist, they found themselves almost surrounded by the Irish horse. The English broke through, and passed the river Funcheon, and gained the top of the hill, with the enemy at their heels. From this hill to Fermoy, there is a narrow defile, through which they pressed upon their main body, that lay on the banks of the Blackwater, under command of Colonel Yavasor. There was no escape. The Earl of Castlehaven, who commanded the Irish, gained a complete victory. The English lost their colors and artillery, and had five or six hundred slain, and a large number made prisoners, among which was their commander, Sir Charles Yavasor ; for Castlehaven had not adopted the bloody and inhuman practice of refusing quarter. The Irish commander describes the

    74 HISTORY OF CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 41

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Fermoy, on Sunday the 4th of June 1643, a troop of horse under Mr Hill was sent to scout or pillage near Clooheen. The morning was dark and cloudy. When the sun dispelled the mist, they found themselves almost surrounded by the Irish horse. The English broke through, passed the river Funcheon, and gained the top of a hill, with the enemy at their heels. From that hill to Fermoy there is a narrow defile, through which they pressed upon their main body, which lay on the banks of the Blackwater under Colonel Vavasor. There was no escape. The Earl of Castlehaven, commanding the Irish, gained a complete victory. The English lost their colors and artillery, had five or six hundred slain, and a large number made prisoners, among them their commander, Sir Charles Vavasor. Castlehaven had not adopted the practice of refusing quarter.

14. Castle on Haulbowline, Water Club meeting place

    near Haulbowline Island · population centre · Cork · 1602–1760

    A castle on Haulbowline was erected by Lord Deputy Mountjoy and Carew in 1602, with a constable placed in charge at a salary of 1s. 2d. per diem. This constable is believed to have been the first 'Knight of the Island,' a steward role for the old Water Club, which met among the ruins of the fortifications. The last knight was John Sheehan, whose grandfather was the only man living on Haulbowline.

    Read the passage

    * Steward, called the Knight of the Island. The old castle, in which the Water Club met, was erected by the Lord Deputy Mountjoy, and Carew, in 1602, (vol. i., p. 8,) who put a constable in charge, with a salary of Is, 2d. per diem. This constable, we conclude, was the first " Knight of the Island." The last knight was John Sheehan. His grandson is coxswain of one of the engineer boats on Spike Island. His grandfather, like Eobinson Crusoe, was the only man living on Haulbowline. IJis father was born there, about 90 years ago. The coxswain is the oldest inhabitant of Spike.

    414 HISTORY OF CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 214

15. Charleville House burned by retreating army

    Charleville · town · Cork · 1690

    A retreating Jacobite army halted at Charleville and fired Charleville House after the duke had dined there, fulfilling a prophecy pronounced by John Exham, the mad Quaker. The army plundered and fired most houses north of the Blackwater.

    Read the passage

    Cashel, returned on their steps towards Limerick. They halted at Charleville, and fired Charleville House, after the duke had dined there, thus fulfilling the prophecy, or malediction, pronounced upon this house of the Earl of Orrery, by John Exham, the mad Quaker. Indeed this army plundered and fired most of the houses north of the Blackwater.

    Five hundred men, under young Colonel O'Driscoll, attempted to fire Castle-Townsend, the residence of Colonel Townsend, in West Carbery. They were stoutly resisted by the colonel and a garrison of thirtyfive men. Twelve of the Irish dropped at the first volley. On a second attack, O'Driscoll, Captain Teig O' Donovan, Captain Cronin, and about thirty of their men, were slain, and a great number wounded, " so they were forced to retire with loss and shame.'7

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 86

16. Cork refuses to proclaim King James I

    Cork · city · Cork · 1603

    Mountjoy sent Captain Morgan to Cork on 11 April 1603 to proclaim the new king. Mayor Thomas Sarsfield delayed, citing the charter, and compared the situation to the premature proclamation of Perkin Warbeck in Dublin. The Chief Justice of Munster threatened commitment, but recorder William Mead defied the commissioners.

    Read the passage

    Mountjoy sends Captain Morgan to Cork, the llth of April, to have the new king properly proclaimed. Sir George Thornton, one of the two commissioners of Munster, applied to Thomas Sarsfield, then mayor, who replied that the charter allowed his taking "time to consider of it." Sir George replied that the king, who had a just right to the crown, had been proclaimed in Dublin, and that a delay would be taken ill. The mayor replied smartly enough, that Perkin Warbeck had also been proclaimed in Dublin; and that much damage had come of their precipitation. The Chief Justice of Munster, Saxey, who was present,

    * One of the Cecils.— Both the brothers, Robert and Thomas, got the credit of* these lines.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Cork. In 1603, this city refused to proclaim the new king. Mountjoy sent Captain Morgan here on the 11th of April to have King James properly proclaimed. Sir George Thornton, one of the two commissioners of Munster, went to Thomas Sarsfield, the mayor. Sarsfield said his charter allowed him "time to consider of it." Sir George told him the king had been proclaimed in Dublin already, and that a delay would be taken ill. The mayor replied that Perkin Warbeck had also been proclaimed in Dublin, and that much damage had come of their precipitation. The Chief Justice of Munster, Saxey, was present.

17. Cromwell summons and takes New Ross

    New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1649

    Cromwell summoned Lucas Taaffe to deliver the town of Ross to the Parliament of England. After exchanging letters in which Cromwell explicitly denied liberty to exercise the Mass, Taaffe surrendered the town rather than risk the fate of Drogheda or Wexford.

    Read the passage

    " Sir, Since my coming into Ireland, I have this witness for myself, that I have endeavoured to avoid effusion of blood ; having been sent before no place, to which such terms have not been first sent, as might have turned to the good and preservation of those to whom they were offered; this being my principle, that the people and places where I come may not suffer, except through their own wilfullness. To the en<jH may observe the like course with this place and people therein, I do hereby summon you to deliver the town of Eoss into my hands, to the use of the parliament of England. Expecting your speedy answer, I rest, your servant,

    " OLIVER CROMWELL."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 52

18. Curse on the Thomonds at Rostellan

    Rostellan · townland · Cork

    Local inhabitants believed an old woman cursed the Thomond family for removing her family's gravestone to pave a new kitchen, predicting they would never have a direct heir and that crows would never build in Rostellan's woods. Both predictions apparently came true: the three Marquises had no male heir, and cranes, not crows, occupied the trees.

    Read the passage

    where it stood. Near this is the site of the ancient churchyard, which may still be distinguished in dry seasons, by the grass drying up over flag-stones, probably left near the surface. It is believed by many of the inhabitants, that an old woman cursed the Thomonds for removing the grave-stone of her family, to pave a new kitchen. She predicted they would never have a direct heir, and that crows would never build their nests in the woods of Eostellan. Both proved true. The three Marquises of Thomond had no male heir, and crows do not build upon the stately trees near the castle. I can find no flag stones in the kitchen floor that could have been tomb-stones, and as cranes have taken possession of the trees, this accounts for the absence of crows.

    " In the entrance hall of the castle of Eostellan, was a large two-handed sword and a helmet, that had belonged — it is said — to the renowned Brian Boru, the progenitor of the Thomond family. On the sale of the property, the sword was left, but the helmet, which was a comparatively modern piece of armour, removed. Its real history was discovered on the occasion of the nieces of the late Admiral Sir Eichard Grant, visiting Eostellan. On that occasion the old admiral requested them to enquire for ' the helmet he had picked up in Spain, and which had for years decorated his ship's cabin,' and which, at the request of the marquis, he had sent to Eostellan, as a suitable companion to the two-handed sword."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 225

19. Death and burial of Richard Pike in Cork gaol and new graveyard

    Cork · city · Cork

    Richard Pike, imprisoned with other Quakers in Cork gaol, contracted a dangerous distemper from close confinement and died after being released home. His corpse was carried to the gaol and offered to the gaoler, who refused it; he was then interred in a new graveyard, his body being the first laid there, buried alongside his youngest child Benjamin.

    Read the passage

    " His words were so powerful, and so pierced my heart in particular, that as soon as he had done, I remember I went out of the room into another, in great agony of spirit. Some of his exhortations during his sickness were committed to writing and read at his burial, previous to which it was advised that as he had been a prisoner, his corpse should be carried to the gaol and offered to the gaoler, which was accordingly done, and he refusing to receive it, it was then carried to the grave-yard and decently interred, his body being the first that was laid there ; and with him, in the same grave, was buried his youngest child Benjamin, who died either on the same day as his father, or the day following."— See Life of Joseph Pike, pp. 2, 3, 4, 6.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 65

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this city holds the story of Richard Pike. He was a Quaker, held prisoner in Cork gaol with others of his faith. During his sickness, his words were so powerful they pierced the heart of at least one hearer, who left the room in great agony of spirit. His exhortations were written down and read aloud at his burial. Before that burial, it was advised that since he had been a prisoner, his corpse should be carried back to the gaol and offered to the gaoler. This was done. The gaoler refused to receive it. The body was then taken to a new graveyard and decently interred, and Richard Pike was the first person laid to rest there. In the same grave they buried his youngest child Benjamin, who died either the same day as his father or the day following.

20. Earl of Orrery's Charleville mansion burnt 1690

    Charleville · town · Cork · 1690

    The Earl of Orrery built a magnificent mansion in Charleville, which was burnt down in 1690 by order of the Duke of Berwick, who had dined there, fulfilling a prediction made by John Exham, the mad Quaker.

