History of Sligo, county and town, from the close of the Revolution of 1688 to the present time

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

1. Church of Holy Cross (Friary Church), High Street, Sligo

   High Street · street · Sligo · 1846–1859

   The present Church of Holy Cross, commonly known as the Friary Church, stands in High Street and was erected around 1846 to the design of Sir John Benson. It was consecrated on the Feast of the Epiphany 1848, with the belfry completed in 1859. Its tower, nave and chancel are described in detail.

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   The present Church of Holy Cross (commonly known as the Friary Church) is in High-street, and was erected about the year 1846, from the design of the late Sir John Benson. It was consecrated on the Feast of the Epiphany in 1848, but the belfry was not completed until 1859 (fig. 24). Unfortunately the building is so closed in by the neighbouring shops and houses that no good view can be obtained of its proportions. It consists of a tower, porch, nave, and chancel. The tower is a handsome structure of limestone, having two buttresses in each face, at the angles. The east doorway in the tower has a low ope, with slender shafts in recesses in the jambs, sui'mounted by elaborately cut mouldings in the pointed circle. The two-light windows of the nave are lancet-headed. The east window in the chancel is a five-light window, the head of which is filled with elaborate tracery, and it contains fine stained glass. The roof nearly resembles, in some of its featm-es, that of Westminster Hall. It consists of a large main arch, with smaller arches, principal rafters, purhns, hammer-beams, curved sheets, and wall-pieces, and inside it has

   \To face page 130.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 63

   As the companion tells it

   The Church of Holy Cross, commonly known as the Friary Church, stands in High Street in Sligo. It was erected around 1846 from the design of the late Sir John Benson, and was consecrated on the Feast of the Epiphany in 1848, though the belfry was not completed until 1859. The building is so closed in by neighbouring shops and houses that no good view can be obtained of its proportions. It consists of a tower, porch, nave, and chancel. The tower is a handsome limestone structure, with two buttresses in each face at the angles. The east doorway in the tower has a low opening with slender shafts in recesses in the jambs, surmounted by elaborately cut mouldings in the pointed circle. The two-light windows of the nave are lancet-headed. The east window in the chancel is a five-light window, its head filled with elaborate tracery, and it contains fine stained glass. The roof nearly resembles, in some of its features, that of Westminster Hall. It consists of a large main arch, with smaller arches, principal rafters, purlins, hammer-beams, curved sheets, and wall-pieces.

2. Collooney becomes premier cattle fair after railway link

   Collooney · townland · Sligo · 1882–1892

   The Sligo, Leitrim, and Northern Counties Railway furnished a link between Sligo and the North of Ireland, giving great impetus to the cattle trade. Collooney became the best fair within a considerable radius.

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   The Sligo, Leitrim, and Northern Counties Railway, which had been working for some time as far as Collooney, was opened into Sligo in 1882. It has running powers over the Midland Great Western line from Carricknagat Junction into the town. About nine miles of this railway from the above junction to Balliutogher lie within the county. It furnishes a link between Sligo and the North of Ireland, aud has given a great impetus to the cattle trade, Collooney being now the best fair within a considerable radius. The traffic on this line is slowly improving. In 1888 it carried 124,628 passengers, and 33,769 tons of general merchandize and minerals, the total receipts being £14,941, the working expenses £13,634.

   The traffic carried by railway consists principally of imported goods sent inwards ; the outward trade being comparatively small, barely one-ninth of the whole. The latter consists

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 107

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, the Sligo, Leitrim, and Northern Counties Railway had been working for some time as far as Collooney, and was opened into Sligo in 1882. It had running powers over the Midland Great Western line from Carricknagat Junction into the town. About nine miles of this railway from that junction to Balliutogher lie within the county. The line furnishes a link between Sligo and the North of Ireland, and gave a great impetus to the cattle trade. Collooney became the best fair within a considerable radius. Traffic on the line was slowly improving. In 1888 it carried 124,628 passengers and 33,769 tons of merchandise and minerals. Total receipts were 14,941 pounds, working expenses 13,634 pounds. The traffic consisted principally of imported goods sent inwards. The outward trade was small, barely one-ninth of the whole.

3. Congregational church in Stephen Street, Sligo, opened 1851

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1850–1851

   A handsome church, schools, and manse were erected in Stephen Street, Sligo, at a cost of £3000, largely collected in England. The foundation stone was laid on 3 April 1850 and the church opened for worship on 15 August 1851.

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   Dr. Urwiek remained in Sligo till the year 1827, when he received " a call " to the Congregational Church in York-street, Dublin, where he passed the remainder of his active ministerial life. For about six months after Dr. Urwick's departure, the Rev. S. Biuks, of Bristol, carried on the ministration, and his successor seems to have been a Mr. Carlile. In 1831, the Rev. E. H. Nolan was appointed minister, and in 1885 was succeeded by the Rev. Noble Shepperd. It was during the ministration of the latter that the present handsome church, schools, and manse were erected in Stephen-street at a cost of £3000, the money having been collected principally in England. The ceremony of laying the foundation stone took place on the 3rd April, 1850, and the church was opened for divine worship on 15th August of the following year.

   Prior to 1846 Mr. Shepperd had started a school that was transformed, during the famine, into a ragged school, in which the children were supplied with food. When the period of distress was over it reverted to its original use, but was closed when the Model School was established. Mr. Shepperd died in August, 1875, and was succeeded by the Rev. James Sterling, who was followed in 1885 by the present minister, Rev. H. E. Bennett, B.A.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 71

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, there's a Congregational church in Stephen Street that tells a story of famine and renewal. The foundation stone was laid on 3 April 1850, and the church opened for worship on 15 August 1851. It was built during the ministry of the Reverend Noble Shepperd, along with schools and a manse, at a cost of 3000 pounds, most of it collected in England. Before 1846, Shepperd had started a school here that during the famine became a ragged school, where children were supplied with food. When the distress passed, it went back to its original purpose and later closed when the Model School was established. Shepperd served until his death in August 1875.

4. Dead Man's Point at Rosses Point named for plague victim

   Rosses Point · town · Sligo · 1800–1810

   At the extremity of Rosses Point a headland called Dead Man's Point takes its name from a foreign seaman who died of the plague at the commencement of the century. The name preserves this grim episode in the locality's maritime history.

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   In former times there was a quay projecting from the Oyster Island (so marked in the Survey of 1809-1818) ; later on, posts along the shore were substituted, to which any vessel remaining over a tide was required to moor. These posts have now given place to mooring chains, to which vessels of over 3000 tons can make fast ; for the reach between Oyster Island and Eosses Point — nearly a mile long, and about 300 yards broad — affords anchorage in about twenty feet of water : the tide, however, is strong, and the holding ground not good, so that the present mooring chains are not only necessary, but form an excellent and thoroughly safe anchorage for the largest vessels. At the extremity of Rosses Point there is a headland styled " Dead Man's Point," so called, it is alleged, from a foreign seaman who, at the commencement of the century, died of the plague

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 112

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Rosses Point in Sligo, you are near a headland called Dead Man's Point. The name comes from a foreign seaman who died of the plague at the commencement of the century. The reach between Oyster Island and Rosses Point gives anchorage in about twenty feet of water, though the tide is strong and the holding ground not good. In former times a quay projected from Oyster Island, and later posts along the shore were substituted, to which any vessel remaining over a tide was required to moor. Those posts have since given way to mooring chains, to which vessels of over 3000 tons can make fast.

