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. Brig destroys new bridge arch during 1789 flood

   Cork · city · Cork · 1789

   A crewless brig broke from its moorings at the Sand Quay during the great flood and struck the centre arch of the newly built bridge, destroying both the bridge and the vessel. The North and South bridges sustained damage but survived.

   Read the passage

   " A brig, without any person on board, broke from her moorings at the Sand Quay, and coming with her broadside across the centre arch of the new bridge, threw it down, and was itself completely destroyed. Soon after the other arch came down. The North and South bridges received some injuries, but stood immoveable. On Hammond's Marsh boats plied as well as if they were in the main river.

   " No flood within many feet of this, had ever been known or heard of in this city before or since. Considerable damage was sustained by many, but happily only one life was lost — a man whose name was Noah, On the following day the mayor ordered the markets to be opened, as the inhabitants would have been otherwise much distressed for provisions."

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 167

   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Cork, in 1789 a great flood struck the city. A brig with no one on board broke from its moorings at the Sand Quay. It came broadside across the centre arch of the new bridge and threw it down. The brig itself was completely destroyed. Soon after, the other arch came down. The North and South bridges received some injuries but stood immoveable. On Hammond's Marsh, boats plied as if they were in the main river. No flood within many feet of this had ever been known or heard of in the city before or since. Considerable damage was sustained by many, but only one life was lost, a man whose name was Noah. The following day the mayor ordered the markets opened, as the inhabitants would have been much distressed for provisions otherwise.

2. Burial of Lieutenant-General Jones in Youghal Cathedral

   Youghal · town · Cork · 1649

   The body of Lieutenant-General Jones was brought to Youghal and interred with great solemnity in Lord Cork's chapel in the Cathedral of St. Mary's. Cromwell ordered a day of solemn observance for the funeral.

   Read the passage

   The body of the lieutenant-general was brought to Youghal— where Oliver took up his quarters for a few days — and interred with great solemnity, in Lord Cork's chapel, in the cathedral of St. Mary's. For this Cromwell orders a day of solemn observance ; and for Zouchy's success, a day of general thanksgiving.

   He left Youghal on the 15th of December, and arrived in Cork on the 17th, where he received "very hearty and noble entertainment." He was attended by " My Lord Broghill, Sir William Fenton, and divers other gentlemen and commanders. Colonel Deane and Colonel Blake, our sea-generals, are both riding in Cork Harbour." " To-morrow," continues the writer of the letter* from which we quote, " the Major-General [Ireton] is expected here, both in good health, God be praised. This week, I believe, they will visit Kinsale, Bandon-Bridge, and other places in this province that have lately declared for us."

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 59

3. Cork Grand Jury raises £420 to provision French fleet

   Cork · city · Cork · 1689

   The Cork Grand Jury voted to raise £420 to purchase fifty fat oxen and four hundred fat wethers for the French fleet, as an acknowledgment of thanks for transporting James II to Ireland. George Crofts was appointed to furnish the provisions.

   Read the passage

   " We present that four hundred and twenty pounds be raised in the County of Cork, to be paid to George Crofts, Esq., who is forthwith to furnish the French fleet with fifty fat oxen, and four hundred fat weathers ; the same to be given to the admiral, officers, and seamen of the said fleet, as a small acknowledgment of the universal thanks due to them from this kingdom in general, but from us, more particularly, for transporting his Majesty hither, we having the first blessings of his Majesty's presence in this country, for which we and our posterity shall ever praise God. George Crofts to be satisfied for grazing the said cattle till the return of the French fleet."

   James was met by Donough, Earl of Clancarty,

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 75

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Cork, this city carries a mark from 1689. That year the Grand Jury of the county voted to raise 420 pounds, to be paid to George Crofts, who was forthwith to furnish the French fleet with fifty fat oxen and four hundred fat wethers. The cattle were to be given to the admiral, officers, and seamen of that fleet. The Grand Jury called it a small acknowledgment of the universal thanks due to them from this kingdom, but from Cork more particularly, for transporting his Majesty hither. They said they had the first blessings of his Majesty's presence in this country, and that they and their posterity shall ever praise God for it. George Crofts was also to be satisfied for grazing the cattle until the French fleet returned.

4. Earl of Cork's revenue collapse and garrison privations at Youghal

   Youghal · town · Cork · 1642

   The Earl of Cork reported that his pre-rebellion revenue of fifty pounds a day had collapsed to less than fifty pence a week. He had to provision fifteen companies at Youghal on salt beef, barrelled butter, biscuit and water, which he said 'made a rich churchyard and a weak garrison.'

   Read the passage

   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."

   Lord Inchiquin, when greatly driven for supplies, called a council of war, which decided on seizing the

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 37

5. Henry Street Methodist Chapel, oldest in Cork

   Henry Street · street · Cork · 1749–1752

   A Methodist chapel in Henry Street is the oldest foundation belonging to that body in Cork, the original building erected in 1752. John Wesley visited Cork in 1749 and met with bad treatment from the 'better classes'; his brother Charles and eight other preachers were presented by the Grand Jury as persons of ill fame and vagabonds.

   Read the passage

   * Henry Street. There is a Methodist Chapel in this street, the oldest foundation belonging to this body in Cork. The original building was erected in 1752. John Wesley visited Cork in 1749, where he met with bad treatment from the " better classes." His brother Charles, with eight other preachers, were "presented," by the Grand Jury, as " persons of ill fame, vagabonds, and common disturbers of the peace."— Winded » Historical Notices.

   f Dunscombe's Marsh. The Presbyterian chapel in Prince's Street was rebuilt on this marsh in 1717. There was a Presbyterian chapel in St: Peter's parish in 1699. " In St. Peter's parish, in a lane, near the wall, is the meeting-house of the Presbyterians ; a large room ; the seats and galleries will hold about 400 people."— Dive Downed Journal, pp. 103 and 104.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 161

   As the companion tells it

   Along here on Henry Street stands the oldest Methodist foundation in Cork. The original chapel was put up in 1752. John Wesley came to Cork in 1749 and met with bad treatment from the better classes. His brother Charles and eight other preachers were presented by the Grand Jury as persons of ill fame and vagabonds.

6. Servants' club suppressed in George's Street, 1788

   Cork · city · Cork · 1788

   Gentlemen's servants established a political and drinking club in George's Street, Cork, which became respectable enough to issue printed invitation cards. Cork magistrates suppressed the club on 16 December 1788 and committed several members to bridewell.

   Read the passage

   These political and drinking clubs became so much in vogue, that a number of gentlemen's servants established one in George's Street, " and such a degree of respectability had this place of resort attained, that printed cards of invitation were regularly issued to the members on the nights of meeting." But the Cork magistrates, who seem to have had no proper appreciation of " high-life below stairs," suppressed this most respectable institution, on the 16th of December, 1788, and, what is more extraordinary, committed a number of the members to bridewell. The masters of these servants probably wished to know where the money came from. The wages of men servants, about a hundred and twenty years ago, were from three to four pounds a-year. A brigadier-general's coachman got as much as six pounds a-year ; but this would not pay for printed cards. Paper, at this time, was eight or nine pence a quire.

   This severity did not proceed from any disinclination on the part of the citizens for social or public amuse-

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 110

7. Alleged massacre conspiracy in barony of Muskerry, 1801

   near Muskerry · street · Cork · 1801

   Lord Longueville informed authorities of a conspiracy for a general massacre in the barony of Muskerry, and six principal leaders were apprehended. Lord Cornwallis, writing to the Duke of Portland in May 1801, dismissed the plot as greatly exaggerated by the warmth of imagination.

   Read the passage

   These risings and plots were generally exaggerated. Lord Cornwallis, writing to the Duke of Portland, May 9th, 1801, says, " I received yesterday, at a late hour, your grace's letter, dated the 4th instant, acquainting me that Lord Longueville had been informed of a conspiracy for a general massacre in the barony of Muskerry, and that six of the principal leaders were apprehended. Had the plot, which is said to have been discovered, been of so very serious a nature, it is impossible that I should not have heard of it . . . Your grace will see, from the reports I transmit, how greatly these dangerous plots are heightened by the warmth of the imagination."

   Sir Richard Musgrave mentions "Roger Conor, confined in Cork jail," as the chief director, or organizer, of the Union in Cork. It was he who kept open house for the reception of soldiers, and paid the bills of entertainment. It is said " he even supplied the concubines, the more effectually to seduce them." "We suspect that this Roger was a relative of the far more famous Arthur 0' Conor, who surrendered himself on the 3rd of July, 1797, Lord Edward Fitzgerald and Emmet becoming his sureties.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 130

8. Arklow Castle, seat of Ormond's family, quitted

   Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1649

   Cromwell's army crossed the river Doro about a mile above the castle of Arklow, the first seat and honour of the Marquis of Ormond's family. Though Ormond had strongly fortified it, the castle was quitted on the army's approach and a company of foot was left there.

   Read the passage

   He proceeds from Dublin to the South, taking Wexford and Eoss on his way to Cork. "We shall be all the better acquainted with this remarkable man by marching from Dublin with him and his army. " Sir," — writing to the Speaker from Wexford, the 14th October, 1649 — "The army marched from Dublin, about the 23rd of September, into the county of Wicklow, where the enemy had a garrison about fourteen miles from Dublin, called Killencarrick, which they quitting, a company of the army was put therein. From thence the army marched through almost a desolated country, until it came to a passage over the river Doro, about a mile above the castle of Arklow, which was the first seat and honour of the Marquis of Ormond's family, which he had strongly fortified, but it was, upon the approach of the army, quitted, wherein we left another company of foot — thence the army marched towards Wexford.

   He summons Colonel David Synnott, the commanderin-chief of the town, to surrender. Synnott must consult the mayor and corporation. Cromwell replies that he must be quick, and do it before twelve the next day. The corporation, to gain time, propose a treaty ; they hear that Lord Castlehaven is on his march to their relief. Cromwell requires the town, and not a treaty, but let them send in their terms. Synnott sends a long paper, in which he requires liberty to exercise the Catholic religion, the possession of all religious houses and Catholic property, the prerogatives of Catholic bishops and other church digni-

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 51

9. Bishop Wetenhall and the siege of Cork, 1690

   Cork · city · Cork · 1678–1690

   Bishop Edward Wetenhall rebuilt the ancient ruinous house called Bishops' Court where he resided. During the siege of Cork in 1690, he was taken prisoner by James's adherents along with all the clergy and about 1,300 Protestants, and released when the enemy's wall was breached by heavy cannon near Red-Cow Abbey.

   Read the passage

   A.D. 1678. Edward Wetenhall, or Wethenhale, was consecrated Bishop of Cork and Eoss the 14th of Feb., 1678. He was born at Litchfield, October 7th, 1636. Ware says, " He immediately set upon the rebuilding the ancient ruinous house called Bishops' Court," where he resided. Wetenhall fell into the hands of James's adherents during the siege of Cork in 1690. " In the morning [the 27th of September] our heavy cannon were landed near the Red-Cow, by Red-Cow

   356 HISTORY OF CORK.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 180

10. Buttevant abbey ruins and Knockninoss skulls

    Buttevant · town · Cork

    Buttevant takes its name from the war-cry of the Barrys. The ruins of an ancient abbey founded by David de Barry in the reign of Edward I contain the skulls of heroes who fell at the battle of Knockninoss, including one identified as Mac Allisdrum.