    Read the passage

    The Earl of Orrery built a magnificent mansion in Charleville, which was burnt down in 1690, by order of the Duke of Berwick, who had dined there ; thus fulfilling, as we have shewn (in page 165,) the prediction of John Exham, the mad Quaker.

    Charleville is an incorporated market and post town. The number of houses in 1831 was 741. The present number of inhabitants must be over 4,000. It has a Protestant Church, rather a handsome Catholic Chapel, National Schools,* and a National Bank. The Earl of Cork is the principal proprietor, and is esteemed a good landlord. The new road from Charleville to Croom improved the trade of this town, by shortening the distance to Limerick. The new railway to Foynes, now in contemplation, will increase the facilities of intercourse. Charleville is on the borders of the County Limerick. The mail coach, from Cork to Limerick, passed through this town, near which is a station of the Great Southern and Western Eailway.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 246

21. Executions at Kilcullen for army pillaging

    Kilcullen · town · Kildare · 1690

    As William's army marched south from Dublin, soldiers pillaged the road despite the king's proclamation. Strict orders were given to seize offenders, and several were executed at Kilcullen, including a quarter-master and a waggon-master of the Dutch dragoons.

    Read the passage

    even in the king's and general's presence ; whereupon strict orders were given to seize offenders, and several were taken and executed at Kilcullen, and among them a quarter-master and a wagh-master of the Dutch dragoons.

    11 July 13. Being Sunday, our whole army halted, and by yesterday's pillage were full of beef and mutton. I preached in the field against swearing, on James v., 17, and while I was in the sermon, seven prisoners were led along our line in order to their execution, and among them one of our regiment : whereupon our major took horse immediately, and went to the general to get him off, which he did, the rest threw dice to save their lives, and three of them were executed.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 78

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Kilcullen in Kildare, this is where William's army passed in 1690, marching south from Dublin. Soldiers pillaged the road despite the king's proclamation. Strict orders went out to seize offenders. Several were taken and executed here, among them a quarter-master and a waggon-master of the Dutch dragoons. On Sunday 13 July the whole army halted. A preacher in the field preached against swearing, from James chapter 5, verse 17. During the sermon seven prisoners were led along the line to execution, one from his own regiment. The major took horse and rode to the general to get that man off, and he did. The rest threw dice to save their lives, and three were executed.

22. Five thousand French troops land at Kinsale

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1689

    On the day James left Kinsale for Cork, five thousand French troops landed at Kinsale under Count Lauzun and the Marquis de Lary. James sent over 5,270 Irish troops in exchange, constituting the first instalment of the famous Irish Brigade.

    Read the passage

    Five thousand French troops landed in Kinsale the day James left for Cork, under the command of Count Lauzun and the Marquis de Lary, to replace which James sent over 5,270 Irish, under the command of General Mac Carthy. Here we have the first instalment of the famous Irish Brigade.

    James was delayed in Cork about a fortnight,* for want of horses and baggage carts. Avaux says it took^days to draw the money — which he brought from France — from Kinsale to Dublin, although the amount was by no means considerable. It is probable there was more brass than silver and gold in the military chests.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 76

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Kinsale, this is where five thousand French troops landed in 1689, the very day James left for Cork. They came under Count Lauzun and the Marquis de Lary. James sent 5,270 Irish troops over in exchange, under General Mac Carthy, the first instalment of the famous Irish Brigade. He was then delayed in Cork about a fortnight for want of horses and baggage carts. Avaux noted it took days to draw money from Kinsale to Dublin, though the amount was not considerable. There was probably more brass than silver and gold in the military chests.

23. Mountjoy enters Cork: citizens lay idle plough-shares in the street

    Cork · city · Cork · 1603

    Mountjoy entered Cork on 11 May 1603. Citizens laid plough-shares along the street through which he passed, symbolising that destruction of growing crops by soldiers had caused ploughs to lie idle. The author notes Mountjoy himself predicted the dearth would breed new combinations and stir the towns.

    Read the passage

    He entered Cork on the llth of May, 1603. The citizens laid plough-shares on each side of the street through which he passed, intimating that the destruction of the growing crops, by the soldiers, had caused so many ploughs to lie idle. As in the fable of the belly and the members, the citizens were at length brought to understand, that their interests were identified with the country. To see the city of Cork, which had been always armed cap-a-pie, against the country, admitting the Irish within its walls, and laying their idle plough-shares before the eyes of the viceroy, was something new in the history of these times. Smith says " the Lord Lieutenant took little notice of this silly contrivance." We did not expect to find Doctor Smith making so silly a remark. A people's cry for bread should sound in a ruler's ears as the roar of a famished lion. But the Lord Lieutenant did notice it ; his letter to the English council, from which we have quoted, contains the prediction of a dearth, which would "breed new combinations, and would stirre the townes

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 14

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, you are moving through a city with a strange moment in its history. On the 11th of May, 1603, the viceroy Mountjoy entered Cork. The citizens laid plough-shares on each side of the street through which he passed, intimating that the destruction of the growing crops by the soldiers had caused so many ploughs to lie idle. As in the fable of the belly and the members, the citizens were at length brought to understand that their interests were identified with the country. Cork had always been armed cap-a-pie against the country. To see it admitting the Irish within its walls, and laying their idle plough-shares before the eyes of the viceroy, was something new in the history of these times. Smith says the Lord Lieutenant took little notice of this silly contrivance. The author did not expect to find Doctor Smith making so silly a remark. A people's cry for bread should sound in a ruler's ears as the roar of a famished lion. But the Lord Lieutenant did notice it. His letter to the English council contains the prediction of a dearth, which would, in his words, "breed new combinations, and would stirre the townes."

24. Richard Butler crosses the Blackwater

    near River Blackwater · river · Cork · 1642

    In February 1642, Richard Butler of Kilcash, brother to the Marquis of Ormond, crossed the Blackwater with four colours of troops. Lord Broghill sent out scouts to identify the force, leading to a duel challenge and the death of an officer named Bowling.

    Read the passage

    shot, at random, and then I retreated some 100 paces, to a good plot of ground, to have drawn their horse from their foot, but they advanced towards us, all together, which made Captain Brodrick, Hodge Power and I, think it best to retreat ; but first we made a stand of half a quarter of an hour, and gave them a flourish with our trumpet, which done, we came as fast as foot could fall to Lismore, which they sent me word they would lie in this night j but I will never believe them till I see it, nor care for them when they are here." The letter is dated " Lismore, Feb. 17, 1642." We glean the following from a letter to Lord Bungarvan, dated Feb. 20, 1642 :— Mr. Richard Butler,* brother to the marquis, with four colors, had passed the Blackwater. Lord Broghill sent out scouts to know who they were. An Irish officer, named Captain Fennel, rode out of the ranks and informed them ; and at the same time, gave a challenge to any cavalier in Broghill's army. An officer named Michael Jones, of great personal courage, rode out to meet him. They cross swords, the Irish horseman retreats upon his foot, Jones follows and has his horse shot under him. Bowling, a friend of Jones, seeing three men in ambush, calls him back ; but while in the act of wheeling round his own horse, is mortally wounded, and falls out of the saddle. Jones endeavours to place his dying friend on horseback, but fails. Lord Broghill sends out a trumpet for the corpse, who receives reply that " Bowling was not yet dead." The body is sent in

    « Mr. Eichard Butler of Kilcash, brother to James, Marquis of Ormond. He was a lieutenant-general in the Irish army. He married Lady Frances Touchet, sister to the Earl of Castlehaven.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 35

25. Shooting of Abraham Morris in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1773

    In July 1773, three shots were fired at Abraham Morris at his lodgings in Mr. Boyce's house in Cork. Though the Cork Remembrancer reported no mischief, Morris was wounded in the side and never left the house alive. Arthur O'Leary, who had been seen advancing up Peter's Church Lane with a gun, received public sympathy for his 'wild justice of revenge.'

    Read the passage

    * Shortened. — We do not know how O'Leary escaped being lengthened, for he had been seen to advance deliberately up PeterVChurch Lane, with a gun in his hand. It is probable that Morris's family did not wish to be stained with the blood of the second brother. They first denied that Morris had been hit. The Cork Remembrancer of July 7th, 1773, said, "Three shots were fired at Abraham Morris, at his lodgings in Mr, Boyce's house. The balls entered a little below the window, but did no mischief." This was false ; he was wounded in the side, and never left the house alive. O'Leary had a great deal of public sympathy for his " wild justice of revenge."

    f Ovens. The Irish word uaimh, means both a cave and an oven. — Irish Dictionary.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 252

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this city holds a grim story from July 1773. Abraham Morris was staying at his lodgings in Mr. Boyce's house when three shots were fired at him. Arthur O'Leary had been seen advancing deliberately up Peter's Church Lane with a gun in his hand. The Cork Remembrancer reported on July 7th that the balls entered a little below the window but did no mischief. That was false. Morris was wounded in the side and never left the house alive. It is probable that Morris's family did not wish to be stained with the blood of the second brother, for they first denied that Morris had been hit. How O'Leary escaped being lengthened is not known. He had a great deal of public sympathy for what was called his wild justice of revenge.

26. Wolfe Tone captured off Lough Swilly and marched to Letterkenny

    Letterkenny · town · Donegal · 1798

    After the Bantry Bay failure, Wolfe Tone made another attempt and was captured off Lough Swilly following a hard fight. He was marched with French prisoners to Letterkenny, where Sir George Hill, a former fellow-student from Trinity College, discovered him wearing a French officer's uniform.