5. Decline of flax cultivation in County Sligo

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1790–1889

   At the close of the eighteenth century at least 3,000 acres in County Sligo were under flax, giving employment to hecklers and scutchers. By 1809 only 684 acres remained, and the 1883–1889 average was just twenty-four acres.

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   scutched flax, or forty stones to the acre ; although, as a general rule, only sown in small patches, still, in the aggregate, tlie area was extensive, and thus employment was given to a class of workers who heckled the flax after it had heen scutched in the mill. At the close of the last century at least 3000 acres in the county were under flax. In the year 1809 there were but 684 acres, whilst the average of the six years, from 1883 to 1889, was only twenty-four.

   What would be thought in the present day of a field of weeds being sold ? yet in 1776 the price per acre was £6 6s., the ashes being used in boiling the yarn.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 145

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, the county around this town once had at least 3,000 acres under flax at the close of the 1700s. The flax was scutched in mills and then heckled by hand, giving work to a class of labourers. By 1809 only 684 acres remained, and the average from 1883 to 1889 was just twenty-four acres. In 1776 a field of weeds fetched £6 6s. an acre, the ashes used in boiling the yarn.

6. Dromore West Union Workhouse opened 1852

   Dromore West · population centre · Sligo · 1852–1890

   The Dromore West Union workhouse was declared fit for paupers and opened on 1st May 1852, with 170 indoor and six outdoor paupers transferred from Sligo and Ballina workhouses. The building cost about £4,000, and by 1890 the union had 60 indoor and 233 outdoor paupers.

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   The Dromore West Union consists of seventeen electoral divisions : the area 96,985 acres ; the valuation £36,883, and the population 17,349. The workhouse was, by a sealed order of the Poor Law Commissioners, declared fit for the reception of paupers, and opened 1st May, 1852, when the paupers in the Sligo and Ballina Workhouses, chargeable to the union were

   172 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 84

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Dromore West, the old union workhouse opened here on the 1st of May 1852. A sealed order from the Poor Law Commissioners declared it fit for paupers. 170 indoor and 6 outdoor paupers were transferred from Sligo and Ballina workhouses. The building cost about 4,000 pounds. By 1890 the union had 60 indoor and 233 outdoor paupers.

7. Duel at Cummin, May 1836

   Cummeen · townland · Sligo · 1836

   A duel was fought at Cummin on 17 May 1836 in which three shots were exchanged. The bullets cut the clothing of both principals but neither was wounded.

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   A duel took place at Cummin on 17th May, 1836 ; three shots were exchanged ; but though in each instance the clothing of the principals was cut by the bullets, no actual wound was inflicted.

   Party feeling in the month of January of the following year ran high. Barristers engaged in the Registry Courts, supervising the enrolling of voters on their respective sides, carried their vindictive feelings beyond the precincts of the Law Courts, and several hostile meetings took place. That which was arranged on 7th January, 1837, between Counsellors Baker and Casserly was interrupted by the police ; but this had only the effect of retarding the meeting until the following day, when they met at the Five-Mile-Bourn, where shots were exchanged. The meeting, however, was again broken up by the constabulary, and the unpopular principal was stoned by the mob as he effected his escape on horseback — the duel, as usual, having taken place in presence of the assembled country-side.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 161

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, on the 17th of May 1836, a duel was fought at Cummin. Three shots were exchanged between the principals, and though the bullets cut the clothing of both men on each occasion, no actual wound was inflicted on either. Party feeling in Sligo at the time ran high, and this was part of a wider pattern. The following January, barristers engaged in the Registry Courts carried their vindictive feelings beyond the precincts of the law courts, and several hostile meetings took place across the county. One arranged meeting between Counsellors Baker and Casserly on the 7th of January 1837 was interrupted by the police, but they met the next day at the Five-Mile-Bourn, where shots were exchanged before the constabulary broke it up again. The unpopular principal was stoned by the mob as he escaped on horseback, the duel having taken place, as usual, in the presence of the assembled countryside.

8. Easky to Aughris salmon boat fishing

   Easky · town · Sligo · 1866

   After the restoration of nets, 18 boats fished with 400-yard nets from Easky to Aughris along the Tireragh shore. This was part of the broader salmon fishery that before 1865 shipped approximately 500 boxes annually from the port of Sligo to Liverpool.

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   With regard to sea fishing for salmon, there had been bag-nets at Mullaghmore, at Rosskeeragh, at Streedagh, at Droraore West, at Enniscrone, but the Act passed in 1863 abolished all these ; afterwards, however, in 1866 an inquiry was held by the Fishery Inspectors, and the nets at Enniscrone and at Streedagh were restored ; there are now at the former place no less than 34 nets employed, each being 400 yards in length, and from Easky to Aughris, 18 boats are fishing, with nets of equal length.

   Before the opening of the railway to Ballina in 1865, all salmon — about 500 boxes annually — caught on that part of the Mayo and Tireragh shore were shipped by steamer to Liverpool from the port of Sligo.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 129

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Easky in Sligo, this stretch of coast was a salmon fishing ground. An Act in 1863 had abolished the bag nets that lined these shores, but in 1866 the Fishery Inspectors held an inquiry and restored some. From Easky to Aughris, 18 boats went back to fishing with nets 400 yards long each. Before the railway opened to Ballina in 1865, about 500 boxes of salmon a year, caught along this Mayo and Tireragh shore, were shipped by steamer from the port of Sligo to Liverpool.

9. Famine relief-works expansion of Sligo roads, 1845–1849

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1845–1849

   Consequent on the relief-works of 1845–1849, the extent of roads in County Sligo was considerably increased, but many fell into disuse as they were not kept under contract.

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   Consequent on the relief-works, 1845-1849, the extent of roads had been considerably increased ; but a great number of them were not kept in contract, and were allowed to fall into disuse. There are now nearly eighty miles of road in excess of those under contract in 1861, but the cost of maintaining them has diminished by about £1000.

   The oldest bridges now standing in the County are those of Bellarush, near the north end of Lough Arrow, and Drumcliff. No date can be assigned for the building of either, but from their narrow arches and style of masonry, they must have been long in existence. Possibly the bridge at Battlefield, on the old road leading from Ballymote to Boyle, was built about the same time, as well as Ardcree bridge, near Annaghmore.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 100

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Sligo, you're on ground where the famine relief works left their mark on the roads. Between 1845 and 1849, those works considerably increased the extent of roads across County Sligo. But a great number were not kept in contract afterward, and were allowed to fall into disuse. By 1861 there were nearly 80 miles of road in excess of those still under contract, though the cost of maintaining them had diminished by about 1000 pounds.