    Read the passage

    Buttevant is about four miles from Doneraile and seven from Mallow. It takes its name from the warcry of the Barry s, Boutez en evant, " Push forward." In ecclesiastical books it is called Bothon, and by Spenser, Kilnemullagh. It was at one time an ancient corporation, governed by a mayor and aldermen. The remains of the town wall were to be seen in Doctor Smith's time. Here are the ruins of an ancient abbey, founded in the reign of Edward I. by David de Barry. Within the old walls reposed the ashes of some of the Fitzgeralds, Prendergasts, Donegans, Meades, Dowlings, Healys, Nagles, Lombards, and Supples. Here are the skulls j* of the heroes that fell at the battle of Knockninoss, The old town is little more than a Golgotha, or place of skulls. With the exception of the new Catholic church, nothing seems to have grown or flourished here for centuries. Sir James Anderson, the son of John Anderson, of

    * Mr. Trotter, in his Walks through Ireland, penned in 1817 and published in 1819.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 245

11. Carnot questions defences of Cork harbour

    near Cork Harbour · estuary · Cork · 1796

    In discussions with Carnot in Paris, Wolfe Tone was asked about strong places in Ireland and could name only some works defending the harbour of Cork. Carnot remarked on Cork but questioned whether a landing there would be necessary, revealing French strategic thinking about the invasion.

    Read the passage

    Carnot, whom he styles the "Organizer of Victory," asks him were there not "some strong places in Ireland?" He answers, "I know none, but some works to defend the harbour of Cork. Carnot thinks, and says, " Aye, Cork — but may it not be necessary to land there." — "By which I perceived he had been organizing a little in his own mind."

    He hears bad news from Ireland, that Sir Edward Bellew, of Bellewstown, has been arrested, and writes, " Well, a day will come for all this. If we cannot prevent his fall, at least, I hope, we shall be able to revenge it; and I, for one, if it be in twenty years from this, promise not to forget it. My heart is hardening hourly, and I satisfy myself now, at once, on points

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 122

12. Cork–Passage transport revolution, 1810–1837

    Passage West · town · Cork · 1810–1837

    In 1810 only one diligence carrying four persons ran between Cork and Passage, rarely filled. By 1837 there were 300 licensed gingles, two-thirds running between Cork and Passage, with an estimated 420,000 persons annually going and returning by land between the two places.

    Read the passage

    " but one diligence ran between Cork and Passage, which carried four persons, and which was rarely filled. At present [1837] there are 300 gingles licensed, of which, perhaps, two thirds run between Cork and Passage, each of which holds four persons. Some of them make three or four trips, daily ; besides a day car, which holds six passengers. The estimated annual number of persons going and returning, by land, between Cork and Passage, is 420,000."

    The Hotel and Baths of Glenbrook stand midway between Passage and Monkstown. Viewed from the river, they remind the traveller of a Turkish temple on the Bosphorus. On the high ground commanding the baths, is Glenbrook House, the summer residence of Edmund Burke, Esquire, a deputy lieutenant of the county. Carrig-Mahon is a noble mansion, and commands a splendid prospect. Here we have the Turkish baths in perfection, and the hydropathic system, conducted with ability and professional skill, by the proprietor, T. Curtin, Esq., M.D.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 210

13. Dunmanway population and linen industry growth 1735-1749

    Dunmanway · town · Cork · 1735–1749

    In 1735 Dunmanway had only about 50 indifferent houses, many uninhabited or occupied by beggars. By May 1749 the number of houses had risen to 117, containing 807 inhabitants, with 226 flax wheels and 22 woollen wheels, reflecting the dramatic growth of the linen industry under Cox's patronage.

    Read the passage

    " But its effects will still appear in a stronger light, from the increase of the number of houses and inhabitants in Dunmanway. In 1735 there were not more than 50 very indifferent houses, 12 not inhabited, or by beggars only, and 30 by people who were for the most part poor and idle, for want of employment. In May, 1747, there were 87 houses, which contained 250 Protestants and 307 Papists, in all 557. There were reckoned in the town 87 flax wheels and 51 woollen wheels. In May, 1749, the houses were increased to 117, containing 405 Protestants and 402 Papists, in all 807. In all the houses there were 226 flax wheels and 22 woollen wheels, besides those of the spinning school. On the first of May, Sir Richard annually appointed a review of all the wheels, on a pretty green near the town, which makes no inelegant entertainment, to see so many young creatures rescued from want, idleness, and misery, decked out in decent apparel, earned by their own industry ; and to countenance this review, the young ladies of the best distinction exhibited their skill in spinning in this public assembly."

    Sir Eichard Cox died the 3rd of May, 1733, at the advanced age of eighty-three.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 262

14. Henry VIII-era Cork mayoral election customs and bribery case

    Cork · city · Cork

    A Roche manuscript describes how the mayor and bailiffs of Cork chose three candidates from whom the commons elected one as mayor under Henry VIII. A bribery case was referred to the Lords Justices, where a man bargained with a bailiff for money to secure his mayoral election.

    Read the passage

    We discover from one of the Eoche MSS. how civic elections were managed in the time of Henry VIII. " The maior and both the bailivis for the tyme being, accordinge the use and custume of the same, ought and muste choise and electe three goode able men, that is to say, everye of theym one mane, of which three goode able p'sones, the hole comons of Corcke, forsaid shall electe one to be there gouvenor and maior of the same."

    A case of bribery, on the part of the mayor, is then put to the Lords Justices and Judges. " So the case is this — one of Corcke, forsaid, came to one of the bailivis, and bargayned, covenanted, and delivered unto hym, certeyn some of money, for the electinge and choisinge of hym to that purpose. And so he did, and was elected and made maior by the hole commons of the same that year, by the meanes of the said bailivis six yere agone. Now, whether the same person so elected and made maior ought to have res-

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 90

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Cork, the city carries an old story from the time of Henry the Eighth. A Roche manuscript sets down how civic elections were managed here. The mayor and both bailiffs in office had to choose three good able men, each of them picking one. Then the whole commons of Cork would elect one from those three to be their governor and mayor. But the same manuscript records a bribery case put before the Lords Justices and Judges. The case was this. A man of Cork came to one of the bailiffs and bargained, covenanted, and delivered to him a certain sum of money for the choosing and electing of himself to that office. And so the bailiff did. The man was elected and made mayor by the whole commons that year, through the means of that bailiff. This had happened six years before the case was raised. The question put to the justices was whether the man so elected and made mayor ought to have restitution.

15. Hugh O'Neill's assembly at Inniscarra

    Inishcarra · parish · Cork · 1600

    Near the old church at Inniscarra, where the rivers Lee and Bride meet, Hugh O'Neill met with assembled Irish chieftains in 1600. During this gathering, he installed the gigantic Florence MacCarthy as the MacCarthy More.

    Read the passage

    Further east the Lee unites its waters with the Bride, near the old church at Inniscarra. It was in this district that Hugh O'Neill met the assembled Irish chieftains in 1600, and installed the gigantic Florence Mac Carthy as the Mac Carthy More.

    To the south, on the banks of the Bride, in the parish of Desertmore, are the castle and the beautiful abbey of Kilcrea, founded in 3 467, by Cormac Mac

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 251

16. Mallow's two castles of the Jephsons

    Mallow · town · Cork · 1642

    Mallow had two castles, the property of the Jephson family, who were prominent Parliamentarians and Cromwellians. One castle, whose picturesque ruins still stood in Sir Denham Norreys' demesne on the banks of the Blackwater, was raised by one of the Earls of Desmond and had a garrison of two hundred men under Arthur Bettesworth. The other, called Short Castle or Castle Gan, was commanded by Lieutenant Richard Williamson.

    Read the passage

    Mallow had two castles, the property of the Jephsons, who were at this time* great parliamentary men and great Cromwellians. Sir William Jephson, the eldest son of Sir John, moved in the house that Cromwell be offered the crown.f One of these castles, the picturesque ruins of which still adorn Sir Denham Norreys' demesne, was under the command of Arthur Bettesworth, and had a garrison of two hundred men. The other, called Short Castle, and in Irish, Castle Gan, was in charge of Lieutenant Richard Williamson. The latter place was besieged by and surrendered to Major Purcell, who was serving with the loyal

    * At this time. The Norreys, from whom the Jephsons were maternally descended, were most special favorites with Queen Elizabeth, who writes to Lady Norreys, on the death of one of her sons — " My own dear Crow, nature can have stirrea no more dolorous affection in you, as a mother, for a dear son, than the grateful memory of his services past hath wrought in us, his sovereign." Lady Norreys was called a " crow," from the darkness of her hair. Her husband told the queen that the rumour of their son's death had made the crow's heart as black as her feathers.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 33

17. Mat Reily attacked four persons near Cork Exchange, 1769

    Cork · city · Cork · 1769

    On December 31st, 1769, rioting had become so common in Cork that it was not safe to stand at one's door without a weapon. Mat Reily, a journeyman saddler and notorious offender, attacked four peaceable persons near the Exchange, including two women, armed with a knife, hammer, and stick.

    Read the passage

    " December 31st, 1769 : — Eioting had become so common in this city, that it was not safe for any person to stand at his door without some weapon of defence, a most glaring instance of which appeared this evening. Four peaceable persons, near the Exchange, (two of whom were women) were insulted, cut, and beaten, by one Mat Reily, a journeyman saddler, a most notorious offender, who came up to them severally armed with a knive, hammer, and stick, and used them as above, for no other reason than bidding him go about his business. Informations were immediately lodged against him, and a parish constable took him prisoner ; he afterwards rescued himself, and nearly murdered the constable ; but he was subsequently retaken."

    Some of these were trade, and others food riots. The tradesmen of Cork and Dublin were at fierce war in 1766 and the following years. Six hundred and forty pounds was granted in 1766, to Samuel Beale, Eobert Stevally, John Litchfield, Mary Simmons, and Thomas Beeby, in compensation for goods — manufactured in Dublin — and which had been destroyed on their way to Cork, by a riotous mob.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 107

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this is a city that in 1769 had rioting so common it was not safe to stand at your own door without a weapon. On December 31st of that year, four peaceable persons near the Exchange, two of them women, were insulted, cut, and beaten by a man named Mat Reily. He was a journeyman saddler, described as a most notorious offender. He came at them armed with a knife, a hammer, and a stick. He used them all. His only reason was that they had bid him go about his business. Informations were lodged against him at once. A parish constable took him prisoner, but he rescued himself and nearly murdered the constable. He was taken again after that. These years saw both trade riots and food riots. The tradesmen of Cork and Dublin were at fierce war in 1766 and after. In 1766, 640 pounds was granted to Samuel Beale, Robert Stevally, John Litchfield, Mary Simmons, and Thomas Beeby, in compensation for goods manufactured in Dublin and destroyed on their way to Cork by a riotous mob.

18. Patrick Redmond hanged at Gallows Green, Cork, 1766

    Cork · city · Cork · 1766

    A tailor named Patrick Redmond was hanged at Gallows Green in Cork on 10 September 1766 for robbing the house of John Griffin. After being cut down after exactly nine minutes, an actor named Glover revived him through friction and fumigation. Redmond went to the theatre that night to thank Glover, horrifying the audience.

    Read the passage

    Highway robbery and burglary were of frequent occurrence both in city and county. A tailor named Patrick Kedmond was hanged in Gallows Green, on the 10th of September, 1766, for robbing the house of John Griffin. He was cut down, after hanging exactly nine minutes. An actor, named Glover, succeeded, by dint of friction and fumigation, in restoring the circulation, and bringing him to life. He rose, got drunk, and went that night to the theatre to return Glover thanks, to the consternation and horror of the whole audience. He was the third tailor that had outlived hanging during ten years.