    Read the passage

    Would that those holy thoughts and holy ties of wife and children could have bound his indomitable spirit. But no ; he must try again. He does so, and is captured off Loch Swilly, after a hard fight ; and marched, with the French prisoners, to Letterkenny. Sir George Hill, who had been his fellow-student at Trinity College, discovered him in the regimentals of a French officer. He was put in irons, carried to

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 126

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up on Letterkenny in Donegal. In 1798, Wolfe Tone made another attempt after Bantry Bay. He was captured off Lough Swilly after a hard fight and marched here with the French prisoners. Sir George Hill, who had been his fellow-student at Trinity College, discovered him wearing the regimentals of a French officer. He was put in irons.

27. Youghal College founded by Earl of Desmond

    Youghal · town · Cork · 1464–1604

    The College of Youghal, a religious house, was founded by Thomas of Drogheda, eighth Earl of Desmond, in 1464, and endowed with property worth £600 a year, mostly tithes and church livings. After the Reformation the college passed through multiple hands—Baxter, Norreys, Jones, Raleigh, Carew—before Richard Boyle acquired it, obtaining his patent in 1604 for all of Raleigh's lands in Ireland.

    Read the passage

    The College of Youghal, a religious house, was founded by Thomas of Drogheda, eighth Earl of Desmond, in 1464, and endowed with property at that time worth £600 a year, which consisted, for the most part, of tithes or church livings. This house enjoyed its property and privileges for some time after the Reformation, but in 1597, Nathaniel Baxter, who was then warden of the college, was required, under a penalty of a thousand marks — for which he was obliged to pass his bond — to resign the place into the queen's hands in forty days. Baxter took advantage of the time to have the college and its livings passed, by letter of attorney, into the hands of Sir Thomas Norreys, then Lord President of Munster. It was next made over on William Jones, of Youghal, who held it in trust for Sir Walter Baleigh, the original undertaker, Jones sold his interest, whatever it may have been, to Sir George Carew, and Sir George Carew to his friend Sir Kichard Boyle — we know not for what sum, but he paid dearly in the end, as we shall now

    38 HISTORY OF CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 24

28. Boyle escapes Munster rebellion via Dingle

    Dingle · town · Kerry

    Richard Boyle, facing accusations and the outbreak of the general rebellion in Munster which wasted all his lands, fled at great personal risk and reached Dingle, where he obtained a ship to Bristol before travelling on to London.

    Read the passage

    " Whereof, having some secret notice, I resolved to go into Munster, and so into England to justify myself; but before I could take shipping, the general rebellion in Munster broke out, all my lands were wasted. As I might say, I had not one penny of certain revenue left me, to the unspeakable danger and hazard of my life, yet God preserved me, as I reached Dingle, and got shipping there, which transported me to Bristol, from whence I travelled to London, and betook myself to my former chamber in the Middle Temple, intending to renew my studies in the law till the rebellion were passed over.

    " Eobert, Earl of Essex, was designed ibr the government of this kingdom, unto whose service I was recommended by Mr. Anthony Bacon, whereupon his lordship very nobly received me, and used me with

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 19

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Dingle, in Kerry. This is the town where Richard Boyle, future Earl of Cork, found his way out. He had secret notice of accusations against him and meant to go into Munster and on to England to justify himself. Before he could take shipping, the general rebellion in Munster broke out. All his lands were wasted. In his own words, he had not one penny of certain revenue left, to the unspeakable danger and hazard of his life. God preserved him, he said. He reached Dingle and got shipping there, which transported him to Bristol. From Bristol he travelled to London and took himself to his former chamber in the Middle Temple, intending to renew his studies in the law till the rebellion were passed over. Robert, Earl of Essex, was then designed for the government of this kingdom, and Boyle was recommended to his service by Mr. Anthony Bacon.

29. Catholic retaking of churches and papal legate procession in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1603

    During the 1603 rebellion, Cork's Catholic citizens retook possession of churches, sprinkling them to exorcise Protestantism, burning Protestant bibles and prayer-books, and replacing the Ten Commandments with Catholic emblems. A papal legate processed through the city with a cross, compelling all he met to bow down.

    Read the passage

    The religious element in this rebellion was paramount. Though a large portion of the inhabitants of Cork were of Danish, Norman, and Saxon descent, they were sincere Catholics, who hoped for the reestablishment of their own faith at the death of the queen. They had not forgotten, though five-andtwenty years had elapsed, that the Protestant bishop had burned the image of St. Dominick at the High Cross of Cork. They now retaliate, by retaking possession of the churches — which they sprinkle in order to exorcise the demon of Protestantism — by burning Protestant bibles and prayer-books ; by razing out the ten commandments, and substituting the emblems of their own faith. A number took the sacrament to strengthen them in defence of their religion. A legate from the Pope went through the city in procession with a cross, compelling all he met to bow down to it. They not only fired on Shandon Castle, where Lady Carew lodged, but on the bishop's palace, where the commissioners were assembled ; they killed Mr. Eutledge, and wounded a servant of Bishop Lyon, and told him, if

    14 HISTORY OF CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Cork, you pass through the city where, in 1603, a rebellion broke out with religion at its heart. The citizens, though of Danish, Norman, and Saxon descent, were sincere Catholics. They hoped for the return of their faith at the death of the queen. They had not forgotten that five-and-twenty years earlier, the Protestant bishop had burned the image of Saint Dominick at the High Cross of Cork. They retaliated. They retook possession of the churches, sprinkling them to exorcise the demon of Protestantism. They burned Protestant bibles and prayer-books. They razed out the Ten Commandments and substituted the emblems of their own faith. A number took the sacrament to strengthen them in defence of their religion. A legate from the Pope went through the city in procession with a cross, compelling all he met to bow down to it. They fired on Shandon Castle, where Lady Carew lodged, and on the bishop's palace, where the commissioners were assembled. They killed Mister Eutledge and wounded a servant of Bishop Lyon.

30. Enemy burns Cork suburbs and deserts forts

    Cork · city · Cork · 1690

    As Tettau's men posted to attack the new forts near Shandon Castle, the enemy set fire to the suburbs between them and retired to the city. They deserted both forts and Shandon Castle in haste.

    Read the passage

    men posted in order to that design, but the enemy set fire to the suburbs between him and them, and, having deserted both the forts and castle, retired in haste to the city.

    " In the evening I conducted a body of horse over the river, at a ford under the church of Curry-Kippane,* and leaving Dick Travers to guide them by the bridge of Carrigrohan to the Lough of Cork,f I returned to Scravenmore, by the way having heard the Earl of Marlborough's drums on their march. When we passed the river, the enemy in the city beat their drums and gave huzzas, concluding that the Duke of Berwick was advanced hither to relieve them, and to engage the Earl of Marlborough before our horse came up, but they soon found themselves mistaken.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 80

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Cork, this city saw action in 1690. Tettau's men were posted to attack the new forts near Shandon Castle. The enemy set fire to the suburbs between them and retired to the city, deserting both forts and Shandon Castle in haste. In the evening, a body of horse was conducted over the river at a ford under the church of Curry-Kippane. Dick Travers was left to guide them by the bridge of Carrigrohan to the Lough of Cork. The return was made to Scravenmore, and on the way the Earl of Marlborough's drums were heard on the march. When the river was crossed, the enemy in the city beat their drums and gave huzzas, concluding the Duke of Berwick was advanced to relieve them and engage the Earl of Marlborough before the horse came up. They soon found themselves mistaken.

31. Plunder of Richard Terry's house at Red Abbey, Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1689

    As Justin MacCarthy's army gathered at Cork to march on Bandon, soldiers plotted to plunder the house of Richard Terry, located outside the South Gate at the Red Abbey. They fabricated a story that the English were gathering to rise with the Bandon people, inciting an uproar that enabled the plunder.

    Read the passage

    It was Lieutenant-general Justin Mac Carthy that was employed to punish the Bandonians. We have a graphic description of this affair from the pen of Joseph Pike. " The English of Bandon revolted, and turned out the Irish garrison, upon which an army of Irish horse and foot gathered at Cork to reduce them. Justin Mac Carthy, afterwards Lord Mountcashel,* commanded them. Before they went towards Bandon, some of the soldiers or others, laid a design to plunder the house of Eichard Terry, who lived out of the South

    * Justin Mac Carthy, afterwards Lord Hountcasliel. — We conclude he was socreated by James II. in Cork, when taking charge of the 5000 troops that formed the first instalment of the Irish Brigade. He was afterwards badly wounded and made prisoner by the Enniskilleners at Newtown-Butler, from whom he escaped. He was accused of breaking his parole, but was tried and acquitted by a Court of Honor, in France. He died in France of a wound received in the chest at Savoy.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 74

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Cork, you pass near the ground where Richard Terry's house stood, outside the South Gate at the Red Abbey. In 1689 the English of Bandon revolted and turned out the Irish garrison. An army of Irish horse and foot gathered at Cork to reduce them, commanded by Lieutenant-general Justin MacCarthy, afterwards Lord Mountcashel. Joseph Pike left an account of what followed. Before the army marched towards Bandon, some soldiers laid a design to plunder Terry's house. They fabricated a story that the English were gathering to rise with the Bandon people, inciting an uproar that enabled the plunder. MacCarthy was created Lord Mountcashel by James 2 in Cork, taking charge of 5000 troops forming the first instalment of the Irish Brigade. He was later wounded and captured by the Enniskilleners at Newtown-Butler, escaped, was accused of breaking his parole, but tried and acquitted by a Court of Honor in France. He died in France of a wound received in the chest at Savoy.