10. Fever and burials in Sligo's new burial-ground, 1847

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1847

    A virulent fever broke out in March 1847 following famine suffering, and between fifty and sixty interments had already taken place in the new burial-ground even before that date.

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    A virulent fever, consequent on the sufferings of the people, broke out in March, 1847 ; and even before that date, between fifty and sixty interments had already taken place in the new burial-ground. At the close of the year 1848, when the terrors

    G2

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 40

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, the town carries a grim memory from 1847. A virulent fever broke out in March of that year, following the sufferings of the people, and even before that date between 50 and 60 interments had already taken place in the new burial-ground.

11. Four military barracks in Sligo town, 1766

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1766

    A 1766 map showed four military barracks in Sligo town: the old stone fort (Foot Barracks), the Strand Barracks for cavalry, the Middle Barracks on Holborn-street, and the Horse Barracks near the upper bridge. Small detachments were also stationed at Collooney, Ballymote, and Kilmacteige.

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    According to a map of the year 1766 there were four military barracks in the town of Sligo : " The old stone fort " or "Foot Barracks and yard"; the present barracks, then styled the"Strand Barracks" for cavalry and capable of accommodating " 7 officers and 96 non-commissioned officers and privates, with stabling for 60 horses, and an excellent hospital annexed" ; the *' Middle Barracks " on the right side of Holborn- street, and the " Horse Barracks " which appear to have occupied the site of the present brewery near the upper bridge. Small detachments of troops were also stationed at Collooney, Ballymote, and Kilmacteige. The latter barracks were given up as early as 1736.

    At a critical epoch, when America was lost to the Crown of England, and the Irish coasts lay open to the descent of a foreign foe, the Volunteers, a body of 100,000 men, self-clothed, self-disciplined, and without pay discharged the duties of the army. Unfortunately they afterwards turned their attention to politics, upon which rock they made shipwreck. At first — from the octogenarian to the schoolboy — all sprang to arms, several cadet corps being formed from the various schools in the town and county.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, a map from 1766 showed four military barracks here. The old stone fort, called the Foot Barracks, was one. The Strand Barracks housed cavalry, with room for 7 officers and 96 non-commissioned officers and privates, stabling for 60 horses, and a hospital attached. The Middle Barracks stood on Holborn-street, and the Horse Barracks sat near the upper bridge. Beyond the town, small detachments were stationed at Collooney, Ballymote, and Kilmacteige, though the Kilmacteige post had been given up as early as 1736. These barracks mattered in a tense time. When America was lost to the Crown of England and the Irish coasts lay open to foreign attack, a body called the Volunteers stepped in. They were 100,000 men, self-clothed, self-disciplined, and unpaid, discharging the duties of the army. From the octogenarian to the schoolboy, all sprang to arms, and several cadet corps formed from the schools of the town and county. They turned later to politics, and on that rock they foundered.

12. Fruitless coal search at Knockvicar

    Knockvicar · townland · Roscommon · 1842

    Nearly fifty years before publication, a shaft was sunk at Knockvicar, east of Lough Key, through Lower Carboniferous Sandstone in a fruitless search for coal. The failure was due to ignorance of basic geological principles.

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    As a result of geological investigations we need not hope to find coal in Sligo, unless it be in the small area in the Geevagh district, which forms the west extremity of the Roscommon coalfield. "Want of such knowledge has led to some serious mistakes. Nearly fifty years ago a shaft was sunk at Knockvicar, east of Lough Key, through Lower Carboniferous Sandstone, in a fruitless search for coal. A Mr. O'Beirne, of Jamestown, spent several thousand pounds sinking a shaft with a similar result through the base of Yoredale beds into Upper Limestone. He acted on the advice of some " practical men " who were ignorant of the simplest principles of geology. The Carboniferous strata of Sligo are lower in the

    268 HISTORY OF SI,IGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 133

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Knockvicar, nearly fifty years before this was written, a shaft was sunk through Lower Carboniferous Sandstone in a fruitless search for coal. The failure came from want of geological knowledge. A Mr. O'Beirne of Jamestown spent several thousand pounds sinking a shaft with a similar result, through the base of Yoredale beds into Upper Limestone. He acted on the advice of some practical men who were ignorant of the simplest principles of geology.

13. Head of Cuchullin buried on Tara hill

    Tara · townland · Offaly

    Petrie's paper on Tara mentions that the head of the legendary hero Cuchullin was buried on Tara hill, serving as another example of the ancient practice of separate head burials.

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    " The practice of removing the head from the trunk, in order to bury it in some celebrated localitj^ must have been one of not unusual occurrence amongst the early Irish. Thus we find in the Annals of the Four Masters, that in the barony of Ball}'- brit, in the King's Co, a.d. 1213, was interred the liead of Etech," an ancient Irisli heroine. In Petrie's paper on Tara it is mentioned that the head of Cuchullin was buried on Tara hill. Also, in the Annals of the Four Masters, anno 565, it is recorded that the head of Diarmaid Mac Fergus was buried at Clonmacnoise ; his body where he was killed, in the county Antrim.

    It has been asserted that a duUaghwi, or headless phantom, used to frequent the streets of Sligo, and that the ships at tlie

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 192

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Tara, the head of the legendary hero Cuchullin is said to be buried. Petrie's paper on Tara mentions the burial on the hill. The old Irish had a practice of removing the head from the body to bury it in some celebrated place. It was not unusual among them. The Annals of the Four Masters record other examples. In 1213, the head of Etech, an ancient Irish heroine, was interred in the barony of Ballybrit in the King's County. In 565, the head of Diarmaid Mac Fergus was buried at Clonmacnoise, while his body was left in the county Antrim where he was killed. Cuchullin's head on Tara hill belongs to that same tradition.

14. Head of Diarmaid Mac Fergus buried at Clonmacnoise

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 565

    The Annals of the Four Masters record that in 565 the head of Diarmaid Mac Fergus was buried at Clonmacnoise, while his body was left where he was killed in county Antrim.

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    " The practice of removing the head from the trunk, in order to bury it in some celebrated localitj^ must have been one of not unusual occurrence amongst the early Irish. Thus we find in the Annals of the Four Masters, that in the barony of Ball}'- brit, in the King's Co, a.d. 1213, was interred the liead of Etech," an ancient Irisli heroine. In Petrie's paper on Tara it is mentioned that the head of Cuchullin was buried on Tara hill. Also, in the Annals of the Four Masters, anno 565, it is recorded that the head of Diarmaid Mac Fergus was buried at Clonmacnoise ; his body where he was killed, in the county Antrim.