    That very clever thief, Jack-a-boy, gave the authorities great trouble, for he was as agile as a monkey, and had displayed the same ability in getting out of, that he did in getting into prison, He was more than once whipped from the North to the South gate, without curing him of his propensities. A daring robber, named Bill Thunder, was shot down — after various hair-breadth escapes — by a party of gentlemen, near Mallow. These robbers and burglers enjoyed a large portion of the public sympathy. Take the following example : —

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 104

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Cork, highway robbery and burglary were of frequent occurrence in this city and county. On the 10th of September 1766, a tailor named Patrick Redmond was hanged at Gallows Green for robbing the house of John Griffin. He was cut down after hanging exactly 9 minutes. An actor named Glover succeeded, by dint of friction and fumigation, in restoring the circulation and bringing him to life. Redmond rose, got drunk, and went that night to the theatre to return Glover thanks, to the consternation and horror of the whole audience. He was the third tailor that had outlived hanging during 10 years. These robbers and burglars enjoyed a large portion of the public sympathy. A thief called Jack-a-boy gave the authorities great trouble, as agile as a monkey, and was more than once whipped from the North to the South gate without curing him of his propensities. A daring robber named Bill Thunder was shot down, after various hair-breadth escapes, by a party of gentlemen near Mallow.

19. Royal Cork Yacht Club founded on Haulbowline, 1720

    near Haulbowline Island · population centre · Cork · 1720

    The Water Club, later known as the Royal Cork Yacht Club, was established on Haulbowline Island in 1720. Ladies attended Club dinners wearing a distinctive uniform of yellow or orange habit with blue cape displaying a silver anchor, and a black hat tied under the chin.

    Read the passage

    The Water Club, now known as the Royal Cork Yacht Club, was established on this island in 1720. Mr. French, of Marino, the present Admiral of the Cork Yacht Club, tells me that " ladies attended* the Club dinners on Haulbowline, in a sort of uniform, which consisted of a yellow or orange habit, with a blue cape, displaying a silver anchor on the shoulder, and a black hat, tied under the chin." The Water Club, on a gala day, is thus described by two English gentlemen in 1784:—

    " I shall now acquaint your lordship with a ceremony they have at Cork, where we are arrived. It is somewhat like that of the Doge of Venice's wedding the sea. A set of worthy gentlemen, who have formed themselves into a body, which they call the Water Club, proceed a few leagues out to sea, once a year, in a number of little vessels, which, for painting and gilding, exceeds the king's yachts at Greenwich and Deptford. Their admiral, who is elected annually, and hoists his flag on board his little vessel, leads the van, and receives the honours of the flag ; the rest of the fleet fall in their proper stations, and keep their line in the same manner as the king's ships. This fleet is attended with a prodigious number of boats, which, with their colours flying, drums beating, and trumpets sounding, forms one of the most agreeable and splendid sights your lordships can conceive." — Tour through Ireland, p. 118.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 213

20. Scrofula epidemic among Cork Workhouse boys

    Cork · city · Cork · 1859

    The author visited the Cork Workhouse and examined about 104 boys ranked healthy, of whom two-thirds bore scrofula marks. A further 46 boys attended a scrofulous school, 22 were in hospital with seriously affected eyes, and only five of the 46 had entered the house diseased, meaning 41 were reduced to that condition inside.

    Read the passage

    I visited the Workhouse and examined all the boys. There were about 104 ranked healthy. About twothirds of these had the marks of scrofula. There were, besides these, 46 in a sort of scrofulous school. In some instances the whole head was affected ; with some the neck ; others had sore hands and feet. To those 46, maimed and sick in school, we must add 22 in hospital. The eyes of these poor children were very seriously — I fear permanently — affected, and, I conclude, from scrofula ; making a total of 68 ranked as sick or diseased. Of the 46 deformed, maimed, and diseased in the Lazaretto school, only five entered diseased, so that 41 had been reduced to this pitiable condition while in the house. I found that some had been in the house over eleven, some ten, some nine, some eight, some seven, some six, and some five years; the average of the 46 was about five years. I asked how many of the male children there were who had

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 169

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this city holds a grim record from 1859. A visitor to the Cork Workhouse examined all the boys there. About 104 were ranked healthy, yet two-thirds of those bore the marks of scrofula. Besides these, 46 attended a scrofulous school. Some had the whole head affected, some the neck, others sore hands and feet. To those 46, maimed and sick in school, 22 more lay in hospital. The eyes of these poor children were very seriously, perhaps permanently, affected, from scrofula. That made 68 ranked as sick or diseased. Of the 46 in the Lazaretto school, only 5 had entered the house diseased, meaning 41 had been reduced to that pitiable condition while inside. Some had been in the house over 11 years, some 10, some 9, down to 5. The average among the 46 was about 5 years.

21. St. Mary's Shandon destroyed in siege of 1690

    near Shandon · locality · Cork · 1690–1693

    An old church of St. Mary's stood east of St. Anne's and was destroyed during the siege of 1690, when the Governor of Cork, Macgillicuddy, fired the suburbs. A replacement church was built in 1693 on ground given by Sir Henry Sydney.

    Read the passage

    ST. MART'S SHANDON. An old church of this name stood a little to the east of St. Anne's. It was destroyed during the siege of 1690, when the Governor of Cork, Macgillicuddy, fired the suburbs. St. Mary's, in Shandon Street, was built in 1693. The ground was given by Sir Henry Sydney, as appears by the following tablet over the door : — " Ad Edificandum Templum Hoc Quantulum est agri Donum Parochiae Sanctse Marise de Shandon. Dedit Nobilissimus Dominus, Henricus Yicecomes Sydney, Hibernise Prorex. AN. DOMINI MD.CXCIII. Cujus memoria3 in ^Eternum floreat." It is a plain but comfortable church. There is an idea that the vaults of this church, like that of St. Michan's,* in Dublin, possess the property of preserving bodies from decay. Mr. "Windele informs us that the body of the Eev. Mr. M'Daniel, a chaplain of the City Gaol, who died in 1768, was found perfect thirty years after death. His body was somewhat the colour of bogwood, and was perfectly dry and smooth. " He is said to have been a hard liver." The whole of the body has now gone to decay. "We learn from Halls' Ireland, that the bodies of the Two Sheares were lying in the vaults of St. Michan's in a high state of preservation to a very late period. " The principal vaults are in a long corridor under the centre of the church, off which there are thirteen chambers. In one of these were deposited the remains of the two unfortunate brothers, Sheares,

    * St. Micharfs. u The bodies in the best state of preservation are in a small vault under the right angle of the transept ; one of which is said to be the body of St. Michan, laid there 200 years ago. It is that of a man of short stature, and is still quite perfect. The nails continue on the hands and feet, and the entire of the flesh and skin remains on the bones." The flesh is like the cover of an old book, bound in law-calf.— Sails' Ireland, vol. ii. p. 312.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 190

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Shandon, there was once an old church of St. Mary's that stood a little to the east of St. Anne's. It was destroyed during the siege of 1690, when the Governor of Cork, Macgillicuddy, fired the suburbs. A new St. Mary's was built in 1693 on Shandon Street, on ground given by Sir Henry Sydney. A tablet over the door records the gift, in Latin, giving the year 1693. The church is described as plain but comfortable. There is a belief that the vaults beneath it possess the same property as those of St. Michan's in Dublin, of preserving bodies from decay. Mr. Windele records that the body of the Reverend Mr. M'Daniel, a chaplain of the City Gaol, who died in 1768, was found perfect thirty years after death. His body was somewhat the colour of bogwood, and was perfectly dry and smooth. He is said to have been a hard liver. The whole of the body has since gone to decay. The vaults form a long corridor under the centre of the church, with thirteen chambers leading off it. In one of these were deposited the remains of the two unfortunate brothers, Sheares.

22. Thomas Tobin memorial slab at Clonmel

    Clonmel · parish · Cork · 1804

    A thin slab of white marble bearing the name of Thomas Tobin, dramatist and author of the 'Honeymoon' and other plays, was found near Wolfe's grave in the old church of Clonmel. Tobin was born in 1770 and died in 1804 en route to the West Indies; his remains were brought to Cove and buried there.

    Read the passage

    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.

    I visited Wolfe's grave a second time, accompanied by a literary friend, who told me the following anecdote of his elegy on the Burial of Sir John Moore : — " Charles Wolfe shewed me the lines in manuscript, with the beauty of which he was so much impressed, that I requested a copy for insertion in a periodical with which I had some connexion. Wolfe first refused, but was persuaded to comply. I laid the verses before some two or three savants, who were in the habit of pronouncing on what should, and what should not, appear in the periodical. The lines were read, ridiculed, and condemned, and I was laughed at for imagining such ' stuff ' * worthy of publication. I felt

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 216

23. Alexander the Coppersmith attacks Cork guild privileges

    Cork · city · Cork

    A pseudonymous writer called Alexander the Coppersmith poured contempt on Cork's chartered corporations, arguing that guild privileges had been converted from fraud-prevention into a tool to oppress workmen and drive them from the city. He saw the chartered body as enfeebled by its own privileges.

    Read the passage

    In speaking of the great success of Catholics, as the result of active industry in despite of corporate and guild privileges, he takes occasion to pour the most unmeasured contempt upon chartered rights, which had inflicted more permanent injury on those who possessed them, than on those who were denied them. He saw that the petted, pampered, and spoiled child had become the feeblest of the flock. "After the strictest scrutiny I could make into any privilege they can squeeze out of their charter, I really find that they have a right merely to exist, and meet by courtesy in the city court, where, by the power of custom, they may shut their door, talk of their grants, swallow their sack, and do nothing." But they did do something, for he tells us in the same breath, "The original intention of incorporating tradesmen was to discover and prevent frauds in trade, which valuable qualification they have converted into a power to raise money, oppress the workmen, and hunt them out of the city."

    Many of our Cork merchants must have been horribly out at the elbows,* if anything like the following

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 99

24. Blarney Castle sold to Sir James Jeffreys

    near Blarney · townland · Cork · 1703

    Chief Justice Pyne, fearing the Earl of Clancarty might disturb his title, sold his interest in Blarney Castle in 1703 to General Sir James Jeffreys. Jeffreys was grandson of the Colonel Jeffreys who seized Cork for Cromwell in 1649.

    Read the passage

    The purchaser, Chief- Justice Pyne, fearing that the Earl of Clancarty might disturb his title, sold his interest in 1703, to General Sir James Jeffreys, grandson, we suspect, of the Colonel Jeffreys who seized the city of Cork, at midnight, for Cromwell, in 1649. — See pages 99-101.

    General Sir James Jeffreys won his title of knight banneret in the army of Charles XII., of Sweden, and the hand of a lady claiming alliance to the royal family. His son, the Honorable James Jeffreys, was afterwards envoy at the court of Sweden. A descendant of his married the sister of the Lord Chancellor Fitzgibbon, Earl of Clare. If we can believe the stories told of this lady, she must have inherited a large share of her brother's indomitable spirit. She obliged, or persuaded the Grand Jury of the county to build a bridge to ornament the castle, and when the water, which is subject to fixed laws, refused to run under her bridge, she applied to have the course of the river changed, but this the Grand Jury could or would not do.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 253

25. Catholic assembly at Clonmacnois during Cromwell's campaign

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1649

    While Cromwell was in Cork, the ultramontane Catholic party convened an assembly at Clonmacnois hoping to form a union to oppose the English parliament. They published an address to which Cromwell replied in a politico-theological tract.

    Read the passage

    It was while Cromwell was in Cork that the ultramontane Catholic party convened an assembly at Clonmacnois, with the hope, when it was too late, of forming a union to oppose the English parliament. They published an address, to which Cromwell replied, in what Thomas Carlyle, in his usual extravagant and sham style, describes as "probably the remarkablest state paper ever published in Ireland since Strongbow, or even St. Patrick, first appeared there." The paper is no more than a violent politico-theological tract. The writer, who was not Cromwell, argues closely from incorrect data. The Latinity is pure. Were Milton in

    * " The letter was addressed to an Honorable Member of the Council of State," and dated Cork, 18th of December, 1649.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 59

26. Civil authority suspended in Cork, 1644–1655

    Cork · city · Cork · 1644–1655

    According to the city council books cited by Smith, civil authority in Cork ceased on the 26th of July, 1644, and was not renewed until 1655, when former freemen elected John Hodder as mayor. For ten years during Cromwell's rule there was no civil magistrate in the city.

    Read the passage

    Inchiquin was confirmed in the office of president, by the English parliament, for his conduct in this affair. Smith says, and he refers to the city council books, " The civil authority ceased in Cork on the 26th of July, 1644, and was not renewed till the year 1655, when Sir William Fenton, Maurice Eoche, Christopher Oliver, John Morley, and John Hodder, who were ancient freemen, elected the said John Hodder to be mayor." But, notwithstanding, in Dr. Smith's list of mayors, we find the name of James Lombard, for 1645. For ten years after, there was no civil magistrate in Cork ; that is for the ten years of Cromwell's usurpation.

    A Frenchman* who had befriended one Thomas Newell — whom he styles Tarn Neuel — and whom he

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 45

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Cork, there's a stretch of its history that sits under the street names. Smith looked at the city council books, and this is what he found. The civil authority in Cork ceased on the 26th of July, 1644. It was not renewed until the year 1655, when Sir William Fenton, Maurice Roche, Christopher Oliver, John Morley, and John Hodder, who were ancient freemen, elected John Hodder to be mayor. For ten years after, there was no civil magistrate in the city. That covers the ten years of Cromwell's rule. Though in Smith's own list of mayors, the name of James Lombard still appears, for 1645. So the old authority stopped, and for a decade the city had no civil magistrate at all.

27. Cork citizens refuse to proclaim new sovereign

    Cork · city · Cork · 1603

    The citizens of Cork refused to proclaim the new English sovereign, an act of defiance that followed Mountjoy's prescient warning about famine and discontent driving towns to seek foreign aid.

    Read the passage

    These words were penned by this prescient statesman before the citizens of Cork refused to proclaim the new English sovereign, or the citizens of Waterford had closed their gates against Mountjoy. But there were two other serious causes of discontent ; and it would be difficult to say to which the people were most opposed ; the one was an attempt of the government to force base money into circulation, and the other to press the Protestant religion upon a people who thoroughly detested it, and held it as corrupt as the coinage.

    Eespecting corrupt and light money, the Deputy writes, " And first, whereas, the alteration of the coyne and taking away the exchange in such a measure as that first promised, hath bred a general grievance to men of all qualities, and so many incommodities to all sorts, that it is beyond the judgment of any I can see, or hear, to prevent confusion in the estate, by the continuance thereof.5' Speaking of the army, he says, '* They not only pay excessive prices for all things, but can hardly get anything for their money." We are convinced that the free circulation of the pure Spanish dollar rendered Philip, King of Spain, very popular in Ireland.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    Passing through Cork, you are in a city with a story from 1603. The citizens refused to proclaim the new English sovereign. Before that defiance, before the citizens of Waterford closed their gates against Mountjoy, a prescient statesman had warned of what was coming. He saw famine and discontent driving towns to seek foreign aid. There were two serious causes of discontent, and it would be hard to say which the people opposed more. The government tried to force base money into circulation. And it tried to press the Protestant religion on a people who thoroughly detested it, and held it as corrupt as the coinage. The Deputy wrote that the alteration of the coin and taking away the exchange had bred a general grievance to men of all qualities, and so many inconveniences to all sorts that it was beyond the judgment of any to prevent confusion. Speaking of the army, he said they not only pay excessive prices for all things, but can hardly get anything for their money. The free circulation of the pure Spanish dollar rendered Philip, King of Spain, very popular in Ireland.

28. Death of Sir William St. Leger at Doneraile

    Doneraile · townland · Cork · 1642

    Sir William St. Leger, Lord President of Munster, died at Doneraile on 2 July 1642. The conflict between king and parliament so troubled his spirit that it threw him into a disorder of which he died, according to Dr. Smith.

    Read the passage

    Sir William St. Leger, Lord President of Munster, w]iose heart was with the king, and in whose cause his eldest son had fallen at the battle of Kewbury, died at Doneraile, the 2nd of July, 1642. Dr. Smith says, the distractions between the king and the parliament so troubled his spirit, and made so deep an impression on his mind, that it threw him into a disorder, of which he died. St. Leger, writing to Ormond, says, "It grieves me beyond any earthly sorrow, for the great distance and difference betwixt his majesty and the parliament ; and if all the measures of the times, joined with my long and violent sickness, were not of force to subject me to the grave, yet the sorrow for these unhappy variances would crack a much stronger heart than your servant hath now left in him."

    Ludlow says, the king appointed Lord Muskerry to the office of president, but the Lords Justices chose Lord Inchiquin,* who had married St. Leger' s daughter, which kept this nobleman on the side of the parliament.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 38

29. Irish garrison starved on East Marsh after Cork surrender

    Cork · city · Cork · 1690

    After the surrender of Cork in 1690, the Irish garrison was stripped and marched to the East Marsh, a wet marshy ground, where they were kept under guard for four or five days without sustenance, forcing some through hunger to eat dead horses. They were later crowded into jails, houses, and churches.

    Read the passage

    The Rev. Charles Leslie, in his answer to King, (p. 162,) says, " the garrison, after laying down their arms, were stript and marched to a marshy wet ground, where they were kept with guards four or five days, and not being sustained, were forced, through hunger, to eat dead horses;" and when removed from the marsh they were " crowded into jails, houses, and churches." We suspect that William's troops were not much better provided for. Cork was not large enough to feed and lodge two armies along with its own inhabitants.

    Seven Irish regiments laid down their arms, namely Mac Gillicuddy's, Clancarty's, Tyrone's, Mac Carthy's, O'Donovan's, O'Sullivan's, and Barrett's. About 1,000 men, with the principal officers, were sent prisoners to England, About 4,500 of the Irish army,* which had defended Limerick, against Ginkell, embarked at Cork, for France, under Lord Lucan, better known as General Sarsfield. About a hundred and sixty Irish troops were blown up in the Breda man-of-war — which lay in Cork harbour— on the 12th of October, 1691. Captain Tenet, the commander, was taken up alive, but died soon after. There were some who asserted that

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 84

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Cork, this city carries a story from 1690. After the surrender, the Irish garrison laid down their arms, were stripped, and marched to the East Marsh, a wet marshy ground. They were kept under guard four or five days without sustenance. Through hunger, some were forced to eat dead horses. When removed from the marsh, they were crowded into jails, houses, and churches. Seven Irish regiments laid down their arms: Mac Gillicuddy's, Clancarty's, Tyrone's, Mac Carthy's, O'Donovan's, O'Sullivan's, and Barrett's. About 1,000 men, with the principal officers, were sent prisoners to England. About 4,500 of the Irish army, which had defended Limerick against Ginkell, embarked for France under Lord Lucan, better known as General Sarsfield. About 160 Irish troops were blown up in the Breda man-of-war, in the harbour, on the 12th of October 1691. Captain Tenet, the commander, was taken up alive but died soon after.

30. Lord President besieges castles of Berehaven and Dunboy

    near Dunboy · street · Cork · 1602

    After Boyle returned from London, he came back to Ireland to rejoin the Lord President, who was then besieging the castles of Berehaven and Dunboy. It was on their subsequent return to Cork that Sir George Carew proposed Boyle purchase Raleigh's Munster estates.

    Read the passage

    He returns to Ireland to his friend the Lord President, who is besieging the Castles of Berehaven and Dunboy. It is on their return to Cork that Sir George proposes to his protege to purchase Sir Walter Ealeigh'a property. " He propounded unto me the purchase of all Sir Walter Kaleigh's lands in Munster, offering me his best assistance for the compassing thereof, which he really performed, for upon my departure for England he wrote by me two effectual letters, one to Sir Eobert Cecil, wherein he was pleased to magnify my service and abilities, and concluding with a request, that he would make intercession with Sir Walter Raleigh to sell me all his lands in Ireland, that were then altogether waste and desolate. To Sir Walter Raleigh he also wrote, advising him to sell me all his lands in Ireland, then untenanted, and of no value to him, mentioning, withall, that, to his lordship's knowledge, his estate in Ireland never yielded him any benefit, but, contrary wise, stood him in £200 yearly for the maintenance and support of his titles. Whereupon

    31

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Dunboy, in 1602, the Lord President was besieging the castles of Berehaven and Dunboy. Boyle had returned from London to Ireland to rejoin him. It was on their subsequent return to Cork that Sir George Carew proposed to his protege Boyle that he purchase Sir Walter Raleigh's lands in Munster. Carew offered Boyle his best assistance. On Boyle's departure for England, Carew wrote two effectual letters. One was to Sir Robert Cecil, in which Carew magnified Boyle's service and abilities, and concluded with a request that Cecil make intercession with Raleigh to sell all his lands in Ireland, which were then "altogether waste and desolate." The other letter was to Raleigh himself, advising him to sell all his lands in Ireland, then untenanted and of no value. Carew mentioned that, to his lordship's knowledge, Raleigh's estate in Ireland had never yielded him any benefit, but had cost him 200 pounds yearly for "the maintenance and support of his titles."

31. Mr. Roche of Trabolgan suspected in French landing, 1798

    Trabolgan · townland · Cork · 1798

    Lord Cornwallis suspected that a Monsieur La Roche, found among French prisoners after Humbert's landing in 1798, was actually Mr. Roche of Trabolgan, county Cork. Fresh suspicions arose after his departure, and he was ordered arrested but had already escaped.

    Read the passage

    Swanton, who lived near Dunmanway, escaped to America, where he became a judge. He returned to this county, two or three years ago, no doubt a far wiser man than he left it. Great revolutions always throw clever and, sometimes, good men to the surface of society. Swanton had never been a judge if he had not been a rebel. Lord Cornwallis suspected that Mr. Eoche, of Trabolgan, was connected with the French landing, under Humbert, in 1798. Writing to the Duke of Portland, he says, " We have discovered a Mr. Teeling, of Lisburne, among the French prisoners ; and, I believe that we shall prove that a Monsieur La Roche is a Mr. Eoche of Ireland. Monsieur satisfied Mr. Cooke that he was born of English parents in France, but, " after his departure fresh suspicions arose that he was one of the Roches of Trabolgan, county of Cork, and he was ordered to be arrested ; but he had previously escaped." — Cornwallis9 Correspondence, vol. ii., p. 405.

    250 HISTORY OF CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 131

32. Richard Gould acquitted for Haulbowline attack over mixed-money grievance

    Cork · city · Cork · 1603

    Richard Gould was tried and acquitted by a Cork jury for the attack on Haulbowline. He proved he had purchased wheat in France for nineteen shillings a barrel in good silver, but Lady Carew's steward would only pay twenty shillings of the debased new standard money, a fraud the jury held sufficient to drive an honest trader into rebellion.