32. St. Leger takes position at Redshard pass, Ballyhoura

    near Ballyhoura Mountains · mountain or mountain range · Cork · 1642

    Lord President St. Leger collected his forces to oppose the Irish rising and took up a position at a pass called Redshard, at the eastern end of the Ballyhoura mountains, between County Limerick and County Cork. An Irish trumpeter and a lawyer named Walsh came out to parley, presenting a royal commission under the great seal directing Lord Muskerry to raise 4,000 men, which stunned St. Leger and led him to disband his forces rather than act against the king.

    Read the passage

    The Lord of Muskerry, who is one of the confederate Catholics, and has a commission from King Charles in his pocket, to raise 4,000 men in Munster, makes light o£~it, and calls it some ridiculous report, for which there is no foundation. The Earl of Cork does not know what to think, but before returning to Lismore, sends the news to the Lord President, Sir William St. Leger, who is residing at Doneraile. The next report is that the Lord of Muskerry is up in arms, at the head of several thousand Irish rebels. Lord Cork and his sons, and we regret to say Doctor Smith, call tho Irish loyal confederates, in whose ranks were the first Anglo-Norman and Irish noblemen in the kingdom, " rebels." The Lord President St. Leger, who has a sincere love for the king, and who is ignorant that Lord Muskerry is acting under his instructions, collects his forces to oppose the Irish rising. He takes a position at Eedshard, a pass from the county Limerick to the county Cork, at the eastern end of the Ballyhoura mountain. Hearing that the enemy are in full march to meet him, he draws up in order of battle, and waits their onset.

    An Irish trumpeter, accompanied by Walsh, a lawyer, issue from the pass, and demands a parley

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 32

33. Counter-plot to entrap Cork citizens

    Cork · city · Cork · 1644

    Captain Muschamp, governor of Fort Elizabeth, feigned drunkenness and invited himself to the Mayor's house in Cork, where he uttered treasonable words about beating down the city with cannon. The scheme was a premeditated counter-plot by the governor of Cork to arrest leading citizens by deception rather than by force.

    Read the passage

    u For the rest of the townsmen that had engaged themselves in this inhuman conspiracy, they were so many in number, and being at least six to one of our English, they could not so well be taken, or apprehended, without great danger and much effusion of blood on both sides. But the governor of Cork, and the rest of the chief commanders, for the better prevention of so great a danger, devised a remarkable counter-plot (for the taking and apprehending the town's conspirators rather by policy than by violence), and for that purpose caused Captain Muschamp, governor cf the Great-fort without the South-gate* of Cork, to fain and counterfeit himself to be in drink, and so, as it were in a merry humour, invite himself to Master Major [Mayor] his house to dinner; and accordingly he dined there, and after the Irish fashion, was kindly entertained, and divers cups passed round of sack, claret, and usquebaugh, in friendly manner, to welcome him, and make him the more merrily disposed.

    * The Great-fort, without tfo South-gate, was Fort Elizabeth, in Barrack Street. It was larger than Catt-fort, -which was higher up. It was rebuilt after the rebellion of 1603, " to curb the insolence of the citizens." The South-gate stood at the end of the South Main Street, by the South bridge.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 44

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, you travel a city that in 1644 was the setting for a calculated deception. The townsmen who had joined a conspiracy against the English were six to one, too many to arrest by force without great bloodshed on both sides. So the governor of Cork and the chief commanders devised a counter-plot, to take the conspirators by policy rather than by violence. They chose Captain Muschamp, governor of the fort outside the South-gate, to feign drunkenness and invite himself to the Mayor's house for dinner. He dined there, and after the Irish fashion was kindly entertained. Cups of sack, claret, and usquebaugh passed round in friendly manner, to make him the more merrily disposed. His purpose was to entrap the leading citizens of Cork, for he uttered treasonable words about beating down the city with cannon.

34. Free Debating Society in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1772

    In 1772, a society called the 'Free Debating Society' existed in Cork, presided over by Henry Sheares, father of the two Sheares brothers later executed for rebellion. The author suggests these young men learned revolutionary principles from their father in this Cork setting.

    Read the passage

    THE volunteer companies described in the last chapter, were little more than armed political clubs. Political clubs were the order of the day. Most of these had a strong Protestant bias, but withal a revolutionary tendency. Here rebellion was first hatched ; within these nests were reared the petrels of the coming storm. In 1772, ten years before the passing of what is styled " Irish Independence," there existed in Cork a society called the " Free Debating Society.77 Its president bore the ominous name of Henry Sheares. He was the father of the " Two Sheares.77 It is not improbable that these young men learned from the lips of their own father the first elements of those principles of liberty, the undue and violent development of which brought them to the scaffold.

    We find, at this time, a disposition on the part of some of these societies, to fraternise with the Eoman Catholics. The armed company or club called the Cork Union, had their scarlet coats turned up with

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 121

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, you are in a city where political clubs once served as armed gathering places, most with a strong Protestant bias and a revolutionary tendency. In 1772, ten years before what was styled Irish Independence, a society called the Free Debating Society existed here in Cork. Its president bore the ominous name of Henry Sheares. He was the father of the Two Sheares, the brothers later executed for rebellion. The author suggests it is not improbable that these young men learned from the lips of their own father the first elements of those principles of liberty, the undue and violent development of which brought them to the scaffold. At this time, some of these societies showed a disposition to fraternise with Roman Catholics. The armed company called the Cork Union had their scarlet coats turned up with a colour marking that lean.

35. MacCarthy's night assault on Cork disarms Protestants

    Cork · city · Cork · 1689

    Donough MacCarthy, Earl of Clancarty, made a night assault on the city of Cork to seize arms, disarming all the Protestants there. He also seized horses from neighbouring towns and villages to equip his regiment.

    Read the passage

    But this was no more than a name, for he must provide himself with horses, arms, and men. Of men he had no lack, but of arms and horses he stood sadly in need. To provide arms he made a night assault upon the city of Cork, and disarmed all the Protestants. The horses he seized in the neighbouring towns and villages. He attacked Castlemartyr, the residence of Colonel Boyle, where he took the horses and arms of a hundred and forty gentlemen, who made no resistance. He seized the property of poor as well as rich. A Mallow butcher, whose horse had been forcibly carried off, sought and obtained legal reparation. The judge required the Irish nobleman to make restitution. He sent a number of his troopers to Mallow, to do so. They tossed the butcher in a blanket, till they bumped and bruised him to death. The butcher's family got compensation for the murder from King William, who granted them £600 per annum of Mac

    144 HISTORY OF CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 75

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through the city of Cork. In 1689, Donough MacCarthy, Earl of Clancarty, needed horses, arms, and men. He had no lack of men, but of arms and horses he stood sadly in need. To provide arms he made a night assault upon the city of Cork, and disarmed all the Protestants. The horses he seized in the neighbouring towns and villages. He attacked Castlemartyr, the residence of Colonel Boyle, where he took the horses and arms of 140 gentlemen, who made no resistance. He seized the property of poor as well as rich. A Mallow butcher, whose horse had been forcibly carried off, sought and obtained legal reparation. The judge required the Irish nobleman to make restitution. He sent troopers to Mallow to do so. They tossed the butcher in a blanket, till they bumped and bruised him to death. The butcher's family got compensation from King William, who granted them £600 per annum of MacCarthy's estate.

36. Battle of Bottlehill near Ballyhooly

    near Bottlehill · street · Cork · 1691

    About 100 men of the Cork garrison under Captain Thornicroth, returning from Ballyhooly, were met at Six-mile-Water by Sir James Cotter and Major Slingsby with 300 men. The English took position in an old pound and after three hours forced Cotter to withdraw with sixty killed and as many wounded.

    Read the passage

    " Eapparees,"* cut down, or captured and hanged. One of the smartest engagements of the season is styled the Battle of Bottlehill, which occurred on the first of April. About 100 men of the Cork garrison, under the command of Captain Thornicroft, were on their return from Ballyhooly. They were met at Sixmile- Water by Sir James Cotter and Major Slingsby, at the head of 300 men. The English had just time to get into an old pound, that had a ditch breast high, which gave them a considerable advantage. The fight lasted for three hours, when Sir James was compelled to draw off his men, with the loss of sixty killed, and as many wounded. Captain Coppinger was slain on the field, and Major Slingsby carried prisoner to Cork where he died of his wounds.

    The dethroned king had no more faithful or honor^ able follower than Sir James Cotter, | of Ballinsperrig. He was acting under orders in passing through the county at the head of these armed bands. The following are copies of original documents, signed by Tyrconnell, Sir Kichard Nagle, and Sir Eichard Cox — placed at my disposal by the Eev. George Cotter, of Eockforest, Mallow, a lineal descendant of this Sir James Cotter. The first is an order to <* Levy £200 on the county of Corke." It is given at Limerick,

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 86

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Bottlehill, on the first of April 1691, a fight broke out that people came to call the Battle of Bottlehill. About 100 men of the Cork garrison, under Captain Thornicroft, were on their way back from Ballyhooly. They were met at Six-mile-Water by Sir James Cotter and Major Slingsby at the head of 300 men. The English had just time to get into an old pound that had a ditch breast high, which gave them a considerable advantage. The fight lasted for three hours, until Sir James was compelled to draw off his men, with the loss of 60 killed and as many wounded. Captain Coppinger was slain on the field, and Major Slingsby was carried prisoner to Cork, where he died of his wounds. Sir James Cotter of Ballinsperrig was acting under orders in passing through the county at the head of these armed bands. The dethroned king had no more faithful or honourable follower than him.