    It has been asserted that a duUaghwi, or headless phantom, used to frequent the streets of Sligo, and that the ships at tlie

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 192

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here lies the head of Diarmaid Mac Fergus. The Annals of the Four Masters record that in 565 his head was buried at Clonmacnoise, while his body was left where he was killed, in county Antrim. The old Irish practice of removing the head from the trunk to bury it in some celebrated place was not unusual. The same annals tell us that in 1213 the head of Etech, an ancient Irish heroine, was interred in the barony of Ballybrit in the King's County. Petrie's paper on Tara mentions that the head of Cuchullin was buried on Tara hill. But here it is Diarmaid's head that rests, separated from his body by the length of the island.

15. Inn at Ballinafad on 1757 itinerary

    Ballinafad · townland · Sligo · 1757

    An inn at Ballinafad was among the best-known county hostelries dating to 1757, marked on a contemporary itinerary alongside the Strand House Inn at Beltra and the Half-way House on the road to Ballyshannon.

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    The best known inns in tlie county that can date as far back as 1757 were " The Strand House Inn " at Beltra, near Tanrego ; " The Half-way House " on the road to Ballyshannon ; and also that at Ballinafad. These are marked on an itinerary. One inn bore tlie announcement of " Interment " instead of " Entertainment " for man and beast.

    The Rev. John Wesley described in his Journal the great discomfort of the ordinary Irish cabin of the year 1748, for no light could come into the earth and straw-built " cavern " on the master and his cattle but at one hole which served as window, chimney, and door ; indeed, of all the features of Irish peasant life, none helped more to associate in the mind of a stranger the idea of misery with the idea of Ireland than the dirt and disorder of home life. The manure heap at the door ; filth ankledeep at the entrance ; the pig domiciled in the house ; ducks, geese, and fowl roosting on the rafters ; the grunting of pigs, the quacking of ducks, the hissing of geese, the cackle of fowl, and the squalling of children can be more readily imagined than described. The cost of one of these hovels was estimated at from 30s. to 40s., but if covered with straw, and with walls of stone, the cost would be £5 ; if there were outbuildings in addition, the total would be about double that sura. In 1770 the population of the county was considered to be increasing rapidly, the circumstances of the peasantry, in general, having

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 170

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere near here, an inn stood at Ballinafad in 1757. It was one of the three best-known inns in the county that can date that far back. The others were the Strand House Inn at Beltra, near Tanrego, and the Half-way House on the road to Ballyshannon. All three are marked on an itinerary from that year. One inn in the county bore a sign reading "Interment" where it should have read "Entertainment" for man and beast. The record does not say which inn it was. The Reverend John Wesley wrote in his Journal about the great discomfort of the ordinary Irish cabin of 1748. He described an earth and straw-built cavern where no light could come in on the master and his cattle but through one hole that served as window, chimney, and door. Of all the features of Irish peasant life, he said, none helped more to associate in the mind of a stranger the idea of misery with the idea of Ireland than the dirt and disorder of home life. The manure heap at the door, filth ankle-deep at the entrance, the pig in the house, ducks, geese, and fowl roosting on the rafters, the grunting of pigs, the quacking of ducks, the hissing of geese, the cackle of fowl, and the squalling of children, he wrote, could be more readily imagined than described. The cost of one of these hovels was estimated at 30 shillings to 40 shillings. If covered with straw and with walls of stone, the cost came to 5 pounds, and if there were outbuildings as well, about double that sum. In 1770 the population of the county was considered to be increasing rapidly.

16. Johnsport channel filled with sand drift

    Lissadell · street · Cork · 1830

    The Johnsport channel in Drumcliff Bay, which in 1830 had six feet of water at ebb of a spring tide, has for many years been completely filled in by the continuous drift of sand from the west. The once extensive and far-famed oyster-beds of Lissadell have suffered greatly from this drift.

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    Sligo Harbour is an extensive inlet, and comprises the area between Wheat Eock [Carricknacrinnaght) and the Bridge of Sligo. Wheat Eock lies to the S.W. of the peninsula of Eaughly : it is about half a mile in extent, and at low water is often bare. At its southern extremity is the Bird Eock. Drumcliff Bay, on the north side of the entrance, is choked with sandbanks, and appears, year by year, to be shoaling. The Johnsport channel, which in the year 1830 had at ebb of a spring tide six feet of water, for many years past has been quite filled in by the continuous drift of sand from the West. The once extensive and far-famed oyster-beds of Lissadell have suffered very

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 110

    As the companion tells it

    This is the Johnsport channel at Drumcliff Bay. In 1830, this channel had six feet of water at the ebb of a spring tide. For many years past it has been completely filled in by the continuous drift of sand from the west. The once extensive and far-famed oyster-beds of Lissadell have suffered greatly from this drift. Drumcliff Bay itself is choked with sandbanks, and appears, year by year, to be shoaling.

17. Limited travel route from Sligo to Mayo via Killala

    Killala · town · Mayo · 1812

    In 1812, there was only one common pass into County Mayo from Sligo, which went by way of Killala. This reflected the limited travel infrastructure in the region at the time.

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    roads were rough, and gradients entirely disregarded, the horses liad to be chosen more for strength than speed. About the year 1790 a new stage-coach was advertised to commence running between Dublin and Sligo. As an inducement to intending passengers the announcement was set forth in large type, that it " was lined with copper, and therefore completely bullet-proof." In 1810 the Sligo mail from Dublin started every night at a quarter before eight, from the " Royal Mail Coach Office, Hibernian Hotel, 40, Dawson-street," with- a " double guard," these two guards being armed to resist highwaymen ; and it was not until the year 1844 that the armed guard on the daily coach to Ballina was first dispensed with. In 1812 there was only one stage-coach plying in the great district that lies between Belfast and Sligo, viz, the Dublin and Londonderry mail. From Sligo, in a direction southward to Tuam, there was only one common pass into the county Mayo, by Killala. Up to the year 1815, remarked Mr. Bianconi, the public accommodation for conveyance of passengers in Ireland was confined to a few mailand day coaches on the great lines of road. Nothing was more striking than the great want in travelling accommodation ; for instance, a farmer living twenty or thirty miles from his market-town spent the first day in riding to it, the second in transacting his business, and the third in returning. A good example of the " expeditious travelling " of the year 1823, is afforded by the following advertisement from the columns of the Sligo Journal: —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 104

    As the companion tells it

    Killala is a town the road passes through on the way from Sligo into County Mayo. In 1812, if you were travelling from Sligo southward toward Tuam, there was only one common pass into Mayo, and it went by Killala. That single route tells you what travel was like in this part of Ireland at the time. The roads were rough, and gradients were entirely disregarded. Horses had to be chosen for strength rather than speed. About the year 1790, a new stage-coach was advertised to run between Dublin and Sligo. The announcement, set out in large type, said it, in the words of the source, "was lined with copper, and therefore completely bullet-proof." In 1810 the Sligo mail from Dublin started every night at a quarter before eight, from the Royal Mail Coach Office at the Hibernian Hotel, 40 Dawson Street, in Dublin. It carried a double guard, two men armed to resist highwaymen. The armed guard on the daily coach to Ballina was not dispensed with until 1844. In 1812, there was only one stage-coach plying in the great district that lies between Belfast and Sligo: the Dublin and Londonderry mail. Up to 1815, as Mr. Bianconi remarked, public accommodation for the conveyance of passengers in Ireland was confined to a few mail and day coaches on the great lines of road. The want of travelling accommodation was striking. A farmer living twenty or thirty miles from his market-town spent the first day riding to it, the second transacting his business, and the third in returning.