    Read the passage

    themselves ; " and his mild chastisement of the present rebellion, is something like an admission that the people had great cause for dissatisfaction. Murrough, Butler, and the schoolmaster, Owen Mac Redmond, who had no freeholds, were the only parties executed by martial law. Mead, the recorder, who was the ringleader, was tried by an Irish jury, and acquitted. The grand jury* found true bills against Mead, Eichard Gould, and others. Gould pleaded, in justification, before Sir Charles Wilmot, and Sir George Thornton, commissioners, Sir Nicholas Walsh, William Saxey, and George Comerford, justices, the injury he had sustained by being compelled to take the mixed or base money. He proved that the late Lord President's steward had purchased twenty barrels of wheat for the Lady Carew, which he, Bichard Gould, had purchased in France for nineteen shillings a barrel, of good silver money, and that the steward would give him but twenty shillings of the new standard or mixed money. The Cork jury, by whom he was tried and acquitted for the attack on Haulbowline, must have held that such fraudulent conduct was enough to drive any honest trader into rebellion. Mead, the recorder, appears to have had deeper projects in view. He afterwards got a pension from Spain, and went to Naples, where he wrote a treasonable tract, called, "Advice to the Catholics of Munster" a copy of which is preserved in the Bodleian Library at Oxford. He died in Naples.

    * TJie grand jury were Owen 0' Sullivan, Teige Mac Cormac Carthy, John Taylor, Thomas J. C. Gankrough, Garrett Barry, Joshua Barry, Edmund Barry, Arthur Hyde, Charles Callaghan, William Mellefont, Eedmond Magher, Tiege Mac Carthy, John Barry, Garrett Buidhe Barry, and Bryan Mac Sweeny.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    Cork, in 1603, was where a jury acquitted Richard Gould for the attack on Haulbowline. After the rebellion, Murrough, Butler, and the schoolmaster Owen Mac Redmond, who had no freeholds, were the only parties executed by martial law. Mead, the recorder, was the ringleader, but he was tried by an Irish jury and acquitted. The grand jury found true bills against Mead, Gould, and others. Gould pleaded his justification before commissioners Sir Charles Wilmot and Sir George Thornton, and justices Sir Nicholas Walsh, William Saxey, and George Comerford. His defence was the injury he sustained by being compelled to take the mixed or base money. He proved that the late Lord President's steward had purchased twenty barrels of wheat for Lady Carew, which Gould had bought in France for nineteen shillings a barrel of good silver money. The steward would give him but twenty shillings of the new standard or mixed money. The Cork jury must have held that such fraudulent conduct was enough to drive any honest trader into rebellion. Mead had deeper projects. He afterwards got a pension from Spain and went to Naples, where he wrote a treasonable tract called "Advice to the Catholics of Munster." A copy is preserved in the Bodleian Library at Oxford. He died in Naples.

33. French wine ship seized at Kinsale

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1690

    About a month after Charles Fort's capture, a French ship laden with wine sailed into Kinsale and anchored under the Old Fort, believing the town still held by James' troops. The captain only discovered his mistake when Marlborough's men boarded the vessel.

    Read the passage

    The Irish left a thousand barrels of wheat and eighty pipes of claret behind them. These were a great boon to men who had been living on brown bread and sour wine. About a month after this a French ship, laden with wine, sailed into Kinsale, and anchored under the Old Fort, believing the town to be in the hands of James' troops, nor did the captain discover his mistake till his vessel was boarded by Marlborough's men. The earl left his brother, Colonel Churchill, as governor of Charles Fort, and returned to Cork, from which he sailed with his fleet to Portsmouth.

    It was during the October or November of this famous year, 1690, that the Irish, with 1,000 horse and five regiments of foot, under the command of the young Duke of Berwick, marched from Limerick to Macroom, but hearing of Ginkell's approach from

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 85

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming into Kinsale now. Back in 1690, about a month after Charles Fort fell, a French ship sailed into this harbour laden with wine and anchored under the Old Fort. The captain thought the town was still held by James' troops. He only found out he was wrong when Marlborough's men boarded his vessel. The Irish had already left behind a thousand barrels of wheat and 80 pipes of claret when they withdrew, which was a great boon to soldiers who had been living on brown bread and sour wine.

34. Monument to Edward and Mary Roche at Duaderrow

    Dunderrow · townland · Cork · 1711

    In the churchyard of the parish of Duaderrow, within three miles of Kinsale, stands a monument inscribed to the memory of Edward Roche of Trabolgan and his wife Mary Archdeacon of Monkstown, who both died in the same hour on 23 January 1711.

    Read the passage

    Here also are the ruins of old castles and mansions, the principal of which is Poul-na-long, or Ship-pool, belonging to the Eoches, which was taken by the men of Bandon in 1642, by which means they opened a correspondence with Kinsale. In the church-yard of the parish of Duaderrow, within three miles of Kinsale, is a monument, with an inscription : — " To the memory of Edward Roche, Esquire, of Trabolgan, and his wife, Mrs. Mary Archdeacon, of Monkstown, who both died in the same hour, on the 23rd of January, 1711." The seaport town of Kinsale derives its name from

    kitchen and pleasure gardens, good orchards, and other large plantations." " Iniskeen, a village consisting of 38 houses, and takes its name from Kean Mac Moile More, ancestor of the Alahonys."— Smith's Hi>t. of Cork, vol. i. pp. 252-3.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 255

35. Prisoners and citizens die of disease after Cork's fall

    Cork · city · Cork · 1690

    After Cork surrendered in 1690, some 4,000 prisoners were confined in places of worship including the Quaker meeting-house, causing Friends to meet elsewhere. Wet weather caused widespread sickness among prisoners and citizens alike, with many buried daily in a pit.

    Read the passage

    the prisoners, computed at about 4000, were put into the places of worship, so that Friends met in a back place, belonging to Thomas Wright's house ; and the weather being wet, the English soldiers as well as Irish prisoners, grew very sickly, and great numbers died, so that they buried them in a large hole or pit, almost every day. The citizens were also infected, and very many died, and the city became like an hospital, in a dismal condition, for a long time. At length many of the prisoners ran away, and others that remained were let go, but the governor and chiefs were sent to the Tower of London." — Pike's Life, p. 53.

    We conclude from the following that the Quakers were held as "Friends" by the Irish, and had the city been taken by storm, would have perished with them. " The Protestants were shut up in prisons * and houses, with guards over them, but Friends were at liberty, the Irish believing there was no danger from us, so that if the town had been taken by storm, as it was on the point of being, humanly speaking, we should have been slain with the Irish."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 83

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Cork, this city holds a grim story from 1690. After Cork surrendered, about 4,000 prisoners were put into the places of worship. The Quakers had to meet in a back place belonging to Thomas Wright's house instead. The weather turned wet, and both English soldiers and Irish prisoners grew very sickly. Great numbers died, and they buried them in a large pit almost every day. The citizens were infected too, and very many died. The city became like an hospital, in a dismal condition, for a long time. At length many of the prisoners ran away, and others that remained were let go, but the governor and chiefs were sent to the Tower of London. The Quakers were held as Friends by the Irish. The Protestants were shut up in prisons and houses with guards over them, but Friends were at liberty, the Irish believing there was no danger from them. As one Friend wrote, if the town had been taken by storm, as it was on the point of being, humanly speaking, they should have been slain with the Irish.

36. Scravenmore routs enemy near Mallow and breaks bridge

    Mallow · town · Cork · 1690

    Lord Scravenmore routed a great body of the enemy near Mallow and broke down the bridge there before marching to Castletownroche. This was part of the military operations leading up to the siege of Cork.

    Read the passage

    " 19th. I sent to Cashel, to Dr. Burgh, to inquire for news, and especially of the proceedings of Scravenmore in the county of Cork. He sent me word that Scravenmore had lately routed a great body of the enemy near Mallow, and that having broken down that bridge, he was marched to Castletownroche. Whereupon my brother, Aldworth, and I resolved to go to him, and to quarter at Ballyhooley until the Lord Marlborough should arrive, or the Lord Scravenmore return.

    " 22nd. — This day we received an account that the Earl of Marlborough was arrived, and had sent an express with an account of it to Cashel to Ginkell."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 79

37. Williamite army marches to Carlow, dragoons hanged

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1690

    On 14 July, William's army marched to Carlow and halted at Hungerlins Bush. Two Enniskilling dragoons were found hung by the wayside with papers on their breasts exposing their crimes, illustrating the harsh discipline enforced on the march southward.

    Read the passage

    " 14th. We marched to Carlow and baited on our way at Hungerlins Bush. As we passed, two of the Enniskilling dragoons, hung by the way-side,* with papers on their breasts exposing their crime."

    On the 18th, they take " a considerable herd of cattle" and lie down to sleep, when a hundred of King James's horse ride up, retake the prey, and kill twelve of the Williamite soldiers.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 78

38. Bishop and mayor's ceremonial procession to St. Barry's church

    Cork · city · Cork · 1699

    When Bishop Michael Boyle lived in the city, the bishop and mayor walked together to St. Barry's church. At the middle of the eastern stone bridge, the bishop took the mayor's right hand, and the sword and other ensigns were left at Alderman Field's house at the foot of the bridge until their return.

    Read the passage

    " When Bishop Michael Boyle was here, he lived in the city. The bishop and mayor used to go to St. Barry's church together. When they came to the middle of the eastern stone bridge, the bishop took the right hand of the mayor, and the sword and other ensigns were left in Alderman Field's house, at the foot of the bridge, till they returned from church. Captain Hayes says he has seen this twenty times done.

    " The lands of the parish of St. Barry belong chiefly to the Bishop of Cork, the Earl of Cork, Dean Davys, Ignatius Gold, lately forfeited to the king, Captain Travers, Mr. Pigott, Alderman Chartres, and Mr. Webber.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 182

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, there is a story from the time of Bishop Michael Boyle. He lived in the city, and in 1699 the bishop and mayor would walk together to St. Barry's church. When they reached the middle of the eastern stone bridge, the bishop took the mayor's right hand. The sword and other ensigns were left at Alderman Field's house, at the foot of the bridge, until they came back from church. Captain Hayes said he saw this done twenty times.

39. Castlehaven takes Cappoquin and Dromana

    Cappoquin · town · Waterford · 1642

    Lord Castlehaven, a general in the Irish Confederate army, captured the towns of Cappoquin and Dromana during the Confederate wars. A trumpeter was then sent to Lord Broghill near Lismore with a challenge, but Broghill withdrew rather than fight.

    Read the passage

    Lord Broghill, who tells the story about Captain Fennell, gave a challenge himself, which he did not wait to redeem. Lord Castlehaven, a general in the Irish Confederate army, had taken Cappoquin and Dromana,* when a trumpeter approached to say that my Lord Broghill was on the great Coney Warren, near Lismore, where he should be glad to meet him. Castlehaven immediately marched towards my lord, " but upon coming near, my lord drew off and marched away." — The Earl of Castlehaven' 's Memoirs, p. 80.

    The protection and government of Bandon wag committed to Lord Kinalmeaky, another of the Earl of Cork's sons. Cork, Youghal, Kinsale, and Bandon, were the only towns in the county in the hands of the parliament party. As Bandon was a walled town, many fled to it for protection; a number of the English settlers from Clonakilty sought the shelter of its walls. The lord of Muskerry, whom Doctor Smith styles Lord Clancarthy, Mac Carthy, Carthy Eeagh,-)- O'Donovan, and O'Sullivan, were assembling in Carbery, with wild and lawless bands at their heels. The lord of Muskerry, who was esteemed the head of the Irish party in Munster, not only hung several of the common people for thieving, but sent some of the Kinalmeaky thieves to Bandon, " where they met their desert" from the young Lord Kinalmeaky.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 36

40. Charles Fort, Kinsale, capitulates after siege

    near Charles Fort · monument · Cork · 1690

    After the Old Fort fell, the New or Charles Fort at Kinsale was summoned; Governor Sir Edward Scot initially dismissed surrender talks. Trenches were opened on 5 October 1690, batteries erected by Danes and English, and a mine sprung before the governor sent the keys, capitulating on honourable terms allowing his 1,200 men to march out with arms and baggage.

    Read the passage

    English ; a mine was also sprung, and everything ready for the assault, when the governor sent Colonel O'Donovan with the keys. He capitulated on the most honorable terms, namely, that his men, 1,200 strong, should march out with their arms, bag and baggage, and fall back upon their main force at Limerick. They were beholden, in some respect for this good treatment, to the bad weather, and the short commons in the English camp. Colonel Churchill, speaking of the want of everything among his troops, says, " They are fit to conquer, for they must do that or starve, which they were very nigh doing." He could draw out " five hundred men, and not a hundred pair of shoes among them, which are not to be got for money, if he had it."

    The Irish left a thousand barrels of wheat and eighty pipes of claret behind them. These were a great boon to men who had been living on brown bread and sour wine. About a month after this a French ship, laden with wine, sailed into Kinsale, and anchored under the Old Fort, believing the town to be in the hands of James' troops, nor did the captain discover his mistake till his vessel was boarded by Marlborough's men. The earl left his brother, Colonel Churchill, as governor of Charles Fort, and returned to Cork, from which he sailed with his fleet to Portsmouth.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 85

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Charles Fort, in 1690, the governor Sir Edward Scot held out after the Old Fort fell, but the end came fast. Trenches were opened on 5 October, Danes and English raised their batteries, and a mine was sprung, ready for the assault, when the governor sent Colonel O'Donovan out with the keys. He capitulated on honourable terms. His 1,200 men marched out with their arms, bag and baggage, and fell back on their main force at Limerick. The garrison owed some of this good treatment to the weather and the short commons in the English camp. Colonel Churchill said of his own troops, they are fit to conquer, for they must do that or starve, which they were very nigh doing. He could draw out 500 men and not a hundred pair of shoes among them. The Irish left behind a thousand barrels of wheat and 80 pipes of claret, a great boon to men who had been living on brown bread and sour wine. About a month later a French ship laden with wine sailed into Kinsale and anchored under the Old Fort, believing the town still held by James's troops. The captain did not find his mistake until Marlborough's men boarded his vessel. The earl left his brother Colonel Churchill as governor of Charles Fort, then sailed from Cork with his fleet to Portsmouth.

41. Cork Butter Market and Weigh-House on Church Street

    Church Street · street · Cork

    The Butter Market or Weigh-House on Church Street was managed by the Committee of Merchants of Cork, once a powerful body that regulated civic affairs but by this time merely a voluntary association. Butter was classed by salaried butter-tasters and branded into qualities, the worst called 'a bishop.'

    Read the passage

    The present Weigh-House, or Butter Market, in Church Street, is under the exclusive management of the Committee of Merchants of Cork, a highly respectable body, who, at one time, regulated all civic affairs. They are now no more than a voluntary association, and possess no corporate charter as butter merchants. It is almost the invariable practice for the butter-buyers to advance money to the farmers or butter-sellers, who bring their butter to the merchant, by whom they are accommodated. This arrangement must more or less interfere with the independence of the trade, but it does not appear to work badly. A price is fixed on the various kinds of butter, at a sort of public auction of the butter-buyers. The butter is classed by the butter-tasters, who are employed at a salary of £200 a-year each, and whose characters are above suspicion. The butter is then branded, as firsts, seconds, thirds, fourths and fifths, as the case may be. The worst quality is called " a bishop," for what reason we cannot divine.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 191

42. Cork House seized on Cork Hill, Dublin

    Cork Hill · street · Dublin · 1629

    During the administration of Lords Justices Loftus and the Earl of Cork in 1629, several popish houses were seized in Dublin for the king's use. Cork House, on the side of Cork Hill where the church of St. Mary stood, was taken for the use of Richard Boyle, having previously been demised to Sir George Carew for six marks nine shillings annually.

    Read the passage

    The Irish Deputy, Lord Falkland, was called over to England in 1 629,* on which occasion the sword of state was committed to the Lord Chancellor Loftus, and the Earl of Cork, as Lords Justices. They were sworn in on the 26th of October, 1629. It was during their administration, says Smith, that " several popish houses were seized in Dublin for the king's use." Not altogether for the king's use — Cork House, for example, on the side of Cork Hill, on which the church of St. Mary stood, was for the use of one Richard Boyle. This establishment was first demised to Sir George Carew for the annual rent of six marks nine shillings, Irish. It afterwards passed into the hands of the Earl of Cork, who has given his name, or title, to the hill on which it stood.

    The Earl of Cork, writing to Viscount Dorchester,

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 25

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Cork Hill in Dublin, the church of St. Mary once stood, and so did Cork House. In 1629, Lord Falkland, the Irish Deputy, was called over to England, and the sword of state passed to Lord Chancellor Loftus and the Earl of Cork as Lords Justices. They were sworn in on the 26th of October that year. During their administration, several popish houses were seized in Dublin for the king's use. But not all of them went to the king. Cork House, on the side of Cork Hill where St. Mary's church stood, was taken for the use of one Richard Boyle. The house had first been demised to Sir George Carew for an annual rent of six marks nine shillings, Irish. It afterwards passed into the hands of the Earl of Cork, who gave his name to the hill on which it stood.

43. Cork Quakers travel to Dublin meeting amid danger

    Cork · city · Cork · 1690

    In the third month of 1690, several Quakers of Cork travelled to the half-year's meeting in Dublin despite the danger posed by marching armies and plundering rapparees. The journey was undertaken in defiance of the wartime conditions across Ireland.

    Read the passage

    * Hung by the way-side. Pike, the Cork Quaker, writes—" In the third month, 1690, several Friends of Cork went to the half-year's meeting in Dublin, notwithstanding it was dangerous to travel, by reason of the armies marching to and fro, and the plundering rapparees," — Life of Joseph Pike, p 48.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 78

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Cork, the city holds a small story from 1690. In the third month of that year, several Friends of Cork set out for the half-year's meeting in Dublin, though travel was dangerous. Armies were marching back and forth, and plundering rapparees roamed the roads. The Cork Quaker Joseph Pike recorded that they went anyway.

44. Cork School of Design revived by rate-payer tax

    Cork · city · Cork · 1855

    The Cork School of Design was revived after rate-payers unanimously resolved to tax themselves under the Act of 1855 to support libraries and museums. The school housed a large collection of fine casts done in Rome under Canova, originally presented by Pope Pius VII to George IV, later rescued from seizure for rent by the Royal Cork Institution.

    Read the passage

    Cork Institution, of the friends of education and art ; and afterwards a more public meeting, of the Cork rate-payers, who unanimously resolved to tax themselves, (under the Act of 1855, for the establishment of libraries and museums) to the amount of one halfpenny in the pound, for the revival and support of the school ; and thus the school was put on its legs again.

    The School of Design contains a large collection of fine casts, done in Rome, under the superintendence of Canova, These casts were presented by Pope Pius VII. to George IV., when Prince of Wales. The prince presented them to the Cork Society of Arts. This society became bankrupt before its dissolution, and the casts were seized for rent, when the Eoyal Cork Institution stepped in with £500 and liberated Apollo Belvidere, Laocoon, Antinous, Mithridates, Maria Louisa, Yenus de Medici, Juno, Ariadne, Adonis, Napoleon's mother, a piping Fawn, Bacchus, Cicero, Socrates, a boar, a cow, a lion, and a hundred other fine men, beautiful women, divine gods and goddesses, and remarkable animals, from a very unpleasant position.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 163

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Cork, this city was where the Cork School of Design was revived in 1855. The rate-payers of Cork held a meeting and unanimously resolved to tax themselves, under the Act of 1855 for the establishment of libraries and museums, to the amount of one halfpenny in the pound. That tax put the school back on its legs. The school held a large collection of fine casts done in Rome under the superintendence of Canova. Pope Pius the Seventh had presented them to George the Fourth, when he was Prince of Wales. The prince in turn gave them to the Cork Society of Arts. That society went bankrupt before its dissolution, and the casts were seized for rent. The Royal Cork Institution stepped in with 500 pounds and liberated Apollo Belvedere, Laocoon, Antinous, Mithridates, Maria Louisa, Venus de Medici, Juno, Ariadne, Adonis, Napoleon's mother, a piping fawn, Bacchus, Cicero, Socrates, a boar, a cow, a lion, and a hundred other figures from a very unpleasant position.

45. Deposition linking Blarney Castle to 1642 rebellion

    near Blarney · townland · Cork · 1642

    Anthony Kingsmill, a clerk from Mallow, deposed that he lost over £91 in debts from rebels including Cormack MacCarthy, described as Lieutenant of Blarney Castle and 'Chiefe Lorde of Muskerie,' who was actively in rebellion.

    Read the passage

    " Anthony KingsmiU, Clarke, lately of Moyallo, in ye Countie of Corke, deposeth and saith that near about Christmas last past and by means of this recent rebellion in Ireland, he hath lost, was robbed, and forseably despoyled of his goods and means, to the generall yalews following — viz., of debts due from Cormacke Maa Carthy, of Court Breckie, in ye Countie of Cork, who was actually in rebellion, Lieutenant of Blarney Castle, the Chiefe Lorde of Muskerie ; and due from Walle, of Wales Town, in the Countie of Corke and Barony of Fermoy, who was lately in actual rebellion, and for the same hath had his castle of Walestowne dimolisshed and was himself taken prisoner. The losses amounteth to ninetie one poundes and fower shillings. Lastly this depo.nt deposeth

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 34

46. Dominican convent of St. Mary's of the Isle founded

    Cork · city · Cork · 1229–1544

    The Dominican Friars were originally established in the Convent of St. Mary's of the Isle in Cork, founded by Philip de Barry in 1229. The convent was built on one of the thirteen marshes or islands of Cork, and a bronze equestrian statue of the founder was preserved in the church until the suppression of the house under Henry VIII.

    Read the passage

    The Dominican Friars, or the Friar Preachers, now of Pope's Quay, were originally established in the Convent of St. Mary's of the Isle, which was founded by Philip de Barry in 1229. A bronze equestrian statue of the founder was preserved in the church till the suppression of the house under Henry VIII. The convent, which was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was called St. Mary's of the Isle from its insular position, being built on one of the thirteen marshes* or islands of Cork.

    David Mac Kelly, who was Dean of Cashel and Bishop of Cloyne, took the habit of a Dominican in this house in 1237. He was translated the next year to the metropolitan see of Cashel, where he established a fraternity of the same order, and built for them "a beautiful church and abbey," not far from his own cathedral, on the Rock of Cashel. This David assisted at the general Council of Lyon. He died in 1252. Philip de Slane, who was Bishop of Cork in 1321, was a member of this fraternity.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 187

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, you are near ground where the Dominican Friars had their first home here. The Convent of St. Mary's of the Isle was founded by Philip de Barry in 1229, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It took its name from its insular position, built on one of the thirteen marshes or islands of Cork. A bronze equestrian statue of the founder was kept in the church until the suppression of the house under Henry VIII. David Mac Kelly, Dean of Cashel and Bishop of Cloyne, took the Dominican habit in this house in 1237. The next year he was translated to the metropolitan see of Cashel, where he founded a fraternity of the same order and built for them "a beautiful church and abbey" near his own cathedral on the Rock of Cashel. He assisted at the general Council of Lyon and died in 1252. Philip de Slane, Bishop of Cork in 1321, was also a member of this fraternity.

47. Edmond Donovan of Bawnlahan kills O'Sullivan Beare's son

    Bawnlahan · townland · Cork

    Edmond Donovan of Bawnlahan killed the eldest son of O'Sullivan Beare in a dispute about the boundary of their estates. He fled the county of Cork and settled at Gaulstown in county Kilkenny, previously to 1643.

    Read the passage

    John O'Donovan, Esquire, LL.D., is a descendant of the Castle- Donovan branch of this family. Edmond Donovan, of Bawnlahan, killed the eldest son of O'Sullivan Beare, in some dispute about the boundary of their estates, and fled the county of Cork, settling at Gaulstown, in the county Kilkenny, previously to 1643. Doctor O'Donovan's father was an Edmond. He was born in 1760, and married, in 1788, to Eleanor Hoberlin, of Rochestown, and died, 29th July, 1817, enjoining his eldest son, who sat by his bedside while he expired, to remember his descent. He requested that his body should be buried " along with the good men of Dunkitt, but not under the large tombstone."

    518 HISTORY OP CORK,

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 265

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Bawnlahan, Edmond Donovan killed the eldest son of O'Sullivan Beare. It happened in a dispute over the boundary of their estates. Donovan fled the county of Cork and settled at Gaulstown in county Kilkenny before 1643. The Donovans of this branch kept the memory of their descent alive across generations. An Edmond Donovan, born in 1760, married Eleanor Hoberlin of Rochestown in 1788, and died on the 29th of July, 1817. As he lay dying, he told his eldest son, who sat beside him, to remember his descent. He asked to be buried, in his words, “along with the good men of Dunkitt, but not under the large tombstone.”

48. Gerard Callaghan elected MP for Cork City, 1829

    Cork · city · Cork · 1829

    After the death of Sir Nicholas Colthurst, Gerard Callaghan contested and won the Cork City parliamentary seat. His election was bitterly disappointing to liberals, with one supporter tempted to emigrate to America.

    Read the passage

    April, 1829. Sir Nicholas Conway Colthurst, one of the members for the city, died on the 19th of next month, which opened the way for Gerard Callaghan as a candidate. His address was the signal for battle. A deputation waited on Mr. Charles Beamish, requesting him to stand. "Is it your intention to bribe?" inquired Mr. Beamish. "No," was the reply. " Well then, you will lose the election." Mr. Beamish refused to stand. Sir Augustus "Warren was waited on, and consented to contest the city with Gerard Callaghan, provided the election entailed no expense. The polling lasted for two days, when Callaghan was declared duly elected. "The return of Gerard Callaghan," writes Thomas Sheahan,* the editor of the Cork Mercantile Chronicle ', " was the bitterest wormwood to the liberals. I could not, for my own part, hear the sheriff pronounce it. I proceeded homewards from the Court- House through a comparatively unfrequented way, on which I overtook honest John Eeynolds, who, too, was stealing away from the scene of our mortification, and who said to me, ' Really, when I see such men triumph, and the suffrage as it is, I am strongly tempted to sell what I have, and go to America, and leave this country for ever.' "

    But this chagrin and anguish was not of long continuance. A rumour got abroad in a few days, that Callaghan was a government contractor, and that his election was null and void. There was a protest and petition, which Gerard and his friends treated with the

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 153

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Cork, you are passing through a city that in 1829 saw a bitter parliamentary contest. Sir Nicholas Conway Colthurst, one of the members for the city, died that April, opening the way for Gerard Callaghan as a candidate. Callaghan's address was the signal for battle. A deputation waited on Charles Beamish, requesting him to stand. "Is it your intention to bribe?" Beamish asked. "No," came the reply. "Well then, you will lose the election." Beamish refused to stand. Sir Augustus Warren was waited on, and consented to contest the city with Callaghan, provided the election entailed no expense. The polling lasted two days, and Callaghan was declared duly elected. Thomas Sheahan, editor of the Cork Mercantile Chronicle, wrote that the return of Gerard Callaghan was "the bitterest wormwood to the liberals." He could not bear to hear the sheriff pronounce it. He went homewards from the Court-House through a comparatively unfrequented way, and overtook honest John Reynolds, who too was stealing away from the scene of their mortification. Reynolds said to him, "Really, when I see such men triumph, and the suffrage as it is, I am strongly tempted to sell what I have, and go to America, and leave this country for ever." But this chagrin was not of long continuance. A rumour got abroad in a few days that Callaghan was a government contractor, and that his election was null and void. There was a protest and petition, which Gerard and his friends treated with contempt.

49. Grattan Street naming controversy in Cork

    Grattan Street · street · Cork · 1783–1806

    In 1783 the Cork corporation named the Main Street after Grattan, but took umbrage at his conduct and in 1798 renamed it Admiral Duncan Street. In 1806 Cooper Penrose erected a stone with 'Grattan Street' inscribed in gold letters, but the name Duncan Street persisted among the people.

    Read the passage

    " In the hey-day of the volunteers, (1783,) public gratitude was expressed to the celebrated Grattan, by giving his name to this street ; but shortly after the corporation took umbrage at his conduct, on some question of that day, dislodged the name, and in 1798 imposed that of Admiral Duncan. The business was managed on the motion of Mr. Charles Cole ; but in 1806, when that gentleman was sheriff, the late Mr. Cooper Penrose thought it an appropriate opportunity to express his dissent from the act, and caused a stone to be put up, with the name of Grattan Street inscribed in gold letters, where it still remains." But, notwithstanding the gold letters, it is called Duncan Street to this day.

    Luckombe says that Cork was described to him as " the magazine of nastiness," and the " great shambles of the kingdom," but he finds it "really as clean, in general, as the metropolis. The slaughter-houses are in the suburbs, and there, indeed, the gale is notuntainted."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 158

    As the companion tells it

    Along here, in 1783, in the heyday of the volunteers, public gratitude was expressed to the celebrated Grattan by giving his name to this street. But shortly after, the corporation took umbrage at his conduct on some question of that day, dislodged the name, and in 1798 imposed that of Admiral Duncan. The business was managed on the motion of Mr. Charles Cole. In 1806, when that gentleman was sheriff, the late Mr. Cooper Penrose thought it an appropriate opportunity to express his dissent from the act, and caused a stone to be put up with the name of Grattan Street inscribed in gold letters, where it still remains. But notwithstanding the gold letters, it is called Duncan Street to this day. Luckombe said Cork was described to him as "the magazine of nastiness" and the "great shambles of the kingdom," but he found it "really as clean, in general, as the metropolis." The slaughter-houses are in the suburbs, and there, indeed, the air is not untainted.

50. Hoche promises sufficient force and arms for Irish landing

    near Bantry Bay · bay · Cork · 1796

    During his discussion with Wolfe Tone, General Hoche pledged to come to Ireland in force with arms, ammunition, stores, and artillery. He insisted arrangements would be made on a proper scale, and pressed Tone on whether a republic would be the form of government adopted upon success.

    Read the passage

    "We then came to the army; he asked me how I thought they would act ? I replied, for the regulars I could not pretend to say, but that they were wretched bad troops ; for the militia, I hoped and believed that when we were once organised, they would not only not oppose us, but come over to the cause of their country en masse ; nevertheless I desired him to calculate on their opposition, and make his arrangements accordingly ; that it was the safe policy, and if it became necessary, it was so much gained. He said he would undoubtedly, make his arrangements, so as to leave

    238 HISTORY OF CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 124

51. Inchiquin takes Drogheda after seven days

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1649

    Lord Inchiquin pressed forward to Drogheda with part of the royalist army, and the town surrendered after seven days on honourable terms. The garrison of six hundred men received permission to march to Dublin.

    Read the passage

    The Marquis of Ormond was equally unfortunate on land. He assembled a force of 8,000 foot and 2,000 horse at Carlow. His lieutenant, Lord Inchiquin, with a part of this army, pressed forward to Drogheda, which surrendered after seven days, on honorable terms, the garrison, consisting of six hundred men, receiving permission to march to Dublin. Inchiquin's next move was on Dundalk ; from Dundalk to Newry, and from Newry to Trim Castle, taking all these places. He then marched back and rejoined the main body of the royalist army under Ormond, which lay at Finglass, about two miles to the north of Dublin.

    From Finglass they advanced to Kathmines. The parliamentary army in Dublin, under the command of General Jones, had received considerable reinforcements. Ormond, who was aware of this when too late for retreat, and who had watched a considerable portion of the night, expecting an attack, had retired to rest, when he was aroused by the shouts of the assailants. Some accounts say that he had 4,000 slain and 2,500 taken prisoner, but this is much over the mark. He

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 48

52. Irish estates commission and Broghill's Cork forfeitures

    Cork · city · Cork · 1660

    After the Restoration, Irish lords and gentlemen petitioned to recover forfeited estates. Broghill, who with his brothers possessed the largest portion of forfeited estates in county Cork, sat on the commission. Petitioners offered him a bribe of £8,000 and £7,000 a year not to oppose them, which he refused.

    Read the passage

    The Earl of Orrery, or Lord Broghill, as we shall continue to call him, had not left the court, when a number of Irish lords and gentlemen petitioned to be restored to their estates. A commission was appointed to try their claims, of which Broghill — who, with his brothers, possessed the largest portion of the forfeited estates of the county — was a member. The petitioners, knowing their hopes, were desperate with such a man as their judge, offered him a bribe of £8,000 in ready money, and £7,000 a year, provided he would not appear against them. Broghill refused the offer. He might be required to disgorge more than this. He had lately got £1,000 a year of Lord Muskerry's estates.

    The king, attended by the now Duke of Ormond, was present at the commission. The petitioners were represented by Sir Nicholas Plunket, who spoke of their loyalty, and all they had suffered under the late usurper, Cromwell, how unjustly they had been deprived of their estates, and a number of them driven into Connaught. Broghill, who was an orator as well as poet, stood up to reply. He congratulated his majesty on his happy return, and took the opportunity of reminding him that his Irish Protestant subjects had been among the first to move for his restoration \ and left it to the board to say whether, on that account, they did not deserve some favor. This was a master stroke — " on that account." They had been the first to bring back the king. He then turned to Plunket, handed him a paper, and said, "Is that your handwriting ?" Plunket is knocked all of a heap, but has to acknowledge it. The paper contained a declaration

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 67

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this is the city at the centre of a story from 1660. After the Restoration, Irish lords and gentlemen petitioned to recover the estates they had lost. A commission was appointed to try their claims, and one of its members was Lord Broghill, the Earl of Orrery. He and his brothers held the largest share of forfeited estates in the county. The petitioners knew their hopes rested with a man who stood to lose by their success. They offered him a bribe of £8,000 in ready money and £7,000 a year if he would not appear against them. Broghill refused. He said he might be required to disgorge more than that, for he had lately got £1,000 a year of Lord Muskerry's estates. The king attended the commission, along with the Duke of Ormond. The petitioners were represented by Sir Nicholas Plunket, who spoke of their loyalty and all they had suffered under Cromwell, how unjustly they had been stripped of their estates, and how many of them had been driven into Connaught. Broghill, who was an orator and a poet, stood up to reply. He congratulated the king on his return and reminded him that his Irish Protestant subjects had been among the first to move for his restoration, and left it to the board to say whether they did not deserve some favour on that account. He then turned to Plunket, handed him a paper, and said, "Is that your handwriting?" Plunket was knocked all of a heap, but had to acknowledge it. The paper contained a declaration.

53. James II's velvet bed at Ballinsperrig

    Annesgrove · townland · Cork

    An inventory taken at Sir James Cotter's death listed 'a velvet bed and hanging, with gold brocade' in which James II is supposed to have slept at Ballinsperrig. The bed was later given or sold to Lord Barrymore and burned in the fire at Barry's Court.

    Read the passage

    largely in this history. Sir James lived at Bailie - sperrig, now Annesgrove, near the village. There is a tradition that James II. lodged here ; and the tradition gains support from an elegy written on Sir James Cotter's death, in which Ballinsperrig is called " The Palace of James" In an inventory of the household furniture, taken at Sir James' death, is " a velvet bed and hanging, with gold brocade," in which the king is supposed to have slept. The bed was afterwards given, or sold, to Lord Barrymore, and burned at the fire of Barry's Court.

    Smith dismisses Barry's Court in two lines. " Haifa-mile to the south [of Carrigtohill] is the ruin of the castle of Barry's Court, which gave title of Baron to the Earls of Barrymore." The castle is a noble ruin — and not altogether a ruin — for it is well roofed in, and used as a barn and granary. It is a quadrangular structure, of the 14th century, about 70 feet high, and has three towers communicating at each storey with the principal apartments. There is a tradition, that Barry's Court was erected on a more ancient structure belonging to the Lyons or Lehanes of Castle- Lyons, and that in removing the rubbish to lay the foundation of the Norman structure, a stone was found with this inscription, " 0 LEHAN HOC FECIT "MCIII." Doctor O'Donovan does not " believe a word about the inscription."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 232

54. Kanturk Castle — unfinished fortress stopped by Elizabeth

    Kanturk · town · Cork

    The ruins of Kanturk Castle formed a parallelogram 120 feet long by 80 feet wide, flanked with four square towers. The castle was never completed because it was represented to Elizabeth as too strong for a subject, and the works were stopped. MacDonough MacCarthy of Kanturk was killed by Tyrone during the civil wars.

    Read the passage

    Kanturkf is a market and post town, in the barony of Duhallow, about ten miles from Mallow, and thirty from Cork. It lies at the confluence of the rivers Allo and Dalua, which flow into the Blackwater, two miles below the town. Kanturk is a thriving little town, with a population something under 4000. Near it are the ruins of Kanturk Castle, It is a paralellogram 120 feet long, by 80 feet wide, flanked with four square towers. The castle was never completed, it having been represented to Elizabeth as a place of too much strength and importance for a subject; the works were therefore stopped. Mac Donough Mac Carthy, of Kanturk, was killed by Tyrone during the civil wars, and his lands in Duhallow seized by his kinsman,

    * Sir Henry Becher has in his possession a pedigree tracing his ancestors, through his paternal grandmother, to Sir Eustace de Bridgecourt, who came from Hainault in 1328, with Phillippa, queen consort to Edward III. The present baronet's father was Mr. Wrixon, who was created a baronet in 1831, and his mother the accomplished and justly celebrated actress, Miss O'Neill.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 248

55. Liberal Party formed in Cork Corporation, 1718

    Cork · city · Cork · 1718

    In 1718, a Liberal Party was formed within the Cork Corporation to wrest corporate power and management of funds from a few men who abused them. The parent abuse was the control of mayoral and sheriff elections by the Merchants Staple guild.

    Read the passage

    These contentions assumed, as early as 1718, a more decided aspect, by the formation of a " Liberal Party" in the Corporation, whose object was to wrest the corporate power, and the management of the funds, from the hands of a few men by whom they were abused. The great and parent abuse, from which all minor abuses sprang, was that which prevailed in the choice of mayor and sheriffs. The officers were from a very early period elected by the guild or " Society of the Merchants Staple of Cork," who chose from their own body a mayor and two constables, who were supposed to guard the rights and public property of the body by which they were elected.

    We discover from one of the Eoche MSS. how civic elections were managed in the time of Henry VIII. " The maior and both the bailivis for the tyme being, accordinge the use and custume of the same, ought and muste choise and electe three goode able men, that is to say, everye of theym one mane, of which three goode able p'sones, the hole comons of Corcke, forsaid shall electe one to be there gouvenor and maior of the same."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 90

56. Luckombe's 1783 visit to a Cork mass-house

    Cork · city · Cork · 1783

    Philip Luckombe, visiting Cork in 1783, described entering a spacious mass-house on a Sunday morning where the priest had just finished mass, noting elegant carriages at the door and a prodigious, motley crowd in the street.

    Read the passage

    in 1783, says, " On Sunday morning, early, I stepped into one of their mass-houses, and a spacious one it was. The priest had just finished the celebration of mass. There were several elegant carriages standing before the door when I entered, and a prodigious crowd of people in the street, as motley an assemblage of human creatures as I had ever seen."

    This prodigious crowd, or motley assemblage, began to feel its own power, or rather the people in the elegant carriages to estimate it, and see in what way it could be turned to their advantage, for their wealth was no compensation for the loss of political and civil rights, but rather a reason for their possessing them. But they must be cautious and bide their time, for these were the days of American Independence, and of the great French revolution, when men in elegant carriages were carried to the guillotine. The volunteers of Belfast instructed their deputies — met at a convention in Dublin in 1783 — to propose the admission of Eoman Catholics to the rights of freemen, when Lord Kenmare, who was then esteemed the leader of the Irish Catholics, disavowed, in their name, any wish to be restored to these privileges. Low and prostrate as the Catholics were, this insult was too much for their patience. They assembled in a General Committee,* and disavowed both his lordship and his disavowal. They had not yet come to love the music of their chains, although they did not choose to have them knocked off by men like Wolfe Tone, or Maximilian Eobespierre. Their bosoms were beginning, at this

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 111

57. Meath Militia mutiny at Mallow, prisoners liberated

    Mallow · town · Cork · 1798

    About fourteen soldiers of the Meath Militia forced the main guard at Mallow and liberated prisoners confined for treasonable practices, including a sergeant. General Lake expressed apprehension that disloyalty might be widespread in the regiment.

    Read the passage

    it right to inform you that the cause of this express proceeds from some of the Meath Militia. About fourteen of them forced the main guard at Mallow, liberated some prisoners of the regiment that were confined for treasonable practices, amongst whom was one sergeant, and effected their escape with them. Between ourselves, I am apprehensive this may be of some extent in that regiment. However, at present they are all quiet, and will, I trust, be kept so by the precaution taken. A soldier of the regiment has given much information, and I hope much more will soon come out. The Lord deliver us from such troops, and send us better times.

    " Believe me ever, with regards, most truly yours,

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 130

58. O'Connell visits Cork and establishes Liberal Club, 1828

    Cork · city · Cork · 1828

    Daniel O'Connell came to Cork in July 1828 and established a Liberal Club. He was entertained by citizens at a dinner where the band of the City Militia played, shortly after his return from being elected MP for County Clare.

    Read the passage

    Mr. O'Connell came to Cork in the July of 1828, where he established a Liberal Club. He was entertained by the citizens, the band of the City Militia playing at the dinner. Mr. Gregg, a member of the Town Council, which was then Protestant, gave notice at a meeting of a Court of D'Oyer Hundred in September, 1828, that he would move the censure of the court on Sir Nicholas, for allowing the band of the Cork Militia to play for O'Connell, who had just returned from Clare.'j' Mr. Gregg expressed himself thus : —

    " Yes, I do hope the government will remove Sir N. C. Colthurst from the command. Captain Harding, of the North, refused his band ; but Sir N. C- Colthurst granted that of the Royal Cork City Eegiment, and the man that would give his band would, for aught I know, give his regiment to that traitor, O'Connell. (A deep sensation.} So help me God, if I were an officer of that regiment, I would not stay a single day, a single hour in it, and for what ? Because when the hour of danger would arrive, I would not rally under

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 152

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this is the city where Daniel O'Connell arrived in July 1828 and established a Liberal Club. The citizens entertained him at a dinner, and the band of the City Militia played. He had just returned from Clare, where he had been elected MP for County Clare. Not everyone welcomed it. In September 1828, a member of the Town Council, which was then Protestant, gave notice at a meeting of a Court of D'Oyer Hundred that he would move the censure of the court on Sir Nicholas Colthurst for allowing the band of the Cork Militia to play for O'Connell. That council member was Mr. Gregg. He said he hoped the government would remove Sir Nicholas Colthurst from the command. He said Captain Harding of the North had refused his band, but Sir Nicholas Colthurst granted the band of the Royal Cork City Regiment. Gregg called O'Connell a traitor and said that a man who would give his band would, for all he knew, give his regiment to that same man. He said that if he were an officer of that regiment, he would not stay a single day, a single hour in it.

59. Ronayne's Grove (Marino) near Belvelly Castle

    Belvelly · townland · Cork

    Not far west from the castle of Belvelly was Ronayne's Grove, formerly called Hodnet's Wood, the handsome improvements of Philip Ronayne, a gentleman distinguished by mathematical essays and an algebra treatise. The property is now called Marino, the residence of Thomas French; the old house was burned down and a new one was being built.

    Read the passage

    Some of the Eonaynes lived on the Great Island, at the other side of the river, opposite Carrig-Mahon. The tradition is, that the blacksmith, who liberated young Eonayne from the giant Mahon, crossed the river in a boat. Joseph Eonayne, Esquire, of Queenstown, informs me, that the Philip Eonayne, mentioned in the following passage by Smith, was the boy of the cave : — " Not far west from the castle of Belvelly is Eonayne's Grove,* formerly called Hodnet's Wood ; a good house and handsome improvements of Philip Eonayne, Esquire. From the gardens one has a charming view of the river and shipping up to Cork, as also the town of Passage on the opposite shore. This gentleman has distinguished himself by several essays in the most sublime parts of the mathematics ; among others, by a treatise on algebra, which has passed several editions, and is much read and esteemed by all the philomaths of the present time. He has invented a cube, which is perforated in such a manner that a second cube of the same dimensions may be passed through the same, the possibility of which he has demonstrated, both geometrically and algebraically, and which has been actually put in practice by the ingenious Mr. Daniel Vorster,f of Cork, with whom I saw two such cubes."

    » Eonayne's Grove, formerly called HodneCs Wood, now Marino, the residence of Thomas French, Jisquire. The old house was hurned down last year, but a new one is in course of erection. The shore near the house and opposite Passage, was called " Ronayne's Strand."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 211

60. Sir Richard Cox founds colony and industry at Dunmanway

    Dunmanway · town · Cork

    Dunmanway owes its development to Sir Richard Cox, who established an English colony there, built new roads, and moved the parish church into his new town. He introduced linen, diaper, fustian, and girtweb manufactures, giving rent-free houses to the most industrious linen-makers.

    Read the passage

    Dunmanway owes everything to Sir Richard Cox, who established an English colony here, made new roads and removed the parish church * into his new town.

    Here Sir Richard established the manufacture of linen, diapers, fustians, and girtwebs. He gave a house rent free to the man who, through the year, had made the best and greatest quantity of linen, and had the following inscription, in gold letters, placed over his door : —

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 261