37. Bishop Berkeley and Swift's visit to Cloyne

    Cloyne · town · Cork · 1734–1745

    Dr. George Berkeley was promoted to the see of Cloyne in 1734 and declined the richer see of Clogher because he admired the scenery of Cloyne. Dean Swift visited Cloyne and famously mocked Berkeley's immaterialist philosophy when caught in the rain outside the palace.

    Read the passage

    Some distinguished men were bishops of Cloyne. Among the most eminent, I may mention Doctor George Berkeley, to whom Pope ascribes every virtue under heaven. He was promoted to the see of Cloyne by Queen Caroline, the consort of George II., the 17th of March, 1734. When Lord Chesterfield, in 1745, offered him Clogher, worth twice as much, he declined it, because " he had enough," and he " admired the scenery of Cloyne." He wrote many valuable works, but thought more of his tract on " Tar Water," than any other of his productions. He candidly acknowledged that he looked upon tar water as a sort of panacea. The work by which he acquired the greatest notoriety was his " Principles of Human Knowledge," written to meet the infidel objections, then in vogue, respecting the independent self-existence of matter. He argued, and argued truly, that we have no proof of the existence of matter, but by our perceptions. Those who did not understand him, imagined that he denied the existence of matter, and laughed at him for it ; and those who did understand him had no objection to join in the laugh. Dean Swift visited Cloyne, and entered the palace while Berkeley was in the garden, either tending his plants, or making experiments on the virtues of tar water. A heavy shower of rain caused him to seek the shelter of the house, the door of which he found closed against him. He knocked, but got no admittance. Looking up to the windows, he saw the witty dean grinning down on him, and said, " Come down and let me in ; don't you see the rain?" — " There's no such thing as rain," replied Swift, " it is merely a perception."

    446 HISTORY OF CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 230

38. Bishop of Ross defeated at Macroom park

    Macroom · town · Cork · 1650

    The Catholic Bishop of Ross fired Macroom castle and drew up his army of 4,000 foot and 300 horse in the park. Lord Broghill charged and routed the Irish forces, taking the warlike bishop prisoner.

    Read the passage

    Oliver marches to Clonmel, where victory seems disposed to desert his standard. More than half of his troops are enfeebled by sickness. To add to his perplexity, he hears the Catholic bishop of Eoss is assembling an Irish army of 4,000 foot and 300 horse for the relief of the town. To end his successful campaign by a defeat, or even a retreat, is not to be thought of, he therefore sends to his trusty and well-beloved Broghill, who has never yet failed him, who takes the field at the head of 2,000 horse and the same number of foot^ and marches to Kilcrea and Carrigadrohid castles, which he finds strongly garrisoned by the bishop, so he turns his horse's head in the direction of Macroom. The bishop fires this castle, and draws up his army in the park. Broghill charges, and puts the Irish to the rout, and succeeds in making their warlike bishop prisoner, to whom he offers pardon on the condition of his ordering the garrison of Carrigadrohid to deliver up the castle. They conducted the courageous churchman to the walls, as the Carthagenians carried Regulus to Eome, with the full persuasion that he would recommend his countrymen to surrender ; " Hold out to the last " were his words ; so they hanged him then and there. A shame upon you, Broghill.

    The castle was taken by a very simple stratagem. The besiegers cut up trees to the size of cannon, yoked them — as if weighty metal — to a number of oxen, and had them planted opposite the walls. When the Irish saw the wooden ordnance, they began to parley, and finally agreed to surrender "upon articles."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 60

39. Bull baited through Cork suburbs to Broad Lane, 1770

    Cork · city · Cork · 1770

    On June 11th, 1770, men forcibly took a bull in the north suburbs of Cork, drove him through the city with dogs, and baited him in the south suburbs. The bull ran back into the city, was baited near Broad Lane and the Exchange for nearly five hours, frightened four pregnant women into fits, and eventually died in a narrow lane.

    Read the passage

    Bull-baiting was also esteemed a plebeian sport. " June llth, 1770. Some inhuman savages forcibly took a bull in the north suburbs, and after having driven him through the city with dogs, had him baited in the south suburbs for some hours, when the tormented creature ran from their carnage back into the city, which obliged the inhabitants to shut up their shops, and put an end to all business ; the bull being unable to proceed further than Broad Lane, was there, and near the Exchange, baited by dogs and

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 105

    As the companion tells it

    Cork, 1770. On June 11th, some people forcibly took a bull in the north suburbs and drove him through the city with dogs. They baited him in the south suburbs for some hours, until the tormented creature ran back into the city, forcing shopkeepers to shut up their shops. He got no further than Broad Lane. There, and near the Exchange, dogs baited him for nearly five hours. Four pregnant women were frightened into fits. The bull died in a narrow lane.

40. Burning of St. Dominick's image at the High Cross of Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1578

    About twenty-five years before the 1603 rebellion, the Protestant bishop had burned the image of St. Dominick at the High Cross of Cork, an act the Catholic citizens had not forgotten and which fueled their resentment during the rebellion.

    Read the passage

    The religious element in this rebellion was paramount. Though a large portion of the inhabitants of Cork were of Danish, Norman, and Saxon descent, they were sincere Catholics, who hoped for the reestablishment of their own faith at the death of the queen. They had not forgotten, though five-andtwenty years had elapsed, that the Protestant bishop had burned the image of St. Dominick at the High Cross of Cork. They now retaliate, by retaking possession of the churches — which they sprinkle in order to exorcise the demon of Protestantism — by burning Protestant bibles and prayer-books ; by razing out the ten commandments, and substituting the emblems of their own faith. A number took the sacrament to strengthen them in defence of their religion. A legate from the Pope went through the city in procession with a cross, compelling all he met to bow down to it. They not only fired on Shandon Castle, where Lady Carew lodged, but on the bishop's palace, where the commissioners were assembled ; they killed Mr. Eutledge, and wounded a servant of Bishop Lyon, and told him, if

    14 HISTORY OF CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 13

41. Catholics excluded from Cork guilds and civic privileges

    Cork · city · Cork

    Catholic tradesmen and merchants in Cork were firmly excluded from all guild membership and freeman privileges, regardless of character or qualifications. Under the charter of Charles I, only freemen — meaning Protestants — were permitted to trade with foreigners, yet Catholic merchants nonetheless flourished through diligence and overseas connections.

    Read the passage

    But Catholics were most conscientiously excluded. No matter what the character or qualifications of a Catholic tradesman, or merchant, the guild door was firmly closed against him. All the privileges of freemen were confined to the Protestants.

    There was published, at this time, a sort of political squib, entitled, " The Humble Petition of Patrick O'Connor," who was seeking the situation of exciseman. He declares, " upon his honor," that he is " a gentleman of reputation, and an Irish Protestant, who loves his king, and values him at what he is worth, and will fight for him, or against him, or any of his relatives or acquaintances." This must have been a hit at the frequency with which many of the Cork Protestants had changed sides during the civil wars.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 97

42. Charles Wolfe's grave in Clonmel church

    Clonmel · parish · Cork

    The ashes of Rev. Charles Wolfe, author of the elegy on the Burial of Sir John Moore, rest within the walls of the old unroofed church of Clonmel on Great Island. The grave was overgrown with nettles and in poor condition when visited.

    Read the passage

    the hill, within the four walls of the old unroofed church of Clonmel, rest the ashes of the Rev. Charles Wolfe, who wrote the beautiful elegy on the Burial of Sir John Moore. Mr. and Mrs. Hall could not find the grave. I made it out after some trouble. "Wolfe's tomb lies in a dark corner, overgrown with nettles, and sadly in need of the friendly chisel of some old, or new, " Mortality."

    Within a few yards of his grave I found a thin slab of white marble, bearing the name of Thomas Tobin, the author of the " Honeymoon," the "Faro Table," the " Undertaker," and the " School of Authors." This clever dramatist was born in Salisbury, in 1770, and died, in 1804, in his thirty-fourth year, within sight of land, when on his way to the West Indies for the benefit of his health. His remains were brought to Cove and buried here.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 216

43. Christ Church and the Siege of Cork, 1690

    Cork · city · Cork · 1690

    During the siege of Cork, Protestants were confined in Christ Church on South Main Street for safety. A bomb from William's forces fell through the roof, injuring the church but not the people inside. The Irish defenders replied with lead stripped from the steeple.

    Read the passage

    Christ Church stands on the eastern side of the South Main Street. It is a plain structure with a gabled front. Mr. Windele thinks that the original erection is to be attributed to the Knights Templars. The church of 1690 had a steeple. The Protestants were confined in this church during the siege. Where could they find greater security ? A bomb — one of William's bombs — fell through the roof, which injured the church, but not the people. The Irish replied with lead stript from the steeple. The present church was erected in 1720, with a lofty tower, 136 feet high. The tower began to sink, so 36 feet were taken off, leaving 100 feet standing. In 1810 it lost 40 feet more, leaving 60, which 60 were removed by Mr. Pain in 1828. It is now as plain, externally, as a barn, with the exception of a cut stone front.