18. Magical boar legend at Benbulbin

    Benbulbin · mountain or mountain range · Sligo

    Legends of a magical boar are attached to Benbulben in Sligo, part of the wider cycle of Finn and Dermod traditions. The mountain is one of several Sligo locations linked to this Celtic myth.

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    This Celtic legend was one of the most widely-spread ; for the Irish-speaking peasant still designates some of the rude stone monuments in Ireland as tlie " beds of Dermod and Grrania " ; and accounts for them by alleging that they were erected by Dermod as a shelter for his wife when they were flying from before the wrath of Finn. There is a " Dermod and Grania " bed in the townland of Carrickglass, another in that of Carrownagh, also at Castlecarragh, &c. There are legends of the magical boar at Benbulben, at Cloonmaeduff, near Colloony, and at Scurmore. The celebrated cavern of Glenift" is called also Dermod and Grania's bed ; and this seems to be the only instance within the County Sligo in which the story of the runaway couple is connected with any object save that of a rude stone monument.

    Until a comparatively recent period these popular legends were still recounted by the local shannachien. In 1815 Wake-Iield met one of these in " the neighbourhood of Nymphsfield," who repeated a long history in Irish, which he called the Poems of Os/ieen, meaning probably the poems of Ossian. What he rehearsed seemed to be a confused legend which the man had learned by heart ; for, when interrupted, he could not proceed without beginning again.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 191

    As the companion tells it

    Benbulbin is the mountain you pass near in Sligo, and old legends cling to its slopes. This is ground where the stories of Finn and Dermod belong. A magical boar is part of those tales, and Benbulben is one of the places in Sligo where that legend is told. The same boar is spoken of at Cloonmaeduff, near Colloony, and at Scurmore. The wider story is about Dermod and Grania, running from the wrath of Finn. Irish-speaking peasants once called the rude stone monuments scattered across Ireland the "beds of Dermod and Grania," saying Dermod built them to shelter his wife as they fled. In Sligo those beds are found in the townlands of Carrickglass, Carrownagh, and Castlecarragh. The celebrated cavern of Glenift is also called Dermod and Grania's bed, and it stands apart, for it is the only place in the county where the runaway couple's story is tied to something other than a rough stone monument. These tales were still recounted by the local shannachien until comparatively recent times. In 1815, Wakefield met one of these storytellers near Nymphsfield. The man repeated a long history in Irish, which he called the Poems of Ossian. What he rehearsed seemed to be a confused legend learned by heart. When interrupted, he could not proceed without beginning again.

19. Magical boar legend at Scurmore

    Scurmore · townland · Sligo

    Scurmore in Sligo is among the locations linked to legends of a magical boar, part of the broader Celtic mythological tradition surrounding Finn and the hunting party in which Dermod met his death.

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    This Celtic legend was one of the most widely-spread ; for the Irish-speaking peasant still designates some of the rude stone monuments in Ireland as tlie " beds of Dermod and Grrania " ; and accounts for them by alleging that they were erected by Dermod as a shelter for his wife when they were flying from before the wrath of Finn. There is a " Dermod and Grania " bed in the townland of Carrickglass, another in that of Carrownagh, also at Castlecarragh, &c. There are legends of the magical boar at Benbulben, at Cloonmaeduff, near Colloony, and at Scurmore. The celebrated cavern of Glenift" is called also Dermod and Grania's bed ; and this seems to be the only instance within the County Sligo in which the story of the runaway couple is connected with any object save that of a rude stone monument.

    Until a comparatively recent period these popular legends were still recounted by the local shannachien. In 1815 Wake-Iield met one of these in " the neighbourhood of Nymphsfield," who repeated a long history in Irish, which he called the Poems of Os/ieen, meaning probably the poems of Ossian. What he rehearsed seemed to be a confused legend which the man had learned by heart ; for, when interrupted, he could not proceed without beginning again.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 191

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Scurmore, you are passing through one of the places tied to an old Celtic legend of a magical boar. The story belongs to the wider tradition of Finn and his hunting party, in which Dermod met his death. These legends were once among the most widely spread in Ireland. Irish-speaking peasants gave the name "beds of Dermod and Grania" to rude stone monuments, saying Dermod built them as shelter for his wife while fleeing Finn's wrath. Benbulben and other spots share the same boar legend, but Scurmore is named among them. Until comparatively recent times a local shannachie would recount these tales. In 1815 Wakefield met one near Nymphsfield who repeated a long history in Irish, calling it the poems of Ossian. When interrupted, the man could not continue without starting again.

20. New Methodist church in Linenhall Street, Sligo, 1802

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1802

    In 1802 the old Bridge Street Methodist building proving insufficient, a new and more commodious chapel was erected in Linenhall Street, Sligo. This was later superseded by the present church in Wine Street.

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    In 1802 the old building in Sligo proving insufficient for the congregation, a new and more commodious one was erected in Linenhall-street. Later on, this was superseded by the present church, situated in Wine-street, and which was opened for Divine service on Sunday, 3rd June, 1832.

    The ministers are itinerant, three years being the longest period they can remain in one place. This, though an excellent system when the body was first organized — -it being then a missionary society, so to speak — is now somewhat out of date.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 71

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, the town had a Methodist congregation that outgrew its old Bridge Street building. In 1802 they built a new, more commodious chapel in Linenhall Street. That chapel itself was later superseded by a church on Wine Street, opened for service on 3 June 1832. The Methodist ministers were itinerant, allowed to remain in one place for no more than three years, a system that suited the body's early missionary days but was already considered somewhat out of date.

21. Overcrowding at Ballinasloe Asylum

    Ballinasloe · town · Galway

    Before 1847, cases of insanity from Sligo and Leitrim were sent to a central asylum at Ballinasloe for the province of Connaught. This asylum became overcrowded, prompting the creation of a new local district.

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    After the first passing of the Acts regarding lunacy, most cases of insanity occurring in the counties of Sligo and Leitrim that required special treatment, were sent to Ballinasloe, where there was then a central asylum for the province of Connaught ; in consequence, however, of its over-crowded condition, an order in Council was made, on the 17th April, 1847, constituting the counties of Sligo and Leitrim a " Lunatic District" (within the meaning of the Act), and ordering the erection near the town of Sligo of an asylum to accommodate 250 inmates. On the 7th November, 1847, amidst a large concourse of people, the foundation-stone was laid. A bottle was sealed up containing The Sligo Journal and The Champion newspapers, together with a slip of parchment descriptive of the particulars of the day's ceremony, together with a specimen of each copper and silver coin of the realm. The bottle was then placed in a hollow cut in the stone, which was covered with a zinc plate. The amount of the contract was nearly £30,000, the architect being Mr. William Deane Butler, and the contractor Mr. James Caldwell. In the year 1874, owing to the increase in the number of registered lunatics, the asylum was enlarged by the addition of two wings, at a cost of £14,000, which increased the accommodation from 250 to 470 beds.

    It is alleged that year by year the percentage of insane is on the increase, that the number of those bereft of reason is augmenting with greater rapidity than it ought ; but this may be fairly accounted for by improved registration, as also by a diminished death-rate amongst the insane owing to better treatment ; likewise to the fact that many are now placed in restraint who, in former times, would have been left at large ; the increase of insanity is therefore greater in appearance than in reality.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 78

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Ballinasloe, the town where Connaught once had its central asylum. Before 1847, people from Sligo and Leitrim whose minds were troubled were sent here for treatment. The asylum became overcrowded, and on the 17th of April 1847 an Order in Council was made constituting Sligo and Leitrim a "Lunatic District," with orders to build a new asylum near Sligo town for 250 inmates. The foundation stone for that new asylum was laid on the 7th of November 1847, before a large concourse of people. A bottle was sealed containing The Sligo Journal and The Champion newspapers, a slip of parchment describing the day's ceremony, and a specimen of each copper and silver coin of the realm. The bottle was placed in a hollow cut in the stone and covered with a zinc plate. The contract was nearly £30,000, with William Deane Butler as architect and James Caldwell as contractor. In 1874 two wings were added at a cost of £14,000, increasing the accommodation from 250 to 470 beds. It was said that the percentage of insane was rising year by year, but this could be accounted for by better registration, a lower death rate among the insane due to improved treatment, and the fact that many were now placed in restraint who formerly would have been left at large. The increase of insanity was therefore greater in appearance than in reality.

22. Relief works and oatmeal wages in Sligo Union

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    The relief committee for the distressed poor in Sligo town and St. John's Union divided recipients into those receiving gratuitous aid and those earning it. Labourers were paid in oatmeal rather than money, proportional to family size and work performed. Weekly expenditure across four districts totalled £262 15s. 4d.

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    The report of the committee for relief of the distressed poor in the town of Sligo, Union of St. John's, dated 28th June, is given as a specimen of these returns (Appendix E) . As may be noticed, the recipients of relief were divided into two classes, those who received gratuitous aid and those who earned it ; no portion of the wages given for work was paid in mone)j, but each labourer received a quantity of oatmeal proportioned to the number of his family and the work performed by him.

    The total amount of weekly expenditure for the four Districts was £262 15.s. 4f/., which for seven weeks amounted to £1839 7s. 4rf., the sum that would be requii-ed, at the very lowest calculation, to preserve the poor from starvation till

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this was a town where a relief committee organized aid for the distressed poor. A report dated 28th June divided recipients into two classes: those who received free aid and those who earned it. No money was paid for work; instead, each labourer received a quantity of oatmeal, proportioned to the size of his family and the work he performed. The total weekly expenditure across four districts came to £262 15s. 4d., and over seven weeks that amounted to £1839 7s. 4d., described as the lowest sum needed to preserve the poor from starvation.

23. River Owenmore drainage survey of 1845

    near Owenmore River · river · Sligo · 1845

    In 1845, William Phibbs commissioned a survey of the River Owenmore bed to free over 1,500 acres from constant flooding. The surveyor estimated the damaged land would be worth about half as much again if drained.

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    There is scarcely a lake or river in the county of which the surface does not require lowering : several have been improved, but in most cases the efforts have failed owing to want of combined action on the part of those interested. So far back as the year 1845, the late Mr. William Phibbs had a survey made of the bed of the River Owenmore, for the purpose of freeing upwards of 1500 acres from constant flooding. The damaged land was estimated by the surveyor as worth about one-half more if freed of water.

    Ballygawley, or Ballydawley Lake — styled Lough Cas in the survey of 1809-1818 — picturesquely situated at the foot of the Slieve-da-en range of mountains, is embosomed in wood which may be viewed as now representing the primeval mantle that had formerly covered the neighbouring slopes. Some years ago the level of the water was considerably reduced by drainage, and the site of a Lake Dwelling was discovered.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    There is scarcely a lake or river in the county of Sligo whose surface does not need lowering. Several have been improved, but in most cases the efforts failed owing to a want of combined action among those interested. As far back as 1845, the late William Phibbs had a survey made of the bed of the River Owenmore, for the purpose of freeing upwards of 1500 acres from constant flooding. The damaged land was estimated by the surveyor as worth about one-half more if freed of water. Ballygawley Lake, styled Lough Cas in the survey of 1809 to 1818, sits at the foot of the Slieve-da-en mountains, embosomed in wood that may represent the primeval mantle that once covered the neighbouring slopes. Some years ago the water level was reduced by drainage, and the site of a Lake Dwelling was discovered.

24. Rosses Point as discharge point before quay improvements

    Rosses Point · town · Sligo · 1889–1892

    Large foreign steamers and sailing vessels were obliged to discharge at Rosses Point rather than at the Sligo quays, owing to insufficient channel depth. The proposed deepening of the channel was driven by the urgent necessity of enabling these vessels to discharge at the quays instead.

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    Commencing at Cartrou Point, tiie old channel was variable in depth, and circuitous, being deflected from the north by the *' Corrigen Shoal ; " the other parts of the channel were subject to constant changes. The Lower Bank, Middle Flat, and Southern Channel had materially altered between the date of the Survey made by Mr. Nimmo in 1822, and that by Mr. St. Leger in 1844, so that where there had been a depth of five feet at low springs, there was in 1844 a bank nearly three feet high, and the configuration of the banks had also considerably changed. In the year 1844, nearly £1000 was given by various gentlemen to improve the harbour ; of this sum, nearly £800 was subscribed within the county. Mr. St. Leger's suggestions were adopted with some modifications, and resulted in the excavation of the present channel, which it is now in contemplation to deepen from the Blennick to the deep-water berths, owing to the urgent necessity of enabling large foreign steamers and sailing vessels to discharge at the quays instead of at Eosses Point. The estimated cost of the work is about £13,000, but the expenditure might be undertaken with financial safety, for the trade of the port is steadily increasing. The augmentation in revenue from the year 1864 to 1889 has amounted to about 60 per cent., and during the last three years there has been a surplus revenue —after providing for all ordinary expenditure — of upwards of £1000 per annum.' To meet this large outlay, it is proposed to increase the dues upon vessels from foreign parts, and for this there is ample margin, as Sligo is one of the cheapest ports in the United Kingdom, so far as tonnage dues are concerned ; consequently tliere seems very little doubt that before long steamers and ships will

    ' For a table of the trade of the port, &c., see Appendi-x. H. Q2

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 114

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Rosses Point in Sligo, this was where large foreign steamers and sailing vessels had to discharge their cargo, because the channel into Sligo harbour was too shallow for them to reach the quays. The old channel from Cartrou Point was variable in depth and winding, pushed north by the Corrigen Shoal. Between Mr. Nimmo's survey in 1822 and Mr. St. Leger's in 1844, the banks shifted so much that where there had been 5 feet of water at low springs, there was by 1844 a bank nearly 3 feet high. In 1844, nearly £1000 was subscribed to improve the harbour, most of it from within the county, and St. Leger's suggestions were adopted with modifications, leading to the excavation of the present channel. Now, around 1889 to 1892, there was a plan to deepen that channel from the Blennick to the deep-water berths, driven by what the source calls the "urgent necessity of enabling large foreign steamers and sailing vessels to discharge at the quays instead of at Rosses Point." The estimated cost was about £13,000. The trade of the port had been steadily increasing, with revenue rising about 60 per cent from 1864 to 1889, and the last three years showing a surplus of upwards of £1000 per annum. To fund the work, it was proposed to increase dues on foreign vessels, and there was ample room for that, as Sligo was one of the cheapest ports in the United Kingdom for tonnage dues.

25. Rosses Point boatmen farmers and pilots more than fishers

    Rosses Point · town · Sligo

    Little fishing was carried on at Rosses Point because the boatmen were mostly farmers and pilots who fished only when herring or mackerel came close to shore.

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    There is but little fishing carried on at Eosses Point, as the boatmen are mostly farmers and pilots, who do not fish much unless the herrings or mackerel come close to the shore ; but from Raughly trawling is constantly carried on in Sligo Bay. The opposition which existed for some time against the trawlers has now ceased, and, wonderful to narrate, one of their greatest opponents is now owner of a very successful boat. Eaughly appears to be the best fishing station. In one year were taken 40,000 cod, 20,000 pollock, 2000 soles, 100 turbot, 25,000 mackerel, 20,000 herrings, 40,000 flat-fish, 6000 lobsters, and 2000 crabs. MuUaghmore is next in importance ; and the boats belonging to this harbour are larger and better found than those of Raughly. MuUaghmore harbour, however, is a failure : the only good effected by it has been to prevent the fishery, of which it was the centre, from completely dying out.

    The oyster beds on the Sligo coast are now very poor, and do not appear to repay the money and care bestowed upon tliem. The principal are Sligo, Drumcliff, Lissadell, and Ballysadare. There are a considerable number of mussels shipped for consumption in England.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 128

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Rosses Point in Sligo, there's a reason the harbour here never became a real fishing station. The boatmen were mostly farmers and pilots, and they did not fish much unless the herrings or mackerel came close to the shore. So the fishing carried on here was slight, a sideline for men whose main work lay in the fields or guiding ships. The serious trawling happened elsewhere in Sligo Bay, out of Raughly, where one year alone saw 40,000 cod, 25,000 mackerel, and 20,000 herrings brought in. Even one of the loudest opponents of trawling ended up owning a successful boat there. Mullaghmore had the larger boats, though its harbour was counted a failure, good only for keeping the local fishery from dying out entirely. The oyster beds along the Sligo coast were poor and did not repay the money and care spent on them, though mussels were shipped to England in considerable numbers.

26. Sir George Radcliffe, originator of Annals of Four Masters, MP for Sligo 1634

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1634

    Sir George Radcliffe, resident at Rathmines, Dublin, was elected to represent County Sligo in the Dublin Parliament of 1634. The compilers of the Annals of the Four Masters identified him as the originator of that celebrated historical work and noted his parliamentary representation in their preface.

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    ' The latter was the originator of the celebrated historical work which is now commonly known as " The Annals of the Four Masters"; and in the prefacb the compilers state that he was " one of the two knights elected to represent the county of Sligo in the Parliament held in Dublin this present year of our Lord, 1634."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 215

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this was the county Sir George Radcliffe represented in the Dublin Parliament of 1634. He lived at Rathmines in Dublin, but the compilers of the Annals of the Four Masters named him as the originator of that celebrated historical work, calling him one of the two knights elected to represent County Sligo.

27. Sisters of Mercy convent and schools expansion in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1849–1890

    The Sisters of Mercy opened public schools on 24 September 1849 in their new convent in Sligo, and gradually expanded their works. Over 800 pupils attended the extern schools and 200 interns of all classes were under the constant care of the Sisters.

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    When their new Convent was completed the sisters opened public schools on September 24th, 1849, and from that date the several works undertaken began to develop gradually. One wing of the new building was devoted to a Training School for teachers, an orphanage, and a class in training for domestic service. In 1871 an Industrial School was opened, and the Cathedral being then completed, the old parish church and grounds were handed over to be appropriated to the orphans. St. Laurence's Industrial School, under the Act (31 Vict. c. 25), had, in 1888, 152 inmates; the total cost of maintenance and management was £2439 8s. 7d., together with £285 15s. 2d. for rent and interest. The actual industrial profit was £367 14s. \d., the net cost per head being £15 10s. 2d. In 1876 a handsome chapel was added to the west end of the Convent building. In 1880 the Sisters removed the extern schools to more spacious premises on the opposite side of the road. In the same year they built a bakery for the purpose of training their intern pupils and servants to that useful branch of domestic economy. A sewing school for extern girls was also set on foot. They are here taught various kinds of plain and fancy needlework, &c. In 1884 a large new public laundry was built on the Convent premises. In 1888 the accommodation being found insufficient, large new schools were erected. In 1890 the charge of the Albert-road Male Inf ant- School was handed over to the Sisters. The " Kindergarten System " has been adopted of late in the Infant-Schools, and is found attractive to the little children. Over 800 pupils now attend the extern schools, and 200 interns of all classes are under the constant care of the Sisters.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 65

    As the companion tells it

    In Sligo, the Sisters of Mercy opened public schools on 24 September 1849 in their new convent, and from that date their works grew steadily. One wing held a training school for teachers, an orphanage, and a domestic service class, and in 1871 an Industrial School opened; once the Cathedral was finished the old parish church and grounds were handed over for the orphans. St. Laurence's Industrial School had 152 inmates in 1888, with maintenance costing £2439 and industrial profit of £367, and over 800 pupils attended the extern schools while 200 interns of all classes were under the constant care of the Sisters. A chapel was added in 1876, and in 1880 the extern schools moved to larger premises, a bakery was built to train intern pupils, a sewing school taught plain and fancy needlework to extern girls, and a public laundry went up in 1884. Larger new schools were erected in 1888, and in 1890 the Sisters took charge of the Albert-road Male Infant School, where the Kindergarten System had been adopted.

28. Sligo Borough Magistrates Commission Granted

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1843–1846

    The Municipal Reform Act initially did not grant a separate Commission of the Peace for Sligo Borough magistrates. An application to the Lord Lieutenant in February 1843 was successfully renewed in 1846, appointing James Madden and Aldermen Walker, Kernaghan, and Anderson as the earliest Borough magistrates.

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    on the 27th February, 184^3, an application was made to tlie Lord Lieutenant for that favour, and it was successfully renewed in 1846, James Madden, Aldermen Walker, Kernaghan, and Anderson being the earliest Borough magistrates.

    From the commencement of their existence the Town Coun(;il had been dissatisfied with their limited power in regard to taxation and otherwise, and efforts were from time to time made to expand their authority. On the 5th March, 1855, the Council resolved that "tlie boundaries of this Borough for the purpose of the ' Town's Improvement Act, 1854,' be extended to the existing Parliamentary boundaries, " and preliminary steps were taken to have the Act brought into force. In June application was made to the Lord Lieutenant for his consent, which after some deliberation was refused on account of the increased area sought to be included — solely for the purpose of extra taxation ; and several attempts that were made to resuscitate the scheme failed, A few of the Town Councillors resolved not to let drop the subject of extending the powers of the Corporation. The West Ward was contested by their nominees and seats were secured on the Town Council, "A bill for the Improvement of the Borough of Sligo " was drafted by Messrs, Kernagliau and Saunders, by instructions from some members of the Corporation in their private capacity, and it was suddenly presented to a meeting of the Town Council ; very animated debates ensued, and at a meeting held 13th November, 1867, it was finally decided to proceed with the Bill, after some changes had been made in the draft. The Corporation seal was affixed to it in December, but it was not till May of the following year that Messrs, Kernaghan and Saunders were formally appointed solicitors for the passing of the Bill. As this proposed legislation would remodel and otherwise change the constitution of the Town and Harbour Commissioners, comparatively few of that body were in favour of it.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 52

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town where the Municipal Reform Act at first left the borough without its own magistrates. An application went to the Lord Lieutenant on the 27th of February 1843 asking for a separate Commission of the Peace, and that favour was successfully renewed in 1846. James Madden and Aldermen Walker, Kernaghan, and Anderson became the earliest Borough magistrates. The Town Council had been dissatisfied from the start with their limited powers over taxation and other matters. In March 1855 they resolved that the boundaries of the borough be extended to the existing Parliamentary boundaries under the Town's Improvement Act of 1854. The Lord Lieutenant refused consent after deliberation, on account of the increased area sought to be included, solely for extra taxation. Several attempts to revive the scheme failed. Some councillors secured seats in the West Ward and kept pushing. A bill for the improvement of the borough was drafted by Messrs Kernaghan and Saunders, presented to the Town Council, and after animated debates it was decided on the 13th of November 1867 to proceed. The Corporation seal was affixed in December, and in May of the following year Kernaghan and Saunders were appointed solicitors for passing the bill. Few of the Town and Harbour Commissioners favoured it, as it would remodel their constitution.

29. Sligo butter market branding system introduced, 1880

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1880

    In July 1880 brands marked 'Sligo Corporation' with quality grades from first to fourth were provided for casks in the butter-market. The Mayor of Sligo was appointed weighmaster at that time.

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    On the 30th July, 1880, brands were provided for casks in the butter-market. They bore the words " Sligo Corporation " in a circle, with the several qualifications of "first," "second," " third," " fourth," in the centre. The Mayor of Sligo— for the time being — was appointed weighmaster.

    A memorial having been presented in the year 1884 to the Sligo Corporation in regard to the manner in whicli the buttermarket was conducted, a committee of inquiry was appointed by that body. In their report it was recommended that during the winter months a kit or small firkin should be used instead of the large one then so general, justly observing " that the sooner butter can be sold, the better the quality will be : this being specially the case with reference to butter made during the winter months, when cattle are housed." The committee also recommended the abolition of the custom of deducting lib. from the weight of every firkin of butter.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 119

    As the companion tells it

    In Sligo, on the 30th of July 1880, brands were provided for casks in the butter market. They bore the words Sligo Corporation in a circle, with the quality grades first, second, third, and fourth in the centre. The Mayor of Sligo, for the time being, was appointed weighmaster. In 1884, a memorial was presented to the Sligo Corporation about how the butter market was conducted, and a committee of inquiry was appointed. Their report recommended that during the winter months a kit or small firkin should be used instead of the large one then so general. The committee observed that the sooner butter could be sold, the better the quality would be, especially for butter made in winter when cattle are housed. They also recommended abolishing the custom of deducting 1 pound from the weight of every firkin of butter.

30. Sligo householders ordered to repair streets 1718

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1718

    On 24th June 1718, the Corporation of Sligo ordered every inhabitant to repair the street immediately before their respective houses on warning from overseers. Those who refused or neglected could have their property distrained to pay for the work.

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    "June 24th, 1718. — Whereas the streets of the Corporation are in several places out of repair, we therefore order that every person inhabiting in the said Borough shall, immediately on warning given them, repair the streets before their respective houses, as it shall be ordered by the undernamed persons, overseers of the said works, and in case they, or any of them, do refuse or neglect to do as the overseers order them, that the overseers shall set men to work to do the same so neglected, and have power to distrain the persons so neglecting and appraise the distresses so taken, and dispose of according to law, and pay the workmen for doing said work and restore the overplus (if any be) to the persons so distrained.

    "Thomas Jennings, Provost. " Overseers: — " Tlic Provost for the time heinj and the Burgesses^

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 102

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Sligo now. Back on the 24th of June 1718, the Corporation here found its streets in several places out of repair and ordered every inhabitant of the borough to fix the street immediately before their own house, once the overseers gave warning. Anyone who refused or neglected the work could have their property distrained. The overseers would set men to do the neglected repairs, take the cost from the person's goods, pay the workmen, and hand back anything left over. Thomas Jennings was Provost, and the overseers were the Provost and the Burgesses.

31. Sligo listed in scheduled distress area, 1822

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1822

    Sligo was included in the scheduled distress area during the 1822 famine, credited with a population of 127,000. A meeting in the City of London raised subscriptions for relief of distress in Ireland.

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    A meeting was held in the City of London for the purpose of raising subscriptions for the relief of distress in Ireland. It would appear that the distressed districts were equal in extent to one-half of the superficial contents of the Kingdom ; Sligo was in the scheduled area, and was credited with a population of 127,000. The difference between this famine and the subsequent visitation of 1845 to 1848 was, that although the potato crop failed, the grain was generally good. The food distress in the County became very apparent in the commencement of May ; in the middle of the month a bounty of 10s. per ton was paid on the importation of seed potatoes into the port ; and at the close of the month a meeting of the County gentry was convened

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this was a town caught in the 1822 famine. Sligo was listed in the scheduled distress area, credited with a population of 127,000. The distressed districts covered roughly half the kingdom. A meeting was held in the City of London to raise subscriptions for relief of distress in Ireland. Unlike the later famine of 1845 to 1848, the potato crop failed here but the grain was generