History of the Diocese of Meath (vol. 1)

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

1. Ere of Slane converts and becomes head of its church

   Slane · townland · Meath · 432–480

   Ere, the only member of the king's retinue to rise and greet Patrick at Tara, converted and is associated with the Church of Slane, over which he presided for many years.

   Read the passage

   The results of Patrick's preaching at Tara were not very striking, and indeed his chief success seems to have been that he was granted free permission to expound his doctrines. One convert, however, is mentioned, the young man Ere, who alone of the king's retinue rose up to greet Patrick, when the latter came into the monarch's presence. Ere is associated with the Church of Slane, over which he presided for many years.

   It was shortly after this that the Church of Donaghpatrick was founded. Donaghpatrick was in the immediate neighbourhood of the royal city of Teltown, where every year a great assembly of the people was held. Patrick took advantage of the concourse for his work of evangelisation. But with varying success. One chief attacked him, and attempted to throw him and his followers into the river, for which reason, it is said, the stream, named up to that time the White Water, became ever afterwards known as the Black Water. Other chiefs were less obstinate ; and one in particular — a prince named Conall — accepted the faith, and bestowed on Saint Patrick the site on which the church of Donaghpatrick was afterwards built .7 The new church, lately erected by the generosity of Mr. Thomas Gerrard of Gibbstown, stands on the ancient site, and

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Slane stands a church whose story goes back to Patrick's preaching at Tara in the fifth century. The results of Patrick's preaching at Tara were not very striking. His chief success seems to have been that he was granted free permission to expound his doctrines. One convert is mentioned, the young man Ere. He alone of the king's retinue rose up to greet Patrick when Patrick came into the monarch's presence. Ere is associated with this church, over which he presided for many years. It was shortly after this that the Church of Donaghpatrick was founded. Donaghpatrick was in the immediate neighbourhood of the royal city of Teltown, where every year a great assembly of the people was held. Patrick took advantage of the concourse for his work of evangelisation. But with varying success. One chief attacked him and attempted to throw him and his followers into the river, for which reason, it is said, the stream, named up to that time the White Water, became ever afterwards known as the Black Water. Other chiefs were less obstinate. One in particular, a prince named Conall, accepted the faith, and bestowed on Saint Patrick the site on which the church of Donaghpatrick was afterwards built.

2. Fifteen-year-old boy collated to Lemanaghan parish

   Lemanaghan · townland · Offaly · 1400

   In 1400 the Pope ordered the Bishop of Clonmacnoise to collate John Onniyl, an illegitimate boy of fourteen, to the parish of Lemanaghan, permitting his promotion to holy orders if found fit in Latin.

   Read the passage

   Another wide-spread abuse was the appointment of mere boys to some of the vacant livings. We have an example of this in 1400, when the Pope issued his mandate to the Bishop of Clonmacnoise, ordering him to collate John Onniyl to the parish of Lemanaghan. This youth was " the son of a priest religious and an unmarried woman," and was in his fifteenth year. He is, however, to be promoted "to all even holy orders, and hold a benefice, even with cure, if found fit in Latin."11 Another example is the case of John de Burgo, alias Ethenardi, who " entered the order of friar preachers before his fourteenth year, and before that age, they caused him to be promoted to all the minor orders, and after attaining his fourteenth year, to the diaconate." He was then ordained priest, and became vicar of Dunboyne. Again, in 1402, a dispensation is granted to John Flemmyng, son of Thomas, Baron of Slane," to hold any benefice with cure, even a major dignity, he being in his nineteenth year." It often happened, however, that when a parish fell vacant, no one at all was appointed, and the income was applied to other purposes. Thus, in 1244, licence for a year was granted to the Archbishop of Armagh " to use for the payment of the debts of that church the proceeds of those churches in the dioceses of Armagh, Meath, and Down, which had been void for two years."

   In the account quoted above of the taxation of the deanery of Duleek, we cannot help being struck with the large number of the churches which are enumerated, and the same thing would hold with regard to nearly all the other deaneries. This does not mean that they ministered to a larger population than that which we

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 63

3. Pardons and Stations Still Used at Kilmainham

   Kilmainham · townland · Dublin · 1536–1539

   Archbishop Brown's letter notes that at Kilmainham the stations and pardons associated with the old religious practice were still being observed as fiercely as ever, despite the Reformation measures, because the place was exempt from his jurisdiction.

   Read the passage

   I think you have not, no more I trust the Commissioners hath, committed to oblivion the occasion of mine answer unto the Bishop of Meath, when I preached at Christ Church the fourth Sunday in Lent. He hath not only, since that time, by pen (as you know his wont full well) railed and raged against me, calling me heretic and beggar, with other rabulous revilings, as I have written unto my lord, which I am ashamed to rehearse ; but also on Palm Sunday, at afternoon, in Kilmainham, where the stations and also pardons be now as bremely 2 used as ever they were. Yet I cannot help it because the place is exempt ; but I trust it is not so exempt but that the King's commandment might take place. There as you know, he is highly bolstered. He made a sermon, which, indeed, he is not to be blamed for any new doctrine that was in it, for the sermon was made many years ago, in a book entitled Tresdecim Sermones. After that he had absolved his sermon, besides certain checks therein contained against me, yet he, standing still in the pulpit, desiring the auditory of patience to hearken a few words more ; and therewith plucked he out of his bosom a letter the which, though it were not true, he openly asserted to be sent him from Dublin, from a servant of his that heard me preach, comprehending certain points of my sermon inveighed against him. The truth is, Humphrey, of St. Patrick's, wrote the letter, signifying to him far otherwise than I spake. Nevertheless he made there, at his pleasure, a comment on the said letter without all honest shame, even before mine own face, present at his sermon, with such a stomach as I think the three-mouthed Cerberous of hell could

   2 Bremely, "fiercely, angrily, hence in more general senses, as hotly, vehemently, strenuously, strongly." — New English Dictionary.

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 90

4. Synod of Kells Sanctions the Rebellion

   Kells · town · Meath · 1642

   A synod was convened on 22 March 1642 at Kells, presided over by Hugh O'Reilly, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, which passed a resolution approving the war and censured Bishop Dease of Meath for opposing it.

   Read the passage

   The next step was to give formal ecclesiastical sanction to the cause of the rebels. A synod was, therefore, convened on the 22nd of March, 1642, at Kells, which was presided over by Hugh O'Reilly, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh. All the bishops of the province attended, with the exception of Doctor Dease, who neither came in person nor sent a proxy to appear for him. This synod passed a

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   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 136

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Kells, you are near where a synod met on 22 March 1642 to give formal church sanction to the rebel cause. Hugh O'Reilly, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, presided. All the bishops of the province attended, except Doctor Dease of Meath, who came neither in person nor sent a proxy. The synod passed a resolution approving the war and censured Dease for his opposition.

5. Three thousand students at Clonard under Finian

   Clonard · town · Meath

   Finian's school at Clonard attracted such a following that it is said no less than three thousand students were there under his instruction at one time, drawing people from all parts of Ireland.

   Read the passage

   similar institution in Ireland. After various wanderings, he settled at length at Clonard, and soon attracted a great number of followers, so much so that it is said that at one time no less than three thousand students were there under his instruction. People flocked to him from all parts, and even those who were much senior to him in years were glad to have the opportunity of sitting at his feet.

   There is a curious old document, first published by Archbishop Ussher, which gives what is called a catalogue of the saints of Ireland. It divides them into three classes. The first, it tells us, belonged to the age of Patrick, and were the founders of churches. The second were later in date and more ascetic in their practices. They refused the services of women, and separated them from their monasteries, in this respect departing from the example of those who had gone before. The third order was mostly hermits who lived in desert places, shunned private property, and lived on herbs and water, and on the alms of the faithful. " The first order was most holy, the second order very holy, and the third order holy. The first shines like the sun, the second like the moon, and the third like the stars." 2 Finian is reckoned first among the second order, and is said by some to have been the instructor and tutor of all the others. Among those who came under his influence were twelve men of great eminence, who are spoken of afterwards as " the twelve apostles of Erin," and from this circumstance he is spoken of by the Four Masters as " the tutor of the saints of Ireland." 3 There were few of the leading churchmen of the sixth century in Ireland who had not come under his influence.

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 12

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead is the town of Clonard, in Meath. Finian, after various wanderings, settled here, and what happened next became one of the great stories of early Christian Ireland. He attracted a great number of followers. It is said that at one time no less than 3000 students were there under his instruction. People flocked to him from all parts, and even those much senior to him in years were glad to sit at his feet. There is an old document, first published by Archbishop Ussher, which gives a catalogue of the saints of Ireland, dividing them into three classes. The first belonged to the age of Patrick and were founders of churches. The second were later and more ascetic, refusing the services of women and separating them from their monasteries. The third were mostly hermits who lived in desert places, shunned private property, and lived on herbs and water and the alms of the faithful. The words of the source say the first order was most holy, the second very holy, and the third holy, shining like the sun, the moon, and the stars. Finian is reckoned first among the second order, and is said by some to have been the instructor and tutor of all the others. Among those who came under his influence were twelve men of great eminence, spoken of afterwards as the twelve apostles of Erin. The Four Masters call him the tutor of the saints of Ireland. There were few leading churchmen of the sixth century in Ireland who had not come under his influence.

6. Archbishop Nicholas gives church of Termonfechin against tradition

   Termonfeckin · town · Louth

   Archbishop Roland de Jorse was accused of giving the church of Termonfechin to Robert de Cosgrave when it was properly appropriated to Saint Mary's, Louth, among other serious charges leading to his eventual resignation.

   Read the passage

   The Archbishop, Nicholas MacMolissa, who took such an active part in this dispute, was himself excommunicated by the Pope's delegates shortly afterwards. 3 It does not appear on what grounds this was done, but Nicholas — notwithstanding that Ware says of him that he was eminent for his prudence — was one who loved to mix himself up in quarrels, and made many enemies for himself. Whatever may have been the cause, he very calmly ignored the sentence against him, and, as we have seen in the matter of the election of Thomas Saint Leger to the See of Meath, defied both King and Pope. A more serious case was that of one of his successors, Roland de Jorse, who was excommunicated in 1316, but here again the Archbishop defied the Pope, and went on as if no sentence had been pronounced against him. After five years contumacy, the bishop of Meath with two others was deputed to bring him to trial, and in the meantime to take charge of his diocese. The accusations brought against him were that, notwithstanding his excommunication he had appointed Gelasius to be bishop of Clogher ; that he had refused to publish the processes by Cardinals Gaucelin and Luke against Robert Bruce ; that he had absolved a nobleman named Columba, an adherent of Robert ; that he had given the church of Termonfechin to Robert de Cosgrave when it was appropriate to Saint Mary's, Louth. It is also said of him that he had beaten two priests, and that he had pawned an image of Saint Michael, a holy water vessel, an aspersary, an incense boat, a thurible, and many silver chalices ; there were further charges of bloodshed, incest, and

   J State Papers. ' Harris's Ware.

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 67

7. Archbishop Richard's Sermons at Trim Church

   Trim · town · Meath · 1350–1370

   Richard, Archbishop of Armagh, a famous objector to the mendicant orders, preached some of his remarkable sermons in the Church of Trim. After his death in Avignon his body was translated by Stephen de Valle, Bishop of Meath, in 1370, and brought to Dundalk, from which he is sometimes called St. Richard of Dundalk.

   Read the passage

   impose their will upon the religious orders. We need not, therefore, be surprised that the bishops did not always favour the multiplications of monasteries. They seem to have objected especially to the mendicant orders. The most famous of these objectors was Richard, Archbishop of Armagh,2 who, in a sermon preached in London in 1350, urged against them that although our Lord was poor, yet He did not love poverty in itself ; that He never commanded men to beg, but on the contrary forbade them to do so ; and that no man should bind himself by a vow to a life of perpetual mendicity.3 He was cited for this to Avignon, where the Pope was then residing, and died there before any judgment had been passed. Whatever may have been thought of his action in his lifetime, it did not prevent him from being venerated after his death, for he had the reputation of being a saint, and the first steps towards his canonization were taken, though they were not afterwards followed up. He com.es into the story of our diocese, as having preached some of his remarkable sermons in the Church of Trim, and after his death his body was translated by Stephen de Valle, Bishop of Meath, in 1370, and was brought to Dundalk, from which circumstance he is sometimes now called St. Richard of Dundalk. Others took the same line of argument as he did in objecting to the mendicants, but the friars were generally supported by the Pope, and they continued to prosper notwithstanding all opposition.

   In Meath, as in other places, not merely were the abbeys held by the monks, but many of the parish churches as well. A great part of the income of the religious houses was derived from the tithes of parishes

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 59

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Trim in Meath, you are passing through a town connected to Richard, Archbishop of Armagh, one of the most famous objectors to the mendicant orders in the fourteenth century. The bishops of his time had objected especially to the mendicant orders, and Richard took the strongest line. In a sermon preached in London in 1350, he urged against them that although our Lord was poor, yet He did not love poverty in itself, that He never commanded men to beg, but on the contrary forbade them to do so, and that no man should bind himself by a vow to a life of perpetual mendicity. He was cited for this to Avignon, where the Pope was then residing, and died there before any judgment had been passed. He comes into the story of this diocese because he preached some of his remarkable sermons in the Church of Trim. After his death he had the reputation of being a saint, and the first steps towards his canonization were taken, though they were not afterwards followed up. His body was translated by Stephen de Valle, Bishop of Meath, in 1370, and brought to Dundalk, and from that circumstance he is sometimes called St. Richard of Dundalk. Others took the same line of argument as he did against the mendicants, but the friars were generally supported by the Pope and continued to prosper notwithstanding all opposition.

8. Bective Abbey founded from Mellifont

   Bective · townland · Meath

   Bective Abbey was founded as a daughter house of Mellifont by Cistercian monks. Its ruins still testify to its former importance, though little history survives about it.

   Read the passage

   The ruins which still exist testify to the important position which Bective at one time occupied. There is, however, very little history connected with it. There was an extraordinary dispute between this abbey and that of Saint Thomas in Dublin, concerning the body of Hugh de Lacy. His head somehow came into possession of the Dublin monks, while his body was interred at Bective. Both parties claimed the right to have possession of the complete corpse. If De Lacy had been a saint, whose relics were to be venerated, there could scarcely have been a greater contention about it. For ten years the fight went on, and in the end it had to be settled by the Pope, who deputed the Bishop and Archdeacon of Meath with the Prior of Duleek to adjudicate in the matter. By their decision the monks of Saint Thomas obtained the much coveted prize. 4

   There was another Cistercian house, founded about the year 1200, by the Dalton family, at Kilbeggan in the County Westmeath. It was called ' De Flumine Dei," and was also a daughter monastery of Mellifont. s One of its abbots, William O'Fynnan, was made Bishop of Clonmacnoise in I2g8.6 No vestige of this abbey now exists.

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 46

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here stood a Cistercian abbey, a daughter house of Mellifont. The ruins that still exist testify to the important position it once occupied, though very little history survives. What is recorded is an extraordinary dispute between this abbey and Saint Thomas in Dublin, over the body of Hugh de Lacy. His head came into the possession of the Dublin monks, while his body was interred here. Both parties claimed the right to possess the complete corpse. As the source puts it, if De Lacy had been a saint whose relics were to be venerated, there could scarcely have been greater contention about it. For ten years the fight went on, and in the end it had to be settled by the Pope. He deputed the Bishop and Archdeacon of Meath with the Prior of Duleek to adjudicate. By their decision, the monks of Saint Thomas obtained the much coveted prize.

9. Bishop Jones's episcopal lordship laid waste by Tyrone's rebels, 1597

   Ardbraccan · townland · Meath · 1597

   Bishop Jones reported that in 1597 rebels under the Earl of Tyrone devastated a lordship belonging to his bishopric that had formerly yielded him £100 a year, leaving not a single tenant remaining.

   Read the passage

   libel," he undertook to draw up a refutation of its statements, deeming it of the greatest importance that such a document should not be read by the common people without an antidote being at the same time provided. He complained that he himself had suffered by the depredations of the insurgents, and tells how, in 1597, the rebels under Tyrone had made desolate a lordship belonging to his bishopric, which was wont to yield him a yearly rent of one hundred pounds, besides customs and provisions, wherein there was not a tenant left.1

   Connected with this movement was an incursion made into Meath from the adjoining district of Breffny, in the County Cavan, by Philip O'Reilly, followed by the clans of the O'Reillys and MacMahons. In 1596, Bishop Jones writes to the Lord Deputy, telling him that an incursion was imminent, and that some of the Queen's soldiers had been drawn into the confederacy. The forces at the disposal of the loyalists were quite inadequate, for they had only the garrison of Kells to look to for protection, and the sovereign of that town was " but a simple man," while Captain Street, who was in command of the soldiers, had only fifty men, of whom but ten were English, and the rest only " the reversions of horseboys in this ticklish tune."

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 110

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, in 1597, rebels under the Earl of Tyrone laid waste to a lordship belonging to Bishop Jones's bishopric. He had been drawing a yearly rent of one hundred pounds from it, besides customs and provisions, and afterward there was not a tenant left. The attack was part of a wider movement. In 1596, Jones had written to the Lord Deputy warning that an incursion into Meath was imminent from the adjoining district of Breffny in County Cavan, led by Philip O'Reilly and followed by the O'Reillys and MacMahons. He said some of the Queen's own soldiers had been drawn into the confederacy. The loyalists had only the garrison of Kells to rely on. The sovereign of that town was, in Jones's words, "but a simple man," and Captain Street, who commanded the soldiers, had only 50 men, of whom but ten were English, the rest "the reversions of horseboys in this ticklish tune."

10. Bishop Sherwood's Parliament Forbids Papal Bulls

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1475

    In 1475, Bishop William Sherwood, acting as deputy for the Duke of Clarence, held a parliament in Dublin that forbade, under pain of treason, the bringing of Bulls from Rome. This was an early instance of resistance to papal interference connected to the Diocese of Meath.

    Read the passage

    Conqueror, and continued down to the time that we are now considering, which deal with this subject. And the same thing is true of Ireland. There also the interference of the Pope was again and again repudiated. A solitary example may here be given, not on account of its singularity or importance, but because it is in a way connected with the Diocese of Meath. In 1475, Bishop William Sherwood, being deputy for the Duke of Clarence, held a parliament in Dublin, and one of its first acts was to forbid, under pain of treason, that any one should bring Bulls from Rome. And, as we have seen the same thing was shown in the appointment of bishops, for while they generally obtained papal " provision," they were not allowed to enjoy the temporalities of the see until they had renounced the provision so obtained, and paid a fine for their offence. A parliament was held in Dublin in 1536, for the purpose of passing acts similar to those which had been already passed in England. In this assembly Staples took a prominent part. Its first statute was the Act of Succession, which declared the marriage of King Henry with Katherine of Aragon to be null and void, and settled that the succession should be limited to the children of Anne Boleyn. Before the sittings were finished, however, this act had to be repealed, for Anne had been led to the block, and the King had taken to himself another spouse Then came the Act of Royal Supremacy, by which it was ordained that " the King, his heirs, and successors, should be the supreme head on earth of the Church of Ireland." Other acts reserved the payment of first-fruits to the King, forbade anyone to maintain by act or writing the usurped power of the Pope, and put a tax on all ecclesiastical incomes of one-twentieth, which was to

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    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 85

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin has seen its share of parliments that pushed back against Rome. One of the earliest linked to the Diocese of Meath came in 1475. Bishop William Sherwood was serving as deputy for the Duke of Clarence, and he held a parliament in this city. One of its first acts was to forbid, under pain of treason, that anyone should bring Bulls from Rome. It was a solitary example, the record says, not given for its singularity or importance, but because it connects in a way to Meath. The same resistance showed itself in how bishops were appointed. They generally obtained what was called papal provision, but they were not allowed to enjoy the temporalities of the see until they had renounced that provision and paid a fine for the offence. A later parliament met in Dublin in 1536, passing acts similar to those already passed in England. Staples took a prominent part in that assembly. Its first statute was the Act of Succession, declaring the marriage of King Henry with Katherine of Aragon null and void, and settling the succession on the children of Anne Boleyn. Before the sittings finished, that act had to be repealed, for Anne had been led to the block and the King had taken another spouse. Then came the Act of Royal Supremacy, ordaining that the King, his heirs, and successors should be the supreme head on earth of the Church of Ireland. Other acts reserved the payment of first-fruits to the King, forbade anyone to maintain the usurped power of the Pope, and put a tax of one-twentieth on all ecclesiastical incomes.

11. Carmelite Monastery at Kilcormick (Frankfort)

    Frankfort · townland · Cork · 1400–1577

    A Carmelite monastery was founded at Kilcormick, now called Frankfort, in the parish of Ballyboy by Odo or Hugh Molloy in the early fifteenth century. A surviving missal in Trinity College Library records the founder's burial before the high altar in 1454, with obituary notices continuing to 1577. The abbey site is now occupied by the Roman Catholic church, with no ancient remains left.

    Read the passage

    There was also a Carmelite monastery founded at Kilcormick (now better known as Frankfort, though the postal authorities have restored the ancient name), in the parish of Ballyboy, in the King's County, This establishment was founded by Odo or Hugh Molloy, at the beginning of the fifteenth century. A missal is preserved in the library of Trinity College, which at one time belonged to this monastery. There is a calendar prefixed to it, in which are entered some obituary notices,4i chiefly of members of the Molloy family. From this we learn that the founder, Hugh Molloy, died on the first of October, 1454, and " was buried in the monastery of Kylcarmich, before the high altar, on the feast of Saint Remigius." The " obits " go down to the year 1577, which is later than the date of the dissolution of the monasteries. From this we may conclude that here, as in so many other places, the monastery continued in existence for some time after that event .4 2 The site of the abbey is at present occupied by the Roman Catholic church, but no traces of the ancient buildings remain.

    40 Letter from Bishop Reeves to Dean Brougham of Lismore. Church of Ireland Gazette, June 24th, 1904.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 55

12. Castle built on church land at Clonmacnoise, bishop's goods seized

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly

    A castle was erected on church land at Clonmacnoise, and the builders cut down the bishop's fruit trees and appropriated his cows, horses, oxen, and household utensils; the King later ordered compensation.

    Read the passage

    out his income by holding some parish in commendam. This was the case in 1398, when Philip, elect of Clonmacnoise, is allowed by the Pope to retain the parish of Saint Mary's, Moybrechri, in Ardagh, belonging to the Cistercian monastery at Granard, " to the end that he may not, on account of the slender revenues of his See, be compelled to beg, to the shame of the pontificial dignity.16 Yet, poor as it was, the King insisted that no election should be made without his consent having been first asked,17 and at least on one occasion the bishop was a high state official, for we find that in 1390, one Miles Cory, Bishop of Clonmacnoise, was made Lord Justice of Connaught by Richard II. Judging by the names, we would conclude that most of the bishops were Irishmen by birth. The small income and backward position had few attractions for Norman adventurers. It is probable, too, that Irish customs continued here long after they had been abrogated in Meath, and for that reason the English felt under no obligation to respect the sacred character of the places It was attacked by William de Burgo in 1199, and was again plundered by the English in 1200, in 1201, and in 1204. After that a castle was built, and it became an important border fortress. The castle was erected on church land, and the builders cut down the bishop's fruit trees, and appropriated his cows, horses, oxen, and household utensils. On a complaint being made to the King, however, it was ordered that the bishop should be compensated for these losses.18

    In consequence of the poverty of the See, there was sometimes considerable difficulty in finding a suitable occupant for it, and frequently it remained vacant for years at a time. Sometimes too the occupant was far

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 80

13. Church of Trim founded before Armagh

    Trim · town · Meath · 432–460

    Patrick came to Trim and, together with Lomman and Foirtchernn, built a church there twenty-two years before the church of Armagh was founded, according to the Book of Armagh tradition.

    Read the passage

    And Feidilmidh passed across the river of Boind, and remained at Clain Lagen, and Lomman remained with Foirtchernn at the ford of Trimm, until Patrick came to them, and built a church with them, the twenty-second year before the church of Armagh was founded.

    Now the race of Lomman of the Britons was this : he was the son of Gollit, and the sister of Patrick was his mother ; and the brothers of Lomman are these — Bishop Manis in Forgney in the district of the Cuircne ; Broccaide in Imliuch of horses, in Ciarrighe of Connacht ; Brocan in Brechmigh among the Ui Borthim ; 2 Inngenog in Cill Dunnigluinn,3 in the east of Bregia.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Trim now. According to the Book of Armagh tradition, Lomman and Foirtchernn were waiting at the ford of Trim when Patrick came to them, and together they built a church here. That was twenty-two years before the church of Armagh was founded. Lomman was Patrick's own nephew, the son of Patrick's sister and Gollit, and the Book of Armagh traces his brothers across Forgney, Connacht, and Bregia.

14. Clonfad's True Location Identified in Killucan Parish

    Killucan · town · Westmeath

    The Clonfad associated with Bishop Etchen is not Clonfadfagan but lies in the parish of Killucan; the name Killucan itself derives from Kill-Etchen, commemorating the bishop's residence there.

    Read the passage

    This Clonfad is not the place known now as Clonfadforan, but is in the parish of Killucan. Indeed, the name Killucan is a corruption of Kill-Etchen, and commemorates the residence of the saint in that neighbourhood. According to the legend, preserved in the Annotations on the Martyrology of Aengus the Culdee, Columba was at first scandalized by finding on his arrival that the bishop was engaged in ploughing, and he said to his companions : " I think it is not meet for us that a ploughman should confer orders on us." He tested him, however, and was convinced by the miracles which Etchen wrought that he was a man of more than ordinary worth. The account then goes on : " Columkille went up to the cleric, after having thus tested him, and told him what he came for. ' It shall be done,' said the cleric. The order of a priest was then conferred on Columkille, although it was the order of a bishop he wished to have conferred upon him. The cleric prayed until the following day. ' I regret/ said Columkille, ' that thou hast conferred this order upon me, but I shall never change it whilst I live ; for this reason, however, no person shall ever again come to have orders conferred upon him in this church.' And this has been fulfilled, up to this time." ' This strange story is probably the invention of a later age, and is intended to account for the fact that Columkill never became a bishop, and that his successors were, in like manner, not bishops but simple priests. This peculiarity of the Columban order attracted attention at an early date, as being contrary to the general custom, and is referred to by Bede, who, speaking of lona, tells us : " That island has for its ruler an abbot, who is a priest, to whose direction all the province, and even the bishops, contrary to the

    i Todd, Life of St. Patrick, p. 71.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 18

15. Dermot's raid burns Kells, Teltown, Dowth, Slane and other Meath sites

    Dowth · townland · Meath

    Renouncing his allegiance to Roderic, Dermot led an army into Meath, plundering Clonard and burning Kells, Teltown, Dowth, Slane, Dulane, Kilskyre, and Disert-Keiran, with many Meathmen joining the attack on their own territory.

    Read the passage

    This treaty was not lasting. Reinforcements came from England, -and these so strengthened Dermot's position that he renounced his allegiance, and as an act of hostility to his overlord led an army into Meath. He plundered Clonard, and proceeded to burn Kells, Teltown, Dowth, Slane, Dulane, Kilskyre, and Disert- Keiran. Strange as it may appear, a large number of Meathmen sided with Dermot in this attack on their own territory. It is evident, therefore, that there can have been no great loyalty to Roderic among his subjects in Meath, and this fact may perhaps explain why that monarch made no effort to repel the invader of his kingdom, and contented himself, by way of reprisals, with killing the hostages which had been given to him when the treaty was made.

    Shortly after this Dermot died, and Strongbow, as had been agreed, succeeded to the kingdom of Leinster. If this arrangement had been allowed to stand, the result would have been most extraordinary. An English nobleman would have taken his place as one of the Irish princes, and if, as was most probable, he followed the ambitions of his father-in-law, would have soon established himself as chief king, and would have held all the native rulers as his vassals. King Henry, however, now intervened. He had done nothing so far to secure the conquest of Ireland, but he was by no means disposed to see his own subject ruling in that country, and possibly becoming a thorn in the side of his kingdom. He accordingly gave orders that Strongbow and all the English mercenaries should return at once to their own land. If Strongbow were to obey this order it would mean that he lost the brilliant prize for which he had contended. If he

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Dowth, Dermot's army came through here in the twelfth century. After reinforcements arrived from England, he renounced his allegiance to Roderic and led a force into Meath as an act of hostility toward his overlord. He plundered Clonard and burned Kells, Teltown, Dowth, Slane, Dulane, Kilskyre, and Disert-Keiran. A large number of Meathmen sided with Dermot in this attack on their own territory, which suggests there was no great loyalty to Roderic among his subjects in Meath. That may explain why Roderic made no effort to repel the invader of his kingdom, and contented himself by way of reprisals with killing the hostages that had been given to him when the treaty was made. Shortly after this Dermot died, and Strongbow, as had been agreed, succeeded to the kingdom of Leinster. If that arrangement had been allowed to stand, an English nobleman would have taken his place as one of the Irish princes, and would likely have soon established himself as chief king, holding all the native rulers as his vassals. King Henry, however, intervened. He had done nothing so far to secure the conquest of Ireland, but he was not disposed to see his own subject ruling in that country and possibly becoming a thorn in his side. He ordered that Strongbow and all the English mercenaries should return at once to their own land.

16. Dulane Church founded by Saint Cairnech of Cornwall

    Dulane · townland · Meath · 432–460

    Saint Cairnech, a native of Cornwall known there as Carantoc, founded Dulane Church, whose ruins stand in the Union of Kells; he is said to have joined Patrick in revising the old laws of Ireland.

    Read the passage

    Another of Saint Patrick's contemporaries was Saint Cairnech, the founder of Dulane Church, the ruins of which stand in the Union of Kells. He was, as his name implies, a native of Cornwall, but came as a missionary to Ireland. In his own country he is known as Carantoc, and an interesting and very ancient church, recently restored, still bears his name. He is said to have joined with Patrick in revising the old laws of the country and bringing them into conformity with Christian ideas. An old quatrain tells us,

    Laeghaire, Core, Daire the stern ; Patrick, Benen, Carineach the just ; Ross, Dubhthach, Fearghus with goodness ; The nine props those of the Seanchus Mor.S

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala

17. Extensive ruins and hermit's cell at Fore

    Fore · townland · Westmeath · 1600–1699

    The ruins of Fore abbey are still very extensive and in good preservation; nearby stand remains of an old Celtic church with Cyclopean building, and a tower once used as a hermit's cell in the seventeenth century, with an attached Nugent family mortuary chapel.

    Read the passage

    and France. Subsequently power was given to the monks to elect their own prior, and the authority of the abbey of Saint Taurin was abrogated. It continued as a Benedictine Monastery to the time of the dissolution. The ruins are still very extensive, and in good preservation. Besides the abbey, there are, in the same neighbourhood, remains of an old Celtic church, with Cyclopian building, and the tower of a more modern church, which was used as a hermit's cell in the seventeenth century. This last has attached to it a mortuary chapel belonging to the Nugent family.

    Another " alien priory " was that of Beaubec,3S near Colpe, which was founded in the reign of King John by Walter de Lacy, as a cell to the Benedictine abbey of Saint Laurence of Beaubec in Normandy. In 1322 it was assigned to the abbey of Furness in Lancashire, and from that time became a Cistercian house, as which it continued up to the time of the dissolution. The Cistercians and Benedictines were branches of the same order.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 53

18. Lords of the Pale Meet on the Hill of Tara

    near Tara · hill or hills · Meath · 1641

    A week after the Crofty meeting, the lords of the Pale met again on the Hill of Tara and drew up a formal response to the Lords Justices, expressing distrust of Sir Charles Coote and professing loyalty to the King.

    Read the passage

    A week later these lords of the Pale met again on the Hill of Tara, and drew up a formal response to the invitation of the Lords Justices. They explained that their reluctance to go to Dublin was due to their distrust of Sir Charles Coote, who was in command there, but they expressed their readiness to meet commissioners from the Lords Justices at any other place, " in convenient distance from the command and power of the said Sir C. Coote." They also added that " their lives and estates were not so dear unto them as their loyalty and faith to his Majesty, the least breach whereof was never harboured in their thoughts."

    These expressions of loyalty, used alike by the insurgents, and by the lords of the Pale, are worthy of note. When the rising first took place it was a rebellion, pure and simple ; but as time wore on, and it appeared that there were two parties of English — the royal and the parliamentary — some of the leaders of the movement thought to strengthen themselves by alliance with the royalists. These gave out that

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 135

19. Meath formed as a royal territory by King Tuathal

    Tara · parish · Meath · 100–199

    According to Keating, in the second century King Tuathal created the district of Meath by taking a portion from each of the four provinces, forming a royal demesne for the Ard-righ. Within its confines lay the palace of Tara, headquarters of the central government.

    Read the passage

    THE Diocese of Meath represents approximately in its extent the ancient kingdom of the same name. Originally there were, as at present, only four provinces, but it is said that in the second century of the Christian era, King Tuathal formed the district of Meath into a separate territory by taking a portion from each of the four provinces of Ireland, and constituted these four portions a royal demesne for the Ard-righ, or chief king, of the land.1 Within its confines was the palace of Tara, which was the headquarters of whatever central government existed in the country. In later years it became the most important part of what was known as " The Pale " — the district which was colonized and ruled by English adventurers, and in which the King of England held undisputed sway. As far, therefore, as the secular history of Ireland is concerned, Meath is that portion of the country most intimately associated with the events which have been deemed worthy

    1 Keating.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala

20. Parish clerk of Ardee slain in his own house

    Ardee · townland · Louth · 1641

    During the 1641 rising, rebels slew as many Protestants as they could without sparing sex or age, including the parish clerk of Ardee who was slain in his own house.

    Read the passage

    The case of Mr. William Metcalfe, the Vicar of Syddan, was equally hard. In his depositions he tells how he was " robbed by the rebells about a fortnight after the insurrection broke out. He was imprisoned with his wife and eight children and three of his grandchildren in the castle of Syddan for nine months or thereabouts, where they were with scarcity and very meane food ; but, especially by God's great bounty and goodness, kept alive, and then at length were enlarged by Lord More and the English army. They, the said rebells, gave him several blows with a cudgel, which made him ly long in his bedd ; and compelled him to goe with them to a thorne bushe, where they threatened, but did not, hang him. They slew as many of the Protestants (neither sparing sex nor age) as they possibly could, and among the rest, the parish clerk of Ardee, slain in his own house. They forcibly brought deponent into the grave-yard at Siddan, to show them where, and how many, English were there buried for xxty yeares then last

    THE REBELLION OF 164! 275

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 133

21. Presbyterian conventicle established at Summerhill under Sir Hercules Langford

    Summerhill · street · Meath · 1683

    Sir Hercules Langford of Summerhill sponsored a Presbyterian conventicle in the village, which continued to operate in defiance of the established church into the 1680s and remained in use until recent times. The Vicar of Laracor reported to Bishop Dopping that the preacher, Mr. Tate, had gone so far as to baptize a child born in the parish.

    Read the passage

    Your lordship was pleased to command me to give you notice if Sir Hercules Langford should still continue to keep up the conventicle at his house at Summerhill. There is not only a meeting kept there still every Sunday, but the other day, as I am informed, their preacher, Mr. Tate, took so much upon him as to baptize a child which was born in the parish. This being a matter something extraordinary, I thought fit to advertize your lordship of it, and to crave your directions what to do in it. 1 know indeed that if either the parents of the child or their pastor be proceeded against, and any way censured or punished for this action, it will presently raise a loud cry among the brethren, how that we are more indulgent to papists and idolaters than to them, though for my part, notwithstanding all the errors of the Church of Rome, I am satisfied that her

    314 HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF MEATH

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 147

22. Presentation letter distributes Meath parishes to Roman Catholic clergy

    Meath · county · Meath · 1690

    King James's letter of 4 June 1690, addressed to Bishop Patrick Tyrrell, appointed numerous Roman Catholic priests to rectories and vicarages throughout the Diocese of Meath, an attempt at full Romanization of the established church that was never realised due to the Battle of the Boyne days later.

    Read the passage

    Given at our Castle of Dublin, the 4th of the month of June, 1690, and in the sixth of our reign.

    By command of the King,

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 156

    As the companion tells it

    Meath was the setting for a bold move in 1690. On the 4th of June, King James's letter commanded Bishop Patrick Tyrrell to appoint Roman Catholic priests to rectories and vicarages across the diocese. The Battle of the Boyne days later meant none of it took hold.

23. Saint Erc, Bishop of Slane, judge to Patrick

    Slane · townland · Meath · 512

    Saint Erc of Slane, one of Patrick's early converts, was a famous Brehon and judge, described in the Annals of the Four Masters as dying in 512 at Fearta-fear-Feig (Slane) near Sidhe-Truim. Patrick composed a quatrain in his honour praising his just judgments.

    Read the passage

    Another of Saint Patrick's early converts was Saint Ere of Slane. We have already seen how he, alone amongst the retinue of the king, did honour to Patrick by rising up at his approach. It will also be noted that he is mentioned with Patrick and Cairnech as one of the nine pillars of the Senchus Mor, or great book of laws. He was in his day a famous Brehon, and in the account of the " family " of Saint Patrick, given by the Four Masters, he is spoken of as " his sweet spoken judge." In recording his death, also, they tell us that, in the age of Christ 512, " Saint Ere, Bishop of Lilcach (a place not identified) and of Fearta-fear-Feig (Slane), by the side of Sidhe-Truim to the west, died on the second day of the month of November. His age was fourscore and ten years when he departed. This Bishop Ere was judge to Patrick. It was for him that Patrick composed this quatrain :

    Bishop Ere, —

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Slane, you are near the ground linked to Saint Erc, one of Patrick's early converts. He alone among the king's retinue rose to honour Patrick at his approach. He is named with Patrick and Cairnech as one of the nine pillars of the Senchus Mor, the great book of laws. In his day he was a famous Brehon, and the Four Masters, in their account of the family of Saint Patrick, call him his sweet spoken judge. They record that in the year 512, Saint Erc, Bishop of Lilcach, a place not identified, and of Fearta-fear-Feig, which is Slane, by the side of Sidhe-Truim to the west, died on the second day of November. His age was fourscore and ten years when he departed. This Bishop Erc was judge to Patrick. It was for him that Patrick composed a quatrain in his honour, praising his just judgments.

24. Saint Fechin's Retreat at Fore

    Fore · townland · Westmeath

    Saint Fechin of Fore chose the picturesque valley in Westmeath for his retreat, where Celtic-period remains still stand alongside the ruins of the later Norman monastery. He is said to have had three hundred disciples and became their leader and father.

    Read the passage

    Saint Fechin of Fore is another of the third order, and his name appears first on the list. He chose for his retreat that picturesque valley in Westmeath, in which at the present day remains dating from the Celtic period stand side by side with the ruins of the Norman monastery of later date. It is said that he had three hundred disciples, of whom he became the " leader and father."

    At the extreme end of the diocese is the parish of Drumcullen, now dismembered, and the portion on which the ruined church stands transferred to the diocese of Killaloe. The founder of this church was one Barrind, who was famous in his day as a traveller, and who, if legends are to be trusted, discovered America long before the time of Columbus.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 23

25. Seizure of Lynally church by Roman Catholic priest

    Lynally · parish · Offaly · 1689–1690

    A priest, William Sheill, demanded the keys of Lynally church and, on refusal, broke in the door with a dragoon, taking possession and saying Mass there the following Sunday.

    Read the passage

    The churches of Meath were now either wrecked by the mob or given over to the Roman Catholic priests. The details of this destruction have in some cases come down to us, and a few examples may be given. At Lynally, William Sheill, a Roman Catholic priest, came demanding the keys of the church. When these were denied him, he went with a dragoon and broke in the door, and took possession of the building, saying Mass in it on the following Sunday. In Ballyboy also the priest took possession of the church. At Athlone, while the service was being held, a body of about one hundred soldiers broke in, crying, " Come out, you rebels, and we will tear you in pieces." They ridiculed the service, and threw stones at the congregation. The next Sunday they put cattle into the church, and shortly afterwards the priest got an order for possession of the edifice from Major General Sarsfield, and used the building for the celebration of Mass. Ardnurcher Church was also taken by the

    •King.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 153

26. The Misnamed 'Seven Churches' of Clonmacnoise

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly

    The ruins of Clonmacnoise are popularly called the 'seven churches' due to an antiquarian notion linking them to the Apocalypse, but this is a fallacy since the actual number of traceable churches is ten, not seven, and they were built at different periods by different founders.

    Read the passage

    The ruins of Clonmacnoise are generally known as the "seven churches," from a notion which sprung up among antiquaries in the beginning of the last century, that the Irish were in the habit of building their churches in sevens, as suggested by the seven churches of the Apocalypse. The idea is altogether a fallacy. The churches of Clonmacnoise, like those of similar places where there are said to be seven churches, were erected at different periods, by different founders, and with no intention of completing the number seven. As a matter of fact, even the numerical coincidence is wanting. The number of churches at Clonmacnoise, the ruins of which can be traced, is ten, and not seven. It is doubtful if there is a solitary spot in Ireland where the exact number seven is to be found, and if it be, the occurrence is merely accidental.

    The ruins are now carefully preserved as a national

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 16

27. The stately castle of Trim, 'almost decayed'

    Trim · town · Meath · 1584

    Draper's letter described Trim as having the fairest and most stately castle that the Queen held in all Ireland, though by 1584 it was almost decayed.

    Read the passage

    The town itself is full of very fair castles and stone houses, builded after the English fashion, and divided into five fair streets, and hath in it the fairest and most stately castle that her Majesty hath in all Ireland, almost decayed.

    It hath also one great and large abbey, nothing thereof defaced but the church, and therein great store of goodly rooms, in meetly good repair ; the house is put to no use, and will (I think) be easily bought of the owner, Edward Cusack, of Lesmollen. The said Edward hath also a friary in the said town, a very fit place for a college, which also may be easily be gotten of him.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 116

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, you are in a town of five fair streets, full of stone houses built in the English fashion. In 1584 a writer named Draper described it as having the fairest and most stately castle that the Queen held in all Ireland, though already almost decayed. The town also held a great abbey, its church defaced but its rooms still in meetly good repair, standing unused. Draper thought it could be easily bought from its owner, Edward Cusack of Lesmollen. Cusack also held a friary in the town, which Draper called

28. William Walsh, Cistercian Prior of Duleek, made Bishop of Meath

    Duleek · town · Meath · 1554–1557

    William Walsh, appointed Bishop of Meath by Queen Mary, had previously been Prior of Duleek and Rector of Loughsuedy. He was an ardent Romanist with great influence among his countrymen but delayed his consecration for years pending a papal bull.

    Read the passage

    The new bishop, William Walsh, appointed by Queen Mary, was a Cistercian monk, and had been Prior of Duleek and Rector of Loughsuedy. Probably he was the same as the Welsh whom we have already seen taking part with Silken Thomas. He was an ardent Romanist, and is said to have been one " of great credit amongst his countrymen, and upon whom (as touching causes of religion) they wholly depend." It is, however, doubtful whether he ever had much to do with the administration of the Diocese of Meath. He drew the income, for Queen Mary restored to him the temporalities in 1554, but he had scruples of conscience about being consecrated until he had obtained the Pope's Bull, and he was so busy in the work of depriving bishops, who were not willing to fall in with the new order of things, that he had no time to attend to his consecration. Queen Mary, with all her devotion to Rome, had too much of her father's spirit in her to part easily with royal prerogatives, and as a consequence there was more difficulty in obtaining the Bull than had been anticipated. In 1557, three years after the appointment, the controversy was still gong on, and the Queen told the Pope that " by her coronation oath she was bound to maintain the rights of the crown, and the privileges of the kingdom." It is to be presumed that sometime after this, Walsh was consecrated, as we find him subsequently recognized as Bishop of Meath. But no record of his consecration exists. The only actual connection with Meath that we can trace in his story is his appointment by Queen Elizabeth in 1559 as a commissioner for executing martial law in the county.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 96

29. Archbishop's clerical confederacy founded at Trim

    Trim · town · Meath · 1291

    In 1291 Archbishop Nicholas MacMolissa founded an association at the Dominican Convent of Trim by which clergy banded together to resist lay encroachments on Church rights, binding themselves under oath and financial penalty.

    Read the passage

    Men of the stamp of Archbishop Nicholas, however they may defy authority themselves, are generally very strict in imposing it upon others. We are not, therefore, surprised to find that he was a great champion of the rights and prerogatives of the Church, especially against all lay interference. In 1291 he founded an association by which the clergy banded themselves together to resist all lay encroachments. The meeting was held in the Dominican Convent of Trim, and, therefore, comes naturally into our history of the Diocese of Meath. A copy of the original document drawn up at the time was transcribed by Primate

    * Vatican Records. & Ibid.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 67

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, this is where Archbishop Nicholas MacMolissa took a stand for the Church in 1291. He gathered the clergy at the Dominican Convent here and founded an association. They banded themselves together under oath, with a financial penalty, to resist all lay encroachments on the rights and prerogatives of the Church. The book calls him a great champion of those rights, especially against lay interference, and notes that men of his stamp, however they may defy authority themselves, are generally very strict in imposing it upon others.

30. Archdall's description of the Norman abbey remains at Clonard

    Clonard · town · Meath

    Archdall's detailed description records the surviving structures of the Norman abbey at Clonard, including the kitchen, dormitory, refectory, choir with Gothic windows, a supposed founder's tomb, and a chapel with a table monument bearing effigies and the Dillon family arms.

    Read the passage

    The entrance, into this abbey, on the west side, was through a small building, with a lodge over it, which led into a small court ; to the right of this court stands the kitchen and cellar, and over them the dormitory, ranging with the river, and overlooking the garden, which sloped from thence to the water's edge ; opposite the entrance was another small apartment, and adjoining to it the refectory, which was carried for some length beyond the square, and joined the choir, a large and elegant building, most part of which still remains, and the windows are finished in a light Gothic style. On the south side of the altar is a small double arch, in the old Saxon manner, and divided by a pillar through which iron bars were fixed. This is supposed to have been the founder's tomb. There are many remains of walls adjoining the other parts of the abbey, but in so ruinous a state that little information can be gleaned from them. At a little distance from the east window, in the burial ground, stands a small chapel, in which is a table monument, ornamented with the effigies of a man and woman, in a praying posture, and dressed in the ruff of Queen Elizabeth's time ; the sides adorned with many coats of arms — that of the family of Dillon is most conspicuous."6

    6 This quotation from Archdall is given by Wilde in his Boyne and Blackwater, and is reproduced from him.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonard in Meath, the remains of a Norman abbey stand among the older fabric of the town. Archdall described the entrance on the west side, through a small building with a lodge over it, leading into a court. To the right stood the kitchen and cellar, with the dormitory above them, ranged along the river and overlooking a garden that sloped to the water's edge. Opposite the entrance was another small apartment, and adjoining it the refectory, which ran beyond the square to join the choir, a large and elegant building whose windows were finished in a light Gothic style. On the south side of the altar, a small double arch in the old Saxon manner, divided by a pillar with iron bars fixed through it, is supposed to have been the founder's tomb. Many adjoining walls were already so ruinous in Archdall's day that little could be gleaned from them. In the burial ground, at a little distance from the east window, a small chapel holds a table monument bearing the effigies of a man and woman in a praying posture, dressed in the ruff of Queen Elizabeth's time, its sides adorned with many coats of arms, among which that of the Dillon family is most conspicuous.

31. Attempted appointment of Irish prior at Ballyboggan overturned

    Ballyboggan · townland · Meath · 1399

    In 1399 an attempt was made to appoint an Irishman, John O'Mayller, as prior of Ballyboggan, but he was dispossessed on appeal to the King and an Englishman put in his place.

    Read the passage

    branches of the Order charged themselves with the care of the sick, and several hospitals were established under their auspices. Although the Anglo-Normans first came to the country as late in the twelfth century as 1170, yet before the century closed they had already founded several Augustinian establishments in Meath. Among the earliest was that of Clonard, which was erected by Walter de Lacy, in 1175, on the site of the old Celtic monastery .7 In .the same neighbourhood — at Ballyboggan — another priory was founded by Jordon Comin, which was dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and was sometimes called the Priory de Laude Dei. There was here a miraculous crucifix, which used to attract great numbers of pilgrims. It was publicly burnt in 1538. 8 In this, as in most of the establishments founded by the Normans, no Irishman could be elected prior. In 1399 an attempt was made to appoint one John O'Mayller, but on appeal to the King he was dispossessed, and an Englishman, Richard Cuthbert, put in his place. 9

    The earliest adventurers, as we know, came directly from Wales and the English counties adjoining. After settling in Ireland, they did not forget their old home. Already, on an ancient Celtic site in Monmouthshire, where Saint David is said at one time to have had his cell, and where, according to another tradition, Saint Paul himself laboured, they had founded the Augustinian Priory of Llanthony. They now founded daughter monasteries, one at Colpe and another at Duleek,10 the inmates of which owed allegiance to the prior of Llanthony. Of Colpe no remains are preserved, and the site is now occupied by the Parish

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 46

32. Ballyboggan's famous miraculous image

    Ballyboggan · townland · Meath

    Ballyboggan is noted alongside Trim as having one of the two most famous miraculous images in Meath, which attracted large numbers of pilgrims and income before the dissolution of the monasteries.

    Read the passage

    the work was not accomplished without considerable opposition. There were several such images in Meath, and two of them — that at Ballyboggan, and that at Trim — were specially famous. Of the latter, we read in the Annals, under date 1444 : "A great miracle was wrought by the image of Mary at Trim, namely, it restored to sight a blind man, speech to a dumb man, and the use of his feet to a cripple, stretched out the hand of a person to whose side it had been fastened, and caused a pregnant woman to bring forth cats." At them ere suggestion that this wonder-working image was to be destroyed, there was a great commotion. Archbishop Brown, writing to Cromwell, tells him, " There goithe a common brewte amonges the Irish men that I intende to ploke downe Our Lady of Tryme, with other places of pilgrimages, as the Holy Crosse, and such like, which indeade I never attempted, although my conscience wolde right well serve me to oppresse souche ydolles." Notwithstanding this opposition of the people, however, the image of the Blessed Virgin which had so long been the pride of St. Mary's Abbey at Trim, was publicly burnt, and at the same time " divers vases, jewels, and ornaments of gold and silver, bells, and the utensils and household furniture " were sold, and the amount, £186 155. 2d. paid into the King's treasury.

    In these proceedings it was Archbishop Brown who took the initiative. Bishop Staples was less energetic, and was not particularly successful. He found opposition on every hand, and only a halfhearted support from those who were in authority. In 1548 he writes to the Lord Deputy, complaining of the excessive hatred raised against him amongst all ranks of society for his preaching the reformed religion, for which, he says, the people accused him of

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 92

33. Bishop Alexander Petit rebuked by King Richard II

    Meath · county · Meath · 1386–1400

    Bishop Alexander Petit of Meath, formerly of Ossory, was rebuked by King Richard II in 1388 for using the seal and standard of the attainted Robert de Vere, Duke of Ireland, and ordered to use the King's seal only.

    Read the passage

    The next bishop was Alexander Petit, called also Alexander de Balscot, from the place of his birth in Oxfordshire. He was translated from Ossory by papal provision in 1386. He held the office of Lord High Treasurer of Ireland, and afterwards became Chancellor and Lord Justice. A letter from King Richard II., addressed to this prelate in 1388, throws some light on the disturbed state of English politics at the time. In this letter the king rebukes the bishop for using the seal of Robert de Vere, late Duke of Ireland, to whom the King had granted the dominion and government of Ireland, and for advancing the Duke Robert's standard and pennons against the rebels and enemies, after he had knowledge of the duke's attainder, and forfeiture of all his estates and dominions, by act of parliament. Richard, therefore, commands him to lay aside the duke's seal and standard, and to use those of the King only .9 It will be remembered that Robert de Vere, Earl of Oxford, had been one of the King's favourites, and Richard had by patent created him first Marquis of Dublin, and afterwards Duke of Ireland — a title which in Ireland he never assumed. There was also granted to him and his heirs the entire dominion of Ireland, to be held of the crown by liege-homage. Such partiality on the part of the monarch produced intense irritation amongst the nobles of England, and consequently, in the Parliament which met in 1388, a series of charges were brought against De Vere and his companions, one of which was that they had attempted to make Robert de Vere King of Ireland. Sentence was given against them, and it was in consequence of that sentence that the letter to the bishop was written.

    » Harris's Wart.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 76

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through County Meath, you are in a diocese once led by Bishop Alexander Petit, also called Alexander de Balscot, from his birthplace in Oxfordshire. He was translated from Ossory by papal provision in 1386, and went on to serve as Lord High Treasurer of Ireland, then Chancellor and Lord Justice. In 1388, King Richard II sent him a letter that reveals how unsettled English politics had become. The king rebuked the bishop for using the seal of Robert de Vere, late Duke of Ireland, to whom Richard had granted the dominion and government of Ireland. The bishop had also advanced the duke's standard and pennons against the king's enemies, even after knowing that Vere had been attainted and all his estates and domininions forfeited by act of parliament. Richard commanded him to lay aside the duke's seal and standard, and to use the king's only. Robert de Vere, Earl of Oxford, had been one of the king's favourites. Richard created him first Marquis of Dublin, and afterwards Duke of Ireland, a title Vere never assumed in Ireland. The king also granted him and his heirs the entire dominion of Ireland, to be held of the crown by liege-homage. This partiality provoked intense irritation among the English nobles. In the Parliament of 1388, charges were brought against de Vere and his companions, one being that they had tried to make Robert de Vere King of Ireland. Sentence was given against them, and it was in consequence of that sentence the letter to the bishop was written.

34. Bishop Brady musters troops at Moynalty

    Moynalty · townland · Meath

    During disturbances linked to Shane O'Neill's rebellion, Bishop Brady himself had to muster forces and marched with troops to Moynalty to defend the district against an expected invasion.

    Read the passage

    depredations committed by Shane O'Neill. The story of O'Neill's rebellion need not be repeated here, as its incidents belong mostly to other parts of the country. He, however, attacked the district of Meath more than once, and devastated a considerable portion of the county. In some of the negotiations with him, Garvey, who has been already mentioned as Archdeacon of Meath and Rector of Kells, was one of the intermediaries appointed to confer with the rebel chieftain. On one occasion, also, the Bishop of Meath himself had to muster the forces to repel an expected invasion, and we learn that he repaired with the troops to Moynalty, for the purpose of defending the district. When duties such as these fell to the lot of ecclesiastics, we can scarcely wonder that more spiritual concerns were at times forgotten.

    Bishop Brady died on the thirteenth of February, 1583, at Dunboyne, the place of his birth, and he was buried there in the Parish Church. The year following, Thomas Jones was appointed, and he continued in the See during the remainder of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, and till the year 1605, at which date he was translated to Dublin.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 106

35. Grave of Saint Kieran at Clonmacnoise

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly

    A small church at Clonmacnoise marks the traditional grave of Saint Kieran, though the structure itself does not date from the time of the founder.

    Read the passage

    monument, and are, some of them, as old as pre- Norman days, though none — not even the exceedingly small church in which the grave of Saint Kieran is pointed out — date from the time of the founder. Two well preserved round towers stand within the precincts, and one of them has been incorporated as a belfry for one of the churches. It was evidently standing there before the church was built, as the place can still be seen where a portion of it was hacked away in order to suit the requirements of the new structure. Some finely carved crosses stand in the graveyard, and a wonderful collection of ancient tombstones, by far the most numerous of any to be found in Ireland, has been brought together in one of the ruins. Altogether, it may be said that no locality in Ireland possesses such interesting remains of our ancient Church.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 16

36. Kells church chancel used as stable

    Kells · town · Meath · 1649–1660

    According to the Down Survey, soldiers of Cromwell's army desecrated the church of Kells by using its chancel as a stable for horses.

    Read the passage

    worthy. Indeed, except in connection with the siege of Drogheda, it is doubtful whether Cromwell ever set foot in Meath at all. Of course, detached bodies of his army were scattered in different places. These, we may be sure, left no strongholds that could be utilized by the enemy, and their acts are naturally in many cases credited to their master. That his soldiers did not hesitate to desecrate our churches is shown by the account in the Down Survey, which tells us that the chancel of the church of Kells was used as a stable for the horses. In one of these pamphlets which at that time supplied the place of newspapers, and which was published in London in 1650, soon after Cromwell's return, there is a long list of his victories.1 The only entries which refer to Meath, with the exception of the account of the taking of Drogheda, are the following : —

    On the 12 of Septemb. his Excelencie reduced the garrison of Trim.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 138

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kells in Meath, you are passing a town whose church was desecrated in the years around 1650. The Down Survey records that soldiers of Cromwell's army used the chancel of the church of Kells as a stable for their horses. Cromwell himself may never have set foot in Meath, apart from the siege of Drogheda, but detached bodies of his army were scattered across different places, and it was these troops who left their mark here. A pamphlet published in London in 1650, soon after Cromwell's return, listed his victories, and among the entries for Meath was the taking of the garrison of Trim on the 12th of September. The authors of the Down Survey did not hesitate to record what the soldiers did to the church.

37. Kells Rises to Prominence Among Columban Churches

    Kells · town · Meath

    After the Iona refugees settled, Kells rose to become one of the leading churches in Ireland, remaining so up to the time of the Anglo-Norman invasion.

    Read the passage

    In later years the connection between Kells and lona was again renewed ; for when the Norsemen, in one of their first expeditions, devastated the islands on the west coast of Scotland, and, among other places, attacked lona, the brethren gathered all their possessions together and, headed by their abbot, Cellach, fled to Kells, and founded there what they called a " new lona." They carried with them the bones of their founder, and erected, possibly for the reception of these relics, the building which at present exists, and is known as Saint ColumknTs House. This was in the year 804, according to the Annals of Clonmacnoise, or 806, according to the Annals of Ulster. Cellach did not remain long, but returned to lona shortly afterwards, where he died in 815. Some of his followers, however, remained, and Kells rose to the highest importance among the Columban establishments. It continued to be one of the leading churches in Ireland up to the time of the Anglo-Norman invasion.

    Both Kells and Burrow are famous for their remains of ancient Irish art. The Book of Kells is perhaps the greatest treasure in the library of our University, and the Book of Durrow nearly approaches it in value and beauty. The latter has an inscription in Latin on the back of the twelfth folio, which may be translated : " I pray thy blessedness, O holy presbyter, Patrick, that whosoever shall take this book into his hand may remember the writer, Columba, who have myself written this Gospel in the space of twelve days by the

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Kells, in Meath. In the early ninth century, Norsemen attacked Iona on the west coast of Scotland, and the brethren there gathered their possessions and fled under their abbot, Cellach. They came here to Kells and founded what they called a new Iona. They brought with them the bones of their founder, and erected the building still known today as Saint Columba's House, perhaps to hold those relics. This happened in 804 according to the Annals of Clonmacnoise, or 806 according to the Annals of Ulster. Cellach himself did not stay long. He returned to Iona and died there in 815. But some of his followers remained, and from that settlement Kells rose to the highest importance among the Columban establishments. It stayed one of the leading churches in Ireland right up to the time of the Anglo-Norman invasion. Kells is famous too for its ancient Irish art. The Book of Kells is perhaps the greatest treasure in the library of the University, and the Book of Durrow nearly matches it. That book carries an inscription on the back of its twelfth folio: I pray thy blessedness, O holy presbyter, Patrick, that whosoever shall take this book into his hand may remember the writer, Columba.

38. Kildalkey given to Columbkille as atonement

    Kildalkey · town · Meath

    A charter tells how Kildalkey was given by the king to God and to Columbkille forever, as an atonement for violating sanctuary, with clergy and laity of Meath pledging blessing or curse depending on future kings' conduct.

    Read the passage

    Kelts, and is worthy of a somewhat detailed notice, not merely as illustrating the subject we are now considering, but as throwing light on the law of contract as it existed in Ireland before the time of the English invasion. The document consists of seven charters,11 and they give an account of various grants of land made to the community of Kells from time to time. They are the oldest Irish charters in existence, and they are of a special value because they are in the Irish language, whereas all the other old charters are in Latin. They are, says O'Donovan, " exceedingly interesting to the historian, as proving that the ancient Irish had committed their covenants to writing in their own language before the Anglo-Norman invasion ; and that their chiefs, though not succeeding according to the law of primogeniture, claimed the right of binding their successors to covenants lawfully made by them — a right which Shane O'Neill and others called in question in the sixteenth century." The first charter tells how the family of Kells have granted the lands of Ballyheerin and Ballycowan, with their mills, for the support of pilgrims. The second agrees to grant for ever " Disert-Columbkille in Kells, with its vegetable garden, to God and pious pilgrims ; no pilgrim having any lawful possession in it until he devote his life to God and is devout/' The third relates to land at Donaghmore near Navan, which had been purchased by the " priest of Kells and his kinsmen " for eighteen ounces of gold. The fourth tells how Kildalkey was given by the king " to God and to Columbkille for ever," as an atonement for his having violated sanctuary ; and it states that both the laity and clergy of Meath gave their blessing to every king who

    11 These Charters are printed in full, with an English translation in the Miscellany of the Irish Arch&ological Society.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 27

39. Last mention of the See of Kells

    Kells · town · Meath · 1202–1216

    King John's complaint to the Pope names the Bishops of Clogher, Clonmacnoise, Kells and Ardagh as opposing his rights, marking the last historical mention of Kells as a separate episcopal see.

    Read the passage

    the opposition became so strong that an appeal was made to the Pope. King John wrote to his Holiness complaining that the Bishops of Clogher, Clonmacnoise, Kells (the last mention of the See of Kells), and Ardagh, had " shown a manifest desire to work against the King's right and dignity." The Pope, however, set aside all three candidates, and appointed Eugene MacGillevider, " which so incensed the King against him that he gave warning to all his suffragans not to acknowledge him." The final victory remained with the Pope, for the King had to give way in the end and Eugene enjoyed the See until his death, which took place in 1216. l

    Coming back to Meath, we find that when Simon Rochfort died in 1224, the clergy met at once, without waiting for the King's licence, and elected as his successor one Deodatus. Their action was connived at by the justiciary, who had his own reasons for desiring the advancement of the bishop whom they had chosen. He also obtained the King's pardon for the offence, which was granted "out of -love for the justiciary, for this once." 2 The new bishop survived his elevation for only a short time ; indeed it is not certain whether he was ever actually consecrated, and so, almost immediately, the See became again vacant.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 39

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Kells, in Meath. In the early 1200s, this town gave its name to a bishopric, and the last historical mention of the See of Kells comes from a quarrel that reached all the way to Rome. Opposition to King John grew so strong that an appeal was made to the Pope. King John wrote to his Holiness complaining that the Bishops of Clogher, Clonmacnoise, Kells, and Ardagh had, in his words, "shown a manifest desire to work against the King's right and dignity." The Pope set aside all three candidates and appointed Eugene MacGillevider, which so incensed the King that he gave warning to all his suffragans not to acknowledge him. The final victory remained with the Pope. The King had to give way, and Eugene enjoyed the See until his death in 1216. After that, the story returns to Meath. When Simon Rochfort died in 1224, the clergy met at once, without waiting for the King's licence, and elected a successor called Deodatus. Their action was connived at by the justiciary, who had his own reasons for wanting that bishop advanced. He also obtained the King's pardon, granted, as the record says, "out of love for the justiciary, for this once." Deodatus survived his elevation only a short time. It is not certain he was ever consecrated, and the See became vacant almost immediately.

40. Multifarnham abbey rebuilt and reoccupied under Bishop Dease

    Fearbranagh or Multyfarnham · townland · Westmeath

    After Father Dease was consecrated Roman Catholic Bishop of Meath, the abbey of Multifarnham was rebuilt and once more occupied by religious, part of his broader effort to restore religious houses in the diocese.

    Read the passage

    This last mentioned Father Dease was shortly afterwards consecrated Roman Catholic Bishop of Meath, being the first appointed by the Pope since the time of the Reformation, and under his auspices the abbey of Multifarnham was rebuilt, and once more occupied ; a Capuchin abbey was founded at Slane, and another in the parish of Saint Mary's, Drogheda. He also introduced a community of Jesuits, and encouraged many of the religious orders to work in his diocese. Although he thus showed himself zealous in promoting the interests of his Church, he disassociated himself from political movements as far as possible, and in later years he incurred no little odium from his own co-religionists, because he discountenanced the insurrection which was soon to lead to so much civil war and bloodshed.

    As might have been expected, there were many who blamed the authorities for their lax administration of the law. Prominent among these was Bishop Ussher, whose zeal caused at times considerable ill-will against him. In a letter written to him by Sir Henry Bourgchier in 1622, that gentleman states, " I hear much murmurings among the papists here, especially those of our county, against some new persecutions (you know the phrase) lately raised in Ireland, and particularly against some courses of your lordship's in the Diocese of Meath, as namely in the case of Clandestine christenings, &c., beyond all others of your rank." From this we would conclude that the bishop was endeavouring to enforce a stricter administration of the law in his diocese, and in this respect to be following a policy different from that of his pre-

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 122

41. Old Church of Dulane, cyclopean doorway

    Dulane · townland · Meath

    The old church of Dulane is described as an interesting specimen of ancient ecclesiastical architecture, now preserved as a national monument. Its 'cyclopian' doorway with massive lintel is noted as especially admired by antiquaries.

    Read the passage

    The " Seanchus Mor " was the great book of Statutes, codified at a very early period. The old church of Dulane is an interesting specimen of ancient ecclesiastical architecture, and is now preserved as a national monument. Its " cyclopian " doorway, with its massive lintel, is specially worthy of notice, and excites the admiration of all antiquaries. The name of Cairnech is also associated with a curious relic known as the Misach, which was a book of some sort, said to have been produced by his own hand. The book has long since disappeared, but the shrine in which it was encased is still preserved in the College of Saint Columba, at Whitechurch. Like some other relics of the same class, it was used for a long time by the O'Neill Clan as one of their insignia of battle, and when brought into the field of conflict was believed to bring victory to them, provided that their quarrel was just.6 Saint Kenan, the founder of Duleek, was one of Patrick's first converts. According to an old Irish annotator on the Hymn of Saint Fiacc, Kenan had found Patrick at the time when he was escaping from captivity, and had sold him to the shippers who were at the mouth of the Boyne, receiving in return two copper cauldrons. 7 The legend tells how when he brought the cauldrons home he hung them on the walls of his house, but found that his hand clave to them so firmly that he was unable to get free. Then his wife came to help him, only to find herself in a similar plight. Eventually the whole household became attached to the cauldrons, and there was nothing for it but to send for Patrick^and beg for their release. Needless to say, this led to^his repentance, and he became a Christian.

    6 O'Curry, MSS. Materials, pp. 336, 599.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 9

42. Public school at Trim run by Thomas Whitely

    Trim · town · Meath · 1615

    Bishop Montgomery records that a public school was kept at Trim by Thomas Whitely, minister and preacher there, appointed by the Bishop of Meath to teach the diocesan school; Whitely also served as curate under the Rector of Trim, Archbishop Thomas Jones.

    Read the passage

    we note considerable improvement in 1622. Montgomery also tells us, " There is a Publique Schoole kept in this Diocesse att Tryme by Thomas Whitely, Minister and Preacher att Trym, and appointed by the Bishop of Meath to teach the Publicke Schoole there." The Rector of Trim at this time was Thomas Jones, Archbishop of Dublin, and formerly Bishop of Meath, and Whitely was his curate, as well as master of the diocesan school. Shortly after this time the Rectory of Trim was united to the See of Meath, a vicar being appointed and endowed, on condition that the bishop shall not demise the mansion house, or any of the profits of the parsonage for any longer term than during his own incumbency of the bishopric." This arrangement continued down to the time of Disestablishment.

    When Montgomery died, in 1621, the most eminent man in the Irish Church was undoubtedly Doctor James Ussher, at that time Professor of Divinity in the University of Dublin. No one, therefore, was surprised to find that he was nominated by the King to the vacant bishopric. In a letter of congratulation, the Lord Deputy of Ireland says, " I thank God for your preferment to the Bishopric of Meath, his Majesty therein hath done a gracious favour to his poor church here, for the papists themselves have largely testified their gladness of it." Great things might have been expected from such an appointment. Ussher, however, only held the See for a short time, being promoted to Armagh in 1624, nor does ne seem to have devoted much even of that short time to the work of his diocese, for during these three years he lived mostly in Dublin or in London, and was seldom to be found amongst his own people. Primate Hampton administered a mild rebuke to him on one occasion, when a sermon

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 118

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim in County Meath, there is a story from the early 1600s about a school that once stood in this town. Bishop Montgomery recorded that there was a public school kept in the diocese at Trim, run by Thomas Whitely, who was minister and preacher at Trim. The Bishop of Meath had appointed Whitely to teach the public school there. Whitely also served as curate under the Rector of Trim, who at that time was Thomas Jones, Archbishop of Dublin and formerly Bishop of Meath. So Whitely held two roles at once. He was curate to the rector, and he was master of the diocesan school. Montgomery's own words tell us there was a public school kept in this diocese at Trim by Thomas Whitely, minister and preacher at Trim, appointed by the Bishop of Meath to teach the public school there. This was around 1615. Not long after this time, the Rectory of Trim was united to the See of Meath. A vicar was appointed and endowed, on condition that the bishop should not demise the mansion house or any of the profits of the parsonage for any longer term than during his own incumbency of the bishopric. That arrangement continued down to the time of Disestablishment. Montgomery himself died in 1621, and by then the most eminent man in the Irish Church was Doctor James Ussher, Professor of Divinity at the University of Dublin.

43. Raid beyond Mullingar for cattle prey

    Mullingar · town · Westmeath · 1649–1650

    A party from Trim marched out beyond Mullingar in County Westmeath, defeated a group of Irish forces, killed several, and returned with 300 cows and 40 garron horses as plunder.

    Read the passage

    A party from Trim marched out beyond Molengar in the County Westmeath, where they defeated a party of the Irish, killed divers, and returned with a prey of 300 cowes and 40 garron horse.

    Castlejordan, Kinnegad, and Arnomullen taken by Sir Charles Coote.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 138

44. Relics of Columkill Briefly Rested at Kells

    Kells · town · Meath · 800–875

    Before being taken to Skryne, the bones of Saint Columkill had, at the beginning of the ninth century, found a resting-place for a short time at Kells, before being conveyed back to Iona and then again to Skryne.

    Read the passage

    Another church connected with lona was Skryne, which derives its name from the fact that in 875 the remains of Saint Columkill, in their shrine, were conveyed thither, on account of the attacks of the Danes on the northern island. This was not the first time that the bones of the saint had been brought to Meath, for, at the beginning of the same century, they had found a resting-place for a short time at Kells. From Kells they were conveyed back to lona, and from lona they were again brought to Skryne. Two hundred and fifty years later they were in danger again from the same foes, for we are told that in 1127 " the shrine of Columkill was carried off into captivity by the Danes of Dublin." The " captivity," however, was not of long duration, for the shrine was restored to its house at the end of a month.

    It remains to notice that Meath furnishes us with several examples of that peculiar institution of the Irish Church, in which a community, consisting of both sexes, was presided over not by an abbot, but by an

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 25

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kells in Meath, you are travelling through a town that briefly held the bones of Saint Columkill. At the beginning of the ninth century, his remains were brought here and found a resting-place for a short time, before being conveyed back to Iona. They did not stay long in Meath on that occasion, but the saint's bones would return to the county later. In 875, with the Danes attacking the northern island, the remains in their shrine were conveyed to Skryne. That was not the end of their troubles. In 1127, the shrine of Columkill was carried off into captivity by the Danes of Dublin, though the captivity lasted only a month before the shrine was restored to its house.

45. Skirmish fought at Dunshaughlin

    Dunshaughlin · town · Meath · 1534

    During the Silken Thomas rebellion, a skirmish was fought at Dunshaughlin in which the insurgents were worsted.

    Read the passage

    Meath suffered considerably in this rebellion. First Dunboyne was burned by the insurgents. Then a skirmish was fought at Dunshaughlin, in which they were worsted. Afterwards they took Trim, and Lord Thomas " ther robbed not only the same (towne of Trim), but also brente a great part thereof, and took all the cataill of the countrie thereaboughtes." 3 Several of the Meath gentry joined in the insurrection, and some of the clergy. Among the latter was Charles Reynolds, Archdeacon of Kells, who went with others on a mission, first to the Pope, and then to the Emperor^ Charles V., hoping that in the irritation caused by the divorce of Queen Katherine these potentates would be ready to give help against King Henry. Their efforts in this direction, however, proved fruitless, and in the meantime the followers of Silken Thomas began to fall away from him, until at length he was obliged to submit. He was sent to the Tower, and in 1537 was executed with five of his uncles at Tyburn.

    As to Charles Reynolds, or as was better pleased to call himself, Cahir MacRanell, he was deprived of his archdeaconry in 1535, and was afterwards attainted of treason by the Irish Parliament. Whether he suffered imprisonment or death in consequence of this

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 84

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dunshaughlin in Meath, you are on ground where a skirmish was fought in 1534 during the Silken Thomas rebellion. The insurgents were worsted here. It was part of a wider wave of violence across Meath that year. Dunboyne had been burned first, then the rebels came this way and were beaten. After that they took Trim, where Lord Thomas robbed the town, burned much of it, and took all the cattle of the countryside. Several of the Meath gentry joined the rising, and some of the clergy too. Among them was Charles Reynolds, Archdeacon of Kells, who called himself Cahir MacRanell. He went with others first to the Pope and then to Emperor Charles V, hoping that the anger over the divorce of Queen Katherine would move these rulers to help against King Henry. Nothing came of it. The followers of Silken Thomas fell away until he had to submit. He was sent to the Tower and in 1537 was executed with five of his uncles at Tyburn. Reynolds was deprived of his archdeaconry in 1535 and attainted of treason by the Irish Parliament.

46. Ward ordered for bishop's house at Ardbraccan

    Ardbraccan · townland · Meath · 1614

    After Bishop Montgomery narrowly avoided capture by the rebel leader Art Oge upon his arrival in Ireland, an order was given that a ward be placed in the bishop's house at Ardbraccan under his command for future safety.

    Read the passage

    prisoner in the hands of Art Oge, one of the leaders of the rebels. In consequence of this an order was given that, on the occasion of any future war or rebellion, a ward should be placed in the bishop's house at Ardbraccan, and under his command, " that henceforth he and his family may live in more safety and assur-

    ance."

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 115

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ardbraccan, there was a bishop's house that needed protecting. In 1614, after Bishop Montgomery narrowly escaped being taken prisoner by Art Oge, a rebel leader, an order was given to place a ward in the bishop's house here, under his command, so that he and his family could live in more safety and assurance.

47. Kells garrison weak against threatened O'Reilly incursion, 1596

    Kells · town · Meath · 1596

    Bishop Jones warned the Lord Deputy of an imminent incursion from Breffny, noting that Kells' garrison was commanded by only fifty poorly-trained men and the town's sovereign was 'but a simple man'.

    Read the passage

    Connected with this movement was an incursion made into Meath from the adjoining district of Breffny, in the County Cavan, by Philip O'Reilly, followed by the clans of the O'Reillys and MacMahons. In 1596, Bishop Jones writes to the Lord Deputy, telling him that an incursion was imminent, and that some of the Queen's soldiers had been drawn into the confederacy. The forces at the disposal of the loyalists were quite inadequate, for they had only the garrison of Kells to look to for protection, and the sovereign of that town was " but a simple man," while Captain Street, who was in command of the soldiers, had only fifty men, of whom but ten were English, and the rest only " the reversions of horseboys in this ticklish tune."

    A little later in the same year, he reports that the attack which he had predicted had actually taken place. Two hundred " rebels of the Brenny " (that is, of Breffny) were at about six in the morning " spoiling in East Meath," within five or six miles of the bishop's own house at Ardbraccan. Four days after this he writes again to the Lord Deputy, and tells him that

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 110

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kells, it is worth knowing this town had a garrison that was nearly useless when trouble came. In 1596, Bishop Jones wrote to the Lord Deputy warning that Philip O'Reilly was about to lead an incursion from Breffny into Meath, joined by the O'Reilly and MacMahon clans. Some of the Queen's own soldiers had been drawn into the confederacy. The loyalists had only the Kells garrison to rely on, and the town's sovereign was, in Jones's words, "but a simple man." Captain Street commanded just 50 men, 10 of them English and the rest described as "the reversions of horseboys in this ticklish tune." Later that same year, Jones reported the attack had come. 200 rebels from Breffny were spoiling in East Meath at about 6 in the morning, within 5 or 6 miles of the bishop's own house at Ardbraccan.

48. Navan abbey founded by Joceline de Angulo

    Navan · town · Meath

    The abbey of Navan was founded by Joceline de Angulo, whose family also held Ardbraccan and the barony of Morgallion. Navan became one of the most important towns of the Pale and was chosen as the site of a great abbey.

    Read the passage

    The abbey of Navan was founded about this time by Joceline de Angulo. This name appears sometimes as Nangle, and sometimes as De la Corner, both forms commemorating the " corner " or " angle " of Pembrokeshire in which the family was settled. The name was borne by two knights, Gilbert and Joceline, who obtained large grants of land in the County Meath. Gilbert became possessed of the whole barony of Morgallion, and Joceline obtained Navan and Ardbraccan.11 Navan soon became one of the most important towns of the Pale, and was naturally chosen as the site of a great abbey. At first, however, the endowments seem to have been small, and we have the prior and brethren asking in 1267 for licence to elect an abbot, without being obliged to go to England with their petition, urging as a reason that they had "very poor temporalities." I2 In after years they obtained a source of considerable income, in the form of a miraculous image of the Blessed Virgin, to which pilgrimages were made from all parts of the country. As a proof of the importance to which the establishment afterwards attained, it may be mentioned that in 1457 the abbot, John Bole, was elevated to the Archbishopric of Armagh.^ The site of the abbey is now occupied by the disused cavalry barracks, and no vestige remains of the ancient buildings.

    The Augustinian monastery of Mullingar was founded by Ralph le Petit,1 4 when he was Bishop of

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 47

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Navan now, one of the most important towns of the old Pale. The abbey here was founded by Joceline de Angulo, a knight whose family name also appears as Nangle or De la Corner, after the corner of Pembrokeshire where they were settled. Joceline and his brother Gilbert received large grants of land in Meath after the conquest. Gilbert took the barony of Morgallion, while Joceline obtained Navan and Ardbraccan. The abbey's beginnings were modest. In 1267 the prior and brethren asked for licence to elect an abbot without travelling to England, pleading that they had

49. Slane's stone house and ruined college walls

    Slane · townland · Meath · 1622

    At Slane in 1622 there was a fair stone house or castle, and the walls of an ancient college once housing four priests, four clerks and four choristers were still standing beside the parsonage, though possession had passed to the lord of Slane by uncertain right.

    Read the passage

    sides. Of ancient tyme there belonged to this rectory a colledge and Cd (? 400) or thereaboutes acres of land, and some twenty howses for maynteynaunce of foure priestes, foure clarkes, and foure quiresters. The walles of the college are yet standing, and adjoining to the parsonage house, all wch have of long tyme beene in the possession of the lo. of Slane, but by what right it is not knowne." At Drumconrath there was not only " a faire castle and manse house," but also " a streat of messuages or tenant houses in ye towne of Drumconragh, called the parsons streate."

    Fifteen of the houses are dignified with the name of castles. The bishop's own residence is modestly described as " a faire house with convenient buildings and houses of office." All the glebe houses, of course, were not equally good, and nine of them are specially mentioned as " small." In a few cases the clergyman's house stood in the churchyard, near or attached to the church. Thus, at Mayne, there was " a small castle at the west end of the church," at Rathconnell, " a small castle at the east end of the chauncell," at Moylough (near Loughcrew) " a little castle at the west end of the church " at Drumrany " a small stone house at the end of the church," at Carrick, "a small house in the church yard."

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 124

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Slane, back in 1622, the walls of an ancient college were still standing beside the parsonage house. This college had once belonged to the rectory, with about 400 acres of land and some twenty houses to maintain four priests, four clerks, and four choristers. All of it had long been in the possession of the Lord of Slane, though by what right was not known.

50. Ardbraccan vicarage house seized by Sir Roger Jones

    Ardbraccan · townland · Meath · 1622

    At Ardbraccan, seat of the bishop's own palace, the vicarage house had been taken from the parson and converted to the use of Sir Roger Jones, the king's farmer of the impropriation, who also withheld tithes from Deramstown and the rest of the parish, leaving the vicar with only seven pounds a year.

    Read the passage

    The bishop notes several instances in which houses and lands belonging to the church had been seized by laymen, and seemingly there was no redress to be had. In Rathfeigh (between Ratoath and Kentstown) there were fifteen acres of glebe " now detained by the parochians." In Ardbraccan, under the very eyes of the bishop, there was no glebe house, for although there was " a manse house commonly called the vicarage house/' it had been taken from the parson, and " now his majesty's f armor of the impropriacon

    246 HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF MEATH

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 124

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in 1622, the bishop noted that the vicarage house at Ardbraccan had been taken from the parson. Sir Roger Jones, the king's farmer of the impropriation, had converted it to his own use. He also withheld tithes from Deramstown and the rest of the parish, leaving the vicar with only 7 pounds a year. The bishop recorded several such seizures of church lands by laymen, with seemingly no redress to be had.

51. Balrathboyne Founded by Saint Baithen

    Balrathboyne · parish · Meath

    Balrathboyne is said to have been founded by Saint Baithen, who succeeded Columkill as abbot of Iona, linking Meath to the island sanctuary. Baithen was present at Columba's deathbed and continued the transcription of the Psalter that Columba had begun.

    Read the passage

    Balrathboyne is said to have been founded by Saint Baithen, who succeeded Columkill in the abbacy of lona, and is another of the links which bind Meath to the island sanctuary. It is he who is referred to in the affecting story which Adamnan tells of the last days of Columba. He relates that the latter, on the

    1 Adamnan. Lije of Columba, L, 5.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 24

    As the companion tells it

    You are passing through the parish of Balrathboyne in Meath. It is said to have been founded by Saint Baithen, who succeeded Columkill as abbot of Iona. Baithen was present at Columba's deathbed, and continued the transcription of the Psalter that Columba had begun.

52. Bective Abbey and Trubly church contrast in scale

    Bective Abbey · monument · Meath

    On the banks of the Boyne near Trim, the magnificent ruin of Bective Abbey stands opposite the tiny church at Trubly, which could barely hold twenty people, illustrating how parish churches were sacrificed to enrich the abbeys.

    Read the passage

    have at present, but simply that the edifices were for the most part small, and the congregations scanty. If we take notice of the ruins which are so thickly scattered through the diocese, we see at once that this must have been the case. Not only are the churches very small in themselves, but wherever the chancel arch can still be traced it will be seen that the chancel occupies fully half the church, and that the space available for a congregation is so restricted that even a moderately large assembly would be an impossibility. It was in churches such as these that the poorer clergy ministered. The contrast must have been great indeed between the church service as rendered with such surroundings and the same service as it would be rendered in one of the fine abbey churches. The contrast is exemplified in a remarkable way on the banks of the Boyne, near Trim. On the one side stands the magnificent pile of Bective Abbey, grand even in its decay, while within view, on the other side of the river, is the little church at Trubly, mean in its architecture, and of a size that would scarcely accommodate twenty people, from whom all view of the altar must have been cut off by the stone wall, with only a narrow opening, which separated the chancel from the nave. The truth is that the churches were altogether sacrificed to the abbeys. Anything seems to have been considered good enough for the ordinary parish church, while the abbeys were enriched at their expense. In many cases the monasteries charged themselves with providing for the duty in the outlying parishes. How meanly they fulfilled this obligation is shown by the small payments they made to their vicars. It was shown none the less by the poor and unpretentious buildings which were considered good enough for the ordinary sanctuaries of the country.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 64

    As the companion tells it

    Right here on the banks of the Boyne near Trim, Bective Abbey stands as a magnificent pile, grand even in its decay. Across the river is the little church at Trubly, mean in its architecture and so small it would scarcely accommodate 20 people. The contrast between the two tells a story that ran through the whole diocese. The parish churches were sacrificed to enrich the abbeys. In churches like Trubly the chancel took up fully half the building, and the congregation's view of the altar was cut off by a stone wall with only a narrow opening between chancel and nave. Anything was considered good enough for the ordinary parish church, while the abbeys were built up at their expense. The monasteries often took on the duty of serving these outlying parishes, but they paid their vicars poorly, and the buildings they provided tell the same story of neglect.

53. Castles Taken Near Trim by Rebel Raiders

    Bective · townland · Meath · 1642–1647

    After Trim became a garrison base from which parties went out against the rebels, the insurgents nevertheless succeeded in taking the castles of Killalon, Balrath, Ballybeg, Bective, Balsoon, and Ardsallagh.

    Read the passage

    deliverers. Trim was again and again the scene of conflict. It was taken by the rebels at the first outbreak of the war, but was recovered by Sir Charles Coote in 1642. Shortly afterwards it was again attacked. The attack was repulsed, but Sir Charles lost his life, shot it is not known whether by the enemy or by one of his own troopers. After this it became a base from which parties went out to " spoil and kill " the rebels, but it did not prevent them from taking the castles of Killalon, Balrath, Ballybeg, Bective, Balsoon, and Ardsallagh. Athboy also was besieged by the insurgents, but they were forced to raise the siege. In Westmeath, the towns of Mullingar and Ballymore were burned, and there was an engagement at Rathconnell. These were the most important events, but independently of them there was continual going to and fro of bodies of rebels or of soldiers, rendering life and property insecure all through the diocese.

    The most important engagement of all took place at Dungon's Hill, near Laracor, in 1647. The following description of the fight is taken from the Down Survey : " On the 8th of August, 1647, being the Lord's Day, happened a very greate battaile betweene the English and the Irish. Collonell Michaell Jones commanded the English, and one, General Preston, the Irish. The advantages that the Irish had were as many as men could have against men. Theire ground was high, theire artillery ready planted, theire men ready drawen up in battallia, immured with mudd walles, the sunn and winde in theire reare, two woods and a large bogg through which the English must march if they intended to fight. The English in a marching motion, and had not roome to drawe upp. But it pleased the Almighty Disposer of all things to magnify Himselfe

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, rebels took Bective Castle in the 1640s. Trim had been recovered by Sir Charles Coote in 1642, and after Coote himself was killed, it became a base from which parties went out, in the words of the source, to "spoil and kill" the rebels. That did not stop the insurgents. They succeeded in taking a string of castles — Killalon, Balrath, Ballybeg, Bective, Balsoon, and Ardsallagh. The wider picture was one of continual going to and fro of bodies of rebels or soldiers through the diocese, rendering life and property insecure everywhere. The most important engagement of all came at Dungon's Hill, near Laracor, in 1647, on the 8th of August, a Sunday. Colonel Michael Jones commanded the English, and General Preston commanded the Irish. The Irish held every advantage a force could ask for — high ground, artillery already planted, men drawn up behind mud walls, sun and wind at their backs, and two woods and a large bog through which the English would have to march. Jones was still in marching motion, with no room to draw up his men. But the outcome, as the Down Survey record puts it, pleased the Almighty Disposer of all things to magnify Himself.

54. Churches Saved from the General Wreck of Dissolution

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1539–1560

    Among the many abbey churches allowed to fall into ruin after the dissolution of the monasteries, the churches of Saint Mary's Drogheda, Duleek, Trim, and Athboy were notable exceptions that survived to serve as parish churches.

    Read the passage

    the chapels, there were no means left by which the fabrics could be maintained. But, as a general rule, they were not willing to give such permission. Most of the grantees were averse to the doctrines of the Reformation, and on that ground, if on no other, would have withheld their consent. But, quite apart from religious considerations, the eagerness which they showed in grasping at church property left little hope that they would voluntarily restore any of their booty. There were, of course, exceptions. The churches of Saint Mary's Drogheda, of Duleek, Trim, Athboy, and a few others, were abbey churches, saved to the church from the general wreck. But these were exceptions. As a rule, the great abbey churches were allowed to fall into ruin.

    The parish churches, though they were supposed to be untouched by the new law, suffered very much in an indirect way. We have already seen how the abbeys had appropriated the incomes of most of them. When the dissolution came, all these churches passed into lay hands. That is to say, the man who purchased the dissolved monastery, purchased with it all the parish churches which it had formerly possessed, and became in effect the rector. As such he drew the income, and was supposed to be responsible for the cure of souls, to provide for which he was obliged to employ a vicar. But this obligation was in many cases evaded, and in those instances in which some effort was made to fulfil it, the income provided was so miserable that the services of efficient men could not be obtained. This was not altogether a new scandal. It existed under the monastic system, but it became a more crying evil now, for up i to the dissolution very few people in the Diocese of Meath, were absolutely dependent on the parish churches for the means of

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 87

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Drogheda, you are in a town whose church of Saint Mary was one of the few abbey churches saved from the general wreck of the dissolution. Between 1539 and 1560, when the monasteries were dissolved, most of the great abbey churches were allowed to fall into ruin. The grantees who took over church property showed eagerness in grasping at it, and were averse to the doctrines of the Reformation into the bargain, so they had little inclination to restore what they had taken. Saint Mary's Drogheda was an exception, along with the abbey churches of Duleek, Trim, and Athboy. These survived to serve as parish churches, while the rule elsewhere was ruin. The parish churches themselves suffered too, in an indirect way. When a dissolved monastery was purchased, the parish churches it had formerly possessed passed into lay hands, and the purchaser drew the income while being obliged to provide a vicar for the cure of souls. That obligation was often evaded, and where some effort was made the income was so miserable that efficient men could not be obtained. This scandal had existed under the monastic system, but it became a more crying evil after the dissolution, when very few people in the Diocese of Meath were absolutely dependent on the parish churches for the means of worship.

55. Collapse of the round tower at Clonard, 1039

    Clonard · town · Meath · 1039

    The round tower at Clonard, a relic of Celtic days, fell in 1039 according to the annalists; only its stump remained by the early nineteenth century amid extensive but dilapidated ruins.

    Read the passage

    sacrilegiously took from the vestry of this abbey a sword, which had belonged to Saint Finian, the founder." And so the story went on year after year, until Clonard was plundered and burnt for the last time in 1170 by the men of Leinster, acting in conjunction with the newly-arrived Normans ; and in 1175 its place was taken by an Augustinian monastery founded then by Walter de Lacy. There are no remains at Clonard at present which testify to its former greatness. At the beginning of the nineteenth century the ruins were extensive, though in a great state of dilapidation. The only relic that recalled Celtic days was the stump of the round tower. The tower itself fell, according to the annalists, in 1039. ^ne other remains, which were those of the Norman abbey, are thus described by Archdall :

    The entrance, into this abbey, on the west side, was through a small building, with a lodge over it, which led into a small court ; to the right of this court stands the kitchen and cellar, and over them the dormitory, ranging with the river, and overlooking the garden, which sloped from thence to the water's edge ; opposite the entrance was another small apartment, and adjoining to it the refectory, which was carried for some length beyond the square, and joined the choir, a large and elegant building, most part of which still remains, and the windows are finished in a light Gothic style. On the south side of the altar is a small double arch, in the old Saxon manner, and divided by a pillar through which iron bars were fixed. This is supposed to have been the founder's tomb. There are many remains of walls adjoining the other parts of the abbey, but in so ruinous a state that little information can be gleaned from them. At a little distance from the east window, in the burial ground, stands a small chapel, in which is a table monument, ornamented with the effigies of a man and woman, in a praying posture, and dressed in the ruff of Queen Elizabeth's time ; the sides adorned with many coats of arms — that of the family of Dillon is most conspicuous."6

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonard in Meath, you are moving through a place that was once one of the great monastic sites of Ireland. Its round tower, a relic of Celtic days, fell in 1039 according to the annalists, and by the early nineteenth century only the stump remained. Clonard was plundered and burnt for the last time in 1170, when the men of Leinster acted alongside the newly-arrived Normans. In 1175 Walter de Lacy founded an Augustinian monastery on the site. At the beginning of the nineteenth century the ruins were still extensive, though greatly dilapidated. Archdall described the Norman abbey's layout: an entrance on the west side through a small building with a lodge above, leading into a court. To the right stood the kitchen and cellar, with the dormitory above, ranging along the river and overlooking the garden that sloped to the water. The refectory ran beyond the square and joined the choir, a large and elegant building with windows finished in a light Gothic style. On the south side of the altar was a small double arch in the old Saxon manner, divided by a pillar with iron bars fixed through it, thought to be the founder's tomb. In the burial ground, a small chapel held a table monument with the effigies of a man and woman in a praying posture, dressed in the ruff of Queen Elizabeth's time, its sides adorned with coats of arms, that of the Dillon family most conspicuous.

56. Columkill's Education at Clonard

    Clonard · town · Meath

    In his early youth Columkill visited many of Ireland's principal schools, and was for a time a disciple of Saint Finian at Clonard before seeking ordination.

    Read the passage

    Columkill was born at Gartan, in the County Donegal, early in the sixth century, probably in the year 521. He was of noble descent, as was the case of most of the saints of Ireland, which simply means that social rank was considered to be as essential for the headship of an ecclesiastical clan, as it was for the chieftainship of an ordinary tribe. He was originally named Columba, but the suffix " kill/' meaning " church," was afterwards added on account of his devotion. In his early youth he visited most of the principal schools, and was for some time a disciple of Saint Finian at Clonard. After a time he sought ordination, and for this purpose was sent to Bishop Etchen of Clonfad, in the County Westmeath.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonard, a place with an old connection to Columkill. He was born Columba at Gartan in County Donegal early in the 6th century, probably in 521, of noble descent, as most of Ireland's saints were. The suffix "kill," meaning "church," was added to his name afterwards on account of his devotion. In his early youth he visited most of the principal schools of Ireland, and was for some time a disciple of Saint Finian here at Clonard. After that he sought ordination, and for that purpose was sent to Bishop Etchen of Clonfad in County Westmeath.

57. Foirtchernn's brief chieftainship and transfer to Cathlaid at Trim

    Trim · town · Meath · 432–500

    After Lomman's death, Foirtchernn reluctantly accepted the chieftainship of the church for three days before giving it to Cathlaid the pilgrim at the ford of Trim.

    Read the passage

    And he committed his holy church to holy Patrick, and to Foirtchernn. But Foirtchernn refused to hold the heritage of his father, which he had offered to God and to Patrick ; until Lomman said, " Thou shalt not have my blessing unless thou accept the chieftainship of my church." He held the chieftainship, however, for three days only after the death of his master, until he arrived at the ford of Trimm, and then he straightway gave his church to Cathlaid the pilgrim.4

    The Book of Armagh was written some centuries after the death of Saint Patrick, in an uncritical age, and by men who were manifestly anxious to uphold and extend the prerogatives of the See of Armagh. It was, however, compiled from more ancient documents. While, therefore, we may not be prepared to accept unhesitatingly all its statements, we must not, on the other hand, reject too lightly the testimony which it gives. The passage just quoted, at all events, tells us that there was an old tradition that the Church in Meath was founded before that in Armagh, and if the legend is to be credited, it must have been one of the first fruits of Saint Patrick's labours. The detail of a British woman welcoming her fellow-countryman, and thus making the way easy for his preaching — not to mention the possibility that she may not have been altogether ignorant of Christianity — lends a certain plausibility to the narrative ; and the unusual absence of anything miraculous in the story inclines us to give it the more ready credence. The Lomman here spoken of was sister's son to Patrick, and was one of those who accompanied him from Britain on his missionary expedition.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, this is where a brief and reluctant rule came to an end in the fifth century. When Lomman died, he left his church to Saint Patrick and to Foirtchernn, but Foirtchernn refused to take up his father's heritage, which had been offered to God and to Patrick. Lomman would not accept the refusal. He told Foirtchernn he would withhold his blessing unless the younger man accepted the chieftainship of the church. Foirtchernn gave in, but held the position for only three days after his master's death. He came to the ford of Trim and straightway handed the church over to Cathlaid the pilgrim. The account comes from the Book of Armagh, written centuries after Patrick's death by men keen to extend the prerogatives of the see of Armagh, though compiled from older documents. Lomman himself was Patrick's sister's son and had travelled with him from Britain on his missionary expedition. The story carries no miracles, which makes it easier to believe, and it preserves an old tradition that the church in Meath was founded before the one in Armagh, among the first fruits of Patrick's labours.

58. Fore's alien priory status seized in 1369

    Fore · townland · Westmeath · 1369

    When Normandy ceased to belong to the King of England, Fore became an 'alien priory' and was seized into the King's hands in 1369 due to war between England and France.

    Read the passage

    The Benedictine abbey of Fore has a somewhat romantic story connected with its foundation. In the reign of King John, the two brothers, Walter and Hugh de Lacy, having fallen under the royal displeasure, fled from the country, and took refuge in Normandy. There they disguised themselves, and took employment as common farm labourers in the Benedictine abbey of Saint Taurin, at Evreaux, and continued in this lowly occupation for some time. Their bearing and demeanour, however, attracted the attention of the superior, who after a time began to suspect that they were not the peasants that they pretended to be. He soon learned their story, and lost no time in interceding with the King on their behalf, with the result that he obtained for them a renewal of the monarch's favour, who consented, on the payment of a fine, to restore them to their possessions in Ireland. The abbey of Fore was built as a thankoffering for this deliverance, and was made a cell to the abbey of Saint Taurin. When Normandy ceased to belong to the King of England, Fore became, by that fact, an " alien priory," and as such was seized into the King's hands, along with many others, in 1369,34 there being war at that time between England

    "State Papers.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 53

59. Founding of Durrow and Kells by Columkill

    Durrow · parish · Offaly

    Two important monastic establishments were founded by Columkill in Meath: Durrow and Kells, with Durrow being the most famous for a long time, its erection referred to by Bede.

    Read the passage

    Two important establishments were founded by Columkill in Meath, namely, those at Durrow and Kells. For a long time Durrow was the most famous, and its erection is probably referred to by Bede, who tells us that " before Columba passed over into Britain,

    2 Bede, Ecclesiastical History, iii., 4.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 18

60. Rebels surprise the town of Trim

    Trim · town · Meath · 1641

    The rebels advanced into County Meath from Cavan and Virginia and, secure in the sympathies of the majority of the people, had no difficulty surprising the towns of Trim, Kells, Navan, Ardbraccan and Athboy.

    Read the passage

    Meanwhile the rebels were assembled in some force not far off, their rendezvous being at Cavan and Virginia. From thence they advanced into the County Meath, and secure as they were in the sympathies of the majority of the people, they had no difficulty in surprising the towns of Trim, Kells, Navan, Ardbraccan and Athboy. In all these places the local authorities were in their favour, and the few troops found in each town were many of them ready also to join with the insurgents. Wherever they went, the Church of Ireland clergy were the first objects of their hostility. Several of them were killed, they were nearly all robbed, and they all had to fly for their lives.

    Among those who lost their lives was John Sharp, the curate of Kells, a " minister and preacher of God's sacred word." His story is told for us by his widow, Margery Sharp, who relates that her husband had made an attempt to fly to Dublin for succour, but was caught by the insurgents, and left so grievously wounded, that he was unable to proceed. In this condition he was shortly afterwards found by another company of

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 133

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Trim now. In 1641 this was one of the towns the rebels surprised as they advanced into County Meath from Cavan and Virginia. They moved confidently, secure in the sympathies of the majority of the people, and in Trim the local authorities were already in their favour, while the few troops stationed there were many of them ready to join the insurgents. Wherever the rebels went, the Church of Ireland clergy were the first objects of their hostility. Several were killed, nearly all were robbed, and all had to flee for their lives. Among those who lost his life was John Sharp, the curate of Kells, described as a minister and preacher of God's sacred word. His widow, Margery Sharp, told how he tried to make for Dublin to seek help but was caught by the insurgents and left so grievously wounded he could not go on.