    The graveyard contains some ancient monuments, one of them as old as 1494. Here lies "Thome Eonan,"— Mayor of Cork in 1537 and 1549. Some kind and pious brother or sister prays, in 1642, " GOD'S

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 160

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, Christ Church stood on the eastern side of South Main Street. Mr. Windele believed the original building could be attributed to the Knights Templars. The church that stood in 1690 had a steeple. During the siege of Cork that year, the Protestants were confined in this church. A bomb, one of William's bombs, fell through the roof. It injured the church, but not the people inside. The Irish defenders replied with lead stripped from the steeple. The present church was erected in 1720, with a tower 136 feet high. The tower began to sink, so 36 feet were taken off, leaving 100. In 1810 it lost 40 feet more, leaving 60, which Mr. Pain removed in 1828. It is now as plain externally as a barn, with the exception of a cut stone front. The graveyard contains ancient monuments, one as old as 1494. Here lies Thome Eonan, Mayor of Cork in 1537 and 1549. Some pious brother or sister prays, in 1642, "GOD'S"

44. Colonel Phaire seizes Cork by night surprise

    Cork · city · Cork · 1649

    Colonel Phaire landed troops at Youghal, left a garrison there, and marched with the remainder to Cork, which he took by surprise in a night attack. The royalist governor Sir Robert Starling was caught unprepared, and the city fell to Parliamentarian forces.

    Read the passage

    Colonel Phaire lands his troops at Youghal, where he leaves a garrison, and marches with the rest to Cork, which he takes by surprise. The royalist governor, Sir Eobert Starling, and indeed the whole city, except a few who had been awaked by the gingle of the fifteen hundred pounds, were caught napping.

    The attack was made at night. " One may truly say," writes a parliamentary officer, with a little touch of Cromwellian humour, " that he " — that is Sir Eobert Starling — " was divested of his government in the dark, and consequently could not see to prevent it." We discover, by a letter from Lady Fanshawe, that the Catholics, as well as royalists, were driven out of the city, stript, and wounded, and in the depth of winter. Lady Fanshawe was living at the Eed Abbey,* one of the towers of which stand — in Cumberland Street — to the present day.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 54

45. Cork citizens armed and gates shut against royal troops

    Cork · city · Cork · 1603

    Recorder William Mead, described as the ringleader of the rebellion, used the delay to arm Cork's citizens and guard the city gates against the king's troops. Armed Irish were admitted into the city, and an attempt was also made to seize the recently fortified island of Haulbowline.

    Read the passage

    The recorder, who appears to have been the ringleader of the rebellion, employed the time in arming the citizens, and guarding the gates against the admission of his majesty's troops; but "they admitted several Irish, to whom they gave arms." An attempt was also made to seize Haulbowline, which had been but recently fortified. " About this this time," — January, 1602 — writes Stafford, "the Lord Deputie and the Lord President went by boate to an island in the river of Corke, called Halbolin, sixe or seven miles from the citie, which upon view they thought fit to be fortified, being so seated as that no shipping of any burden can pass the same, but under the command thereof. Whereupon direction was given to Paul Ive,

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Cork, where in 1603 the recorder William Mead turned rebel. Mead was called the ringleader of the rebellion. He used the delay to arm the citizens and guard the city gates against the king's troops. But

46. Cork corporation defies commissioners at court-house

    Cork · city · Cork · 1603

    The mayor and corporation of Cork adjourned to the court-house to deliberate on proclaiming the king. Sir George Thornton paced outside awaiting their decision. Recorder William Mead responded passionately that several thousands were ready to break out, and Sir Richard Boyle intervened to calm him.

    Read the passage

    said they should be committed, if they refused. Wm. Mead, the recorder, replied, " There was no one there had authority to commit them." The mayor, and corporation, adjourn to the court-house. Sir George Thornton paces up and down the walk outside, and after a time sends in to know if they have come to a decision. — "No." He waits another hour, and is informed by the recorder, in a passionate manner, that they can give him no answer till the next day. Sir Eichard Boyle, afterwards Earl of Cork, who was at this time Clerk of the Presidential Council of Munster, requested Mead not to " break out in so unreasonable and choleric a fashion." Mead, who was as smart as the mayor at reply, said, " Though I do not break out, there are several thousands ready to do so.'5 Sir George Thornton requires an account of these words. " Yery well,'' says Mead, " but the city must have three or four days to consult about this ceremony."

    The recorder, who appears to have been the ringleader of the rebellion, employed the time in arming the citizens, and guarding the gates against the admission of his majesty's troops; but "they admitted several Irish, to whom they gave arms." An attempt was also made to seize Haulbowline, which had been but recently fortified. " About this this time," — January, 1602 — writes Stafford, "the Lord Deputie and the Lord President went by boate to an island in the river of Corke, called Halbolin, sixe or seven miles from the citie, which upon view they thought fit to be fortified, being so seated as that no shipping of any burden can pass the same, but under the command thereof. Whereupon direction was given to Paul Ive,

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through Cork, you are in a city that in 1603 saw its corporation defy the king's commissioners at the court-house. The mayor and corporation had adjourned there to deliberate on proclaiming the king. Sir George Thornton paced up and down the walk outside, waiting. After a time he sent in to know if they had reached a decision. The answer came back: no. He waited another hour, and the recorder, William Mead, informed him in a passionate manner that they could give no answer until the next day. Sir Richard Boyle, afterwards Earl of Cork, who was at this time Clerk of the Presidential Council of Munster, asked Mead not to break out in so unreasonable and choleric a fashion. Mead, who was as sharp as the mayor at reply, said, though he did not break out, there were several thousands ready to do so. Thornton required an account of these words. Mead told him the city must have three or four days to consult about this ceremony. The recorder, who appears to have been the ringleader of the rebellion, used the time to arm the citizens and guard the gates against the king's troops. They admitted several Irish, to whom they gave arms. An attempt was also made to seize Haulbowline, which had been but recently fortified. Stafford writes that in January 1602, the Lord Deputie and the Lord President went by boat to an island in the river of Corke, called Halbolin, six or seven miles from the city, which upon view they thought fit to be fortified, being so seated that no shipping of any burden could pass but under the command thereof. Direction was given to Paul Ive.

47. Cork Workhouse child mortality inquiry

    Cork · city · Cork · 1859

    Arnott's statement triggered an inquiry chaired by Poor-Law Inspector Dr. Terence Brodie, which established that annual child mortality in the Cork Workhouse was 20 per cent. The average number of children over four years was 868, with 156 deaths annually, meaning roughly nineteen-twentieths died before maturity.

    Read the passage

    This terrible statement burst like a bomb-shell over the heads of the Cork Guardians, and somewhat disturbed the placidity of the Irish Poor-Law Commissioners. An inquiry was called for, a number of witnesses examined, and the fearful fact fully established by the tables of Dr. Terence Brodie, the Poor-Law Inspector — who sat as chairman to take the evidence — that the annual mortality among the children, from infancy to 18 years of age, was 20, instead of 18 per cent., as was stated by the mayor. Sir John Arnott, in writing to the Cork Constitution, says : —

    u As I have verified this statement on oath, you must give me credit for not making it without inquiry or foundation. I have tested it by the Workhouse registry. The average number of children in the Cork Poorhouse, for the last four years, has been 868. The average number of deaths, for each of these years, was 156, or 18 per cent, per annum. Take a hundred children, and deduct 18 per cent, for 15 years, and how many will remain of the hundred ? According to my reckoning, but five. We, therefore, lose 95 per cent., or nineteen-twentieths, in the 15 years — that is, before they arrive at maturity. My statement, therefore, that four out of every five die before they are adults, is, according to the Union registry, considerably under the mark."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 169

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, you are near the site of a workhouse where, in 1859, a terrible fact came to light. Sir John Arnott had written to the Cork Constitution saying he had verified on oath that the average number of children in the Cork Poorhouse over four years was 868, with 156 deaths each year. He reckoned that if you took 100 children and deducted 18 per cent for 15 years, only 5 would remain. Four out of every five, he said, died before reaching adulthood. His statement, in his own words, was "considerably under the mark." It burst like a bombshell over the Cork Guardians and unsettled the Irish Poor-Law Commissioners. An inquiry was called, witnesses examined, and Dr. Terence Brodie, the Poor-Law Inspector, sat as chairman. His tables established the annual mortality among children from infancy to 18 years of age was 20 per cent, not 18 per cent as the mayor had stated. The real figure was worse than Arnott's already shocking calculation.

48. Cox family ties to Clonakilty

    Clonakilty · town · Cork · 1673–1680

    Sir Richard Cox's mother was daughter to Walter Bird, thrice sovereign and long-time Recorder of Clonakilty. Cox himself was sent to school there to Thomas Barry and later lived in the town for seven years after his marriage.

    Read the passage

    Were walking together. His mother, " an ingenious and pretty black woman," was daughter to Walter Bird, " thrice sovereign, and a long time Eecorder of Clonakilty." She had been married before, but her former husband, Captain Batten, was killed at the siege of Dungarvan. She did not long survive the second calamity, but, " through greef, fell into consumption, and died the following winter." Eichard Cox's uncle, John Bird, took care of the future Lord Chancellor, and sent him to school to Thomas Barry, of Clonakilty, where he made some progress in classics, rhetoric, logic, and physics. He attributes his success in life to his honesty. Let us hear his account of it :

    " The rise of my fortune sprung from a principle of honesty, and I thank Gbd I can truly say, that from my infancy, I have had a great regard for religion, sincerity, and virtue. I owed a cob,* which, by driblets, I had lost at the truck-table, and being dunned for it, I stole one from my uncle, but being checked by my principle, I restored it immediately, and resolved to take some lawful course to pay that debt, and furnish myself with more money."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 261

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up along Clonakilty, in Cork. This town has deep ties to Sir Richard Cox, the future Lord Chancellor. His mother was the daughter of Walter Bird, a man who served three times as sovereign of Clonakilty and for a long time as its Recorder. She had been married before, to Captain Batten, but he was killed at the siege of Dungarvan. She did not long survive that loss. Through grief, she fell into consumption and died the following winter. After her death, Cox's uncle, John Bird, took charge of the boy and sent him to school in Clonakilty, to a man named Thomas Barry. There Cox made progress in classics, rhetoric, logic, and physics. He put his success in life down to honesty. In his own account, he said that the rise of his fortune sprang from a principle of honesty, and that from his infancy he had a great regard for religion, sincerity, and virtue. He told of owing a cob, which by driblets he had lost at the truck-table. Being dunned for it, he stole one from his uncle, but being checked by his principle, he restored it immediately, and resolved to take some lawful course to pay that debt and furnish himself with more money.

49. Danish Plundering and Burning of Cork City

    Cork · city · Cork · 819–1172

    The Danes plundered and ransacked the 'Island of Cork' — the island city — beginning in 819 (or 820 per the Four Masters), with repeated devastations in 833, 842, 913, 960, 978, 995, and 1012. In 842 the city was plundered and burnt and its bishop slain; the Danes gained peaceable possession of the province in 918 and quietly held the city until 1172.

    Read the passage

    We do not know what Doctor Smith means by the " received opinion." But we do know that his Danish theory is opposed to all the statements of our most reliable chroniclers. The Danes commenced their plundering and pirating on the coast of Munster, in the early part of the ninth century.* They made a landing in Kerry as early as 812, but were defeated near Killarney by Art, son of Cathal, king of Munster. We learn from the Annals of Clonmacnoise that the " Island of Corlce" by which we understand the city of Cork — not the south suburbs, but the island city — was spoilefi and ransacked by the Danes in 819. The Four Masters say 820. In 833 the city was devastated by the Danes ; in 837 the county was miserably harassed by the Danes; in 842 Cork was plundered and burnt, and its bishop slain by the Danes ; in 913 Cork was burned and plundered by the Danes ; in 960, 978, 995, and 1012 Cork was wasted, plundered and burned by the Danes. In 918 they got "peaceable possession of this province," but it was not till 1172 that the "great city of Munster" and the adjacent county was "quietly possessed by the Danes or Ostmen." We suppose the Danes built the walls of Cork. It would appear from the frequency and facility with which they plundered and burnt the city, that it had no walls. They knew how to guard what they had seized ; but they practised the cuckoo policy of seizing nests which they had not built:

    » Ninth century. The Annals of Clonmacnoise say Rachryn was burned by the Danes in 1792. " This," says Dr. O'Donovan, " is the first attack on record made by the Danes upon any part of Ireland." — four Masters, vol. i. p. 397.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 157

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, you're in a city the Danes raided for centuries. They first landed in Kerry in 812 but were beaten near Killarney. Then in 819, according to the Annals of Clonmacnoise, the Danes spoiled and ransacked what the chronicles call the Island of Cork, the island city. The Four Masters put that date at 820. The devastations came again and again. The city was hit in 833, the county miserably harassed in 837, and in 842 Cork was plundered and burnt and its bishop slain. It was burned and plundered again in 913, and wasted, plundered, and burned in 960, 978, 995, and 1012. In 918 the Danes gained what the record calls peaceable possession of this province, but it was not until 1172 that the great city of Munster and the adjacent county were quietly possessed by the Danes or Ostmen. The book suggests the Danes may have built the walls of Cork, since the frequency and ease with which they plundered and burnt the city implies it had none. They knew how to guard what they had seized, but the author says they practised the cuckoo policy of seizing nests they had not built.

50. Death of Lieutenant-General Jones at Dungarvan

    Dungarvan · town · Waterford · 1649

    Lieutenant-General Jones, a key officer in Cromwell's campaign, fell sick with a fever after a wet march and died at Dungarvan after struggling four or five days. Cromwell mourned him as a noble friend and companion in labors.

    Read the passage

    " In the midst of these grand successes, wherein the kindness and mercy of God hath appeared, the Lord, in wisdom, and for gracious ends best known to himself, hath interlaced some things, which may give us cause of serious consideration [as to] what his mind therein may be. And we hope we wait upon him, desiring to know, and to submit to his good pleasure. The noble lieutenant-general, whose finger, to our knowledge, never ached in all these expeditions, fell sick ; we doubt not, upon a cold taken upon our late wet march and ill accommodation, and went to Dungarvan, where, struggling some four or five days with a fever, he died, having run his course with much honor, courage, and fidelity, as his actions better speak than my pen.

    " What England lost thereby is above me to speak. I am sure I lost a noble friend and companion in labors. You see how God mingles out the cup unto us. Indeed we are at this time a crazy company ; yet we live in His sight, and shall work the time that is appointed unto us, and shall rest after that in peace. Yet there hath been some sweet at the bottom of the cup."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 59

51. Dominican friar O'Cahil cut to pieces by Cromwell's soldiers in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1651

    In 1651, Father Eneas Ambrose O'Cahil, an eloquent Dominican preacher and missionary in Cork, was recognised as a friar and attacked by a troop of Cromwell's soldiers. He was cut to pieces with their sabres and his limbs scattered about to be trampled underfoot.

    Read the passage

    "A.D. 1651. Father Eneas Ambrose O'Cahil, an eloquent preacher, and zealous missionary in Cork, being recognised as a Friar of the Dominican community, was rushed upon by a troop of Cromwell's soldiers, cut to pieces with their sabres, and his limbs scattered about, to be trampled under foot."

    Father Eustace Maguire, who defended the castle of Dromagh, near Kanturk, was a warlike member of this fraternity.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 188

52. Dromagh Castle: O'Keeffe stronghold and Muskerry's march

    Dromagh · townland · Cork · 1652

    Dromagh Castle, about four miles south-west of Kanturk, was built by the O'Keeffes. In 1652 Lord Muskerry marched out of this castle to encounter Lord Broghill at the famous battle of Knocknaclashy near Clonmeen.

    Read the passage

    Dromagh Castle, on the property of Nicholas Philpot Leader, lies about four miles south-west of Kanturk. Here are the ruins of a fine old castle, built by the 0?Keeffes. Lord Muskerry marched out of this castle in 1652, to encounter Lord Broghill, at the famous battle of Knocknaclashy, near Clonmeen. — See vol. i., pp. 114-117. Dromagh is about the centre of the coal or culm district, which runs from within a mile and a-half of Kanturk to Millstreet. Dr. Smith, writing in 1749, says, — " Near this place a vein of coal has been discovered, and considerable quantities have been raised." The quantity of culm raised by Mr. Leader is considerable ; Doctor Justice also raised large quantities on his property between Mount Justice and Duaragil. The culm is principally employed in burning lime.* There is a great deal of bog and bad land in this neighbourhood.

    Millstreet is a market and post town, in the parish of Drishane and barony of West Muskerry, eight miles from Kanturk and twenty miles from Mallow, on the

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 249

53. False alarm at Bantry Bay, June 1779

    near Bantry Bay · bay · Cork · 1779

    On 4 June 1779 an express ordered the 81st Highland regiment to march from Cork to Bantry after a fleet was sighted in Bantry Bay. A second express redirected the regiment to Bandon; armed volunteers were called out and Roman Catholic gentlemen joined their Protestant fellow-citizens. The fleet turned out to be English, saluting the king's birthday.

    Read the passage

    second express arrived, ordering the Highland regiment to march to Bandon. The armed companies were also called out, when "a great number of Roman Catholic gentlemen immediately offered themselves as volunteers to join their Protestant fellow-citizens, and were well received." The French fleet turned out to be English. It raised the alarm by firing salutes for the king's birth-day.

    The Eev. Mr. Barry, parish priest of Mallow, and the Kev. Mr. Barry, parish priest of Charleville, were active opponents of all kinds of United Irishmen, and democratic associations. Barry, of Mallow, gave information to government of a plan laid by a regiment to siege the town of Mallow, for which he got a pension of two hundred a-year, and the name of the Protestant priest. The following letter from Lieut.- General Lake— which appears among the Cornwallis' correspondence — makes incidental reference to the circumstance, in describing a like affair among the Meath Militia, which occurred soon afterwards. The object of the second attack was to liberate some pri^ Boners of the regiment that were confined for treasonable practices — for treason in those days was as rife in the army* as among the civilians : —

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 129

54. Lord Kinalmeaky killed at Liscarroll

    Liscarroll · town · Cork · 1642–1643

    Within a year of his victory at Bandon, Lord Kinalmeaky—whom his father Lord Cork boasted had 'blooded himself'—was brought home a bloody corpse from the battle of Liscarroll.

    Read the passage

    Lord Cork, writing of this affair to his relative, the Earl of "Warwick,-]- says, " And now the boy has blooded himself upon them, I hope that God will bless him and his majesty's forces, that as I now write but of the killing of a hundred, I shall shortly write of the killing of thousands." — Pious language this, my Lord Cork ! But he explains : " Their unexampled cruelty hath bred such desires of revenge in us, that every man hath laid aside all compassion, and is as bloody in his desire against them, as they have been in their execution of us." Lord Cork, who set up for a pious man, and who took for his motto, " God's providence is my inheritance," forgot the words, " The Lord will abhor the bloody man." — " Bloody men shall not live half their days." A year did not pass before "the boy,'' who had "Hooded himself" at Bandon, was brought home a bloody corpse from Liscarrol.

    The Lords Justices, in sending down the commis-

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 36

55. MacCarthy attacks Castlemartyr, seizes 140 gentlemen's arms

    Castlemartyr · townland · Cork · 1689

    Donough MacCarthy attacked Castlemartyr, the residence of Colonel Boyle, where he took the horses and arms of a hundred and forty gentlemen who made no resistance. He seized the property of poor as well as rich.

    Read the passage

    But this was no more than a name, for he must provide himself with horses, arms, and men. Of men he had no lack, but of arms and horses he stood sadly in need. To provide arms he made a night assault upon the city of Cork, and disarmed all the Protestants. The horses he seized in the neighbouring towns and villages. He attacked Castlemartyr, the residence of Colonel Boyle, where he took the horses and arms of a hundred and forty gentlemen, who made no resistance. He seized the property of poor as well as rich. A Mallow butcher, whose horse had been forcibly carried off, sought and obtained legal reparation. The judge required the Irish nobleman to make restitution. He sent a number of his troopers to Mallow, to do so. They tossed the butcher in a blanket, till they bumped and bruised him to death. The butcher's family got compensation for the murder from King William, who granted them £600 per annum of Mac

    144 HISTORY OF CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 75

56. M. Boileau plunders Cork Protestants

    Cork · city · Cork · 1689

    M. Boileau, co-governor of Cork with Lord Clare, was supposed to have sent off to France goods valued at £30,000 in money, leather, and other commodities, all seized as spoils from the Protestants of Cork. The governors entered houses and shops, seizing property without pretence.

    Read the passage

    found, without the formality of a pretence, and took it away. M. Boileau, (who was governor of Cork with Lord Clare,) not failing in any punctilio of his country-dragooning, was supposed to have sent off for France to the value of £30,000 in money, leather, and other commodities, the spoils of the Protestants of this rich city."

    Dean Davies,* a Cork man, and a chaplain in King William's Irish army, writes from London, the llth of April, when hearing of the state of affairs at Cork — he gets the news as he returns from the coronation of William and Mary.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 78

57. Mitchelstown Caves and Earl of Desmond tradition

    Mitchelstown Caves · cave s souterrain s · Tipperary

    About six miles from Mitchelstown in Tipperary are the far-famed Mitchelstown caves, one called the Cave of the Grey Sheep. A tradition suggests the last Earl of Desmond lay concealed there before being betrayed by his cousin the White Knight and sent to the Tower of London.

    Read the passage

    About six miles from the town, in the county Tipperary, are the far-famed Mitchelstown caves. I am given to understand, by a respectable gentleman, who possesses landed property in the neighbourhood, that one of these caves is called the Cave of the Grey Sheep. Could this have been the cave in which the last Earl of Desmond lay concealed from his pursuers, and in which he was found by his cousin, the White Knight, who delivered him into the hands of his old enemy, Sir George Carew, who had him sent to the Tower of London, where he died, and lies buried. See vol. i., p. 336. If we believe in curses, we should say a curse rests on the Fitzgibbons or Kingstons, for this black treachery.

    There are two routes from Mitchelstown to Mallow. The one is through Kildorrery and Doneraile. Kildorrery, on the borders of Limerick, stands on the crown of a high hill, very difficult of ascent. Our forefathers, who knew but little of the mechanical powers, had no idea of ascending a hill in curves, on the screw principle, but went right at it in a straight line. As we do not like steep ascents, and as this road would take us almost out of the county of Cork, we shall approach the town of Mallow by the valley of the Blackwater, a far pleasanter route.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 242

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Mitchelstown Caves, in the county of Tipperary, about six miles from the town, are the far-famed Mitchelstown caves. One of these caves is called the Cave of the Grey Sheep. A tradition holds that the last Earl of Desmond lay concealed in a cave here, hiding from his pursuers. He was found by his cousin, the White Knight, who delivered him into the hands of his old enemy, Sir George Carew. Carew had him sent to the Tower of London, where he died and lies buried. The writer says that if we believe in curses, we should say a curse rests on the Fitzgibbons or Kingstons for this black treachery. There are two routes from Mitchelstown to Mallow. One goes through Kildorrery and Doneraile. Kildorrery stands on the crown of a high hill, very difficult of ascent. Our forefathers went right at it in a straight line, having no idea of ascending a hill in curves. The other route follows the valley of the Blackwater, a far pleasanter way to approach the town of Mallow.

58. Monkstown Castle built by Anastatia Gould, 1636

    Monkstown · townland · Cork · 1636

    In 1636, Anastatia Gould, wife of John Archdeacon, built the four castles of Monkstown and the court while her husband was away. On his return he disapproved, saying a building near a harbour was a building of sedition. A tradition held that she built the castle for a groat, profiting on provisions for workmen.

    Read the passage

    "A.D. 1636. — Monkstown Castle and Court were remade. Reader, you are to observe that it was not John Archdeacon, but his wife,* Anastatia Gould, who built the four castles of Monkstown, and the court, in his absence, as he was from home. On his return he did not like the building, and said that a building near a harbour was a building of sedition, which, alas ! turned out so."

    "A.D. 1660. — Archdeacon died, and when Cromwell came to Ireland, he was deprived of his castle, lands, etcetera, but not his life, which they did not covet."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 213

59. Old Head of Kinsale: ancient encampment and De Courcy castle

    near Old Head of Kinsale · promontory · Cork

    The Old Head of Kinsale juts out about six miles to the south-east and was the site of an ancient encampment, identified in records as Dun-Kearma, a royal seat of the kings of Ireland. Miles de Courcy, son of John de Courcy, married a De Cogan and built a castle on the Old Head, whose ruins now stand there.

    Read the passage

    Ceann-saile, " the head of the sea." The promontory which juts out about six miles to the south-east, is called the Old Head of Kinsale. Here was an ancient encampment,* on the site of which stand the ruins of a De Courcy castle. Miles de Courcy, son of the celebrated John de Courcy, married a De Cogan, and built a castle on the Old Head. The Ordnance map has a " church in ruins " near Sandy Cove, on the old head. The Kev. John H. Hopkins, Eector of Kinsale, says: — "The church is built of unhewn stone, and mortar made from burned shells. The building is oblong, measuring about thirty-five feet by twenty. It was entered by a low narrow door in the western gable, and lighted by slits like those in the staircase of an old castle, two of which remain. The eastern gable is surmounted by a rudely constructed circular arch, j- and slightly bayed ; the other is also bayed, and surmounted by a flat stone. The ruin is known as the church of Courtmather."

    Kinsale is one of the oldest corporate towns in Ireland. The preamble of the charter, 7 of Edward III. says, " the town was surrounded by Irish enemies and English rebels, and that the burgesses had always obeyed the king's orders in repelling the same, who had often, by sea and land, assailed the town." The power of choosing a sovereign or mayor was granted by this charter, for their loyalty. But Kinsale did

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 256

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Old Head of Kinsale, the promontory juts out about six miles to the south-east. Here was an ancient encampment, known as Dun-Kearma, a royal seat of the kings of Ireland. On the site of that encampment now stand the ruins of a De Courcy castle. Miles de Courcy, son of the celebrated John de Courcy, married a De Cogan and built a castle on the Old Head. The Ordnance map marks a church in ruins near Sandy Cove. The Reverend John H. Hopkins, Rector of Kinsale, described it. The church is built of unhewn stone, and mortar made from burned shells. The building is oblong, measuring about 35 feet by 20. It was entered by a low narrow door in the western gable, and lighted by slits like those in the staircase of an old castle, two of which remain. The eastern gable is surmounted by a rudely constructed circular arch, and slightly bayed. The ruin is known as the church of Courtmather. Kinsale is one of the oldest corporate towns in Ireland. The charter of 7 of Edward III says the town was surrounded by Irish enemies and English rebels, and the burgesses had always obeyed the king's orders in repelling them, who had often by sea and land assailed the town. The power of choosing a sovereign or mayor was granted by this charter, for their loyalty.

60. Protestant prisoners sent to Blarney Castle

    near Blarney · townland · Cork · 1689

    On 10 September, several Protestants from Cork were sent to Blarney Castle as prisoners under the orders of the Jacobite governors Lord Clare and M. Boileau. This was part of a broader campaign of severity against Cork's Protestant population.

    Read the passage

    James appointed Lord Clare and M. Boileau, governors of Cork, who appeared to have acted with severity towards the Protestants. " On the llth of August, the Lord Clare, governor of Cork, committed all the Protestants of the city to St. Peter's, Christ Church,* and the Court - Houses ; on the 10th of September several were sent to Blarney Castle; on the llth, many to Macroom ; and October the 13th, all the churches were shut up. In several places the governors went into houses and shops, seized what they

    * Ohrist Church. " A bomb fell through the roof of Christ Church, but by God's providence, it did no damage." — Oox.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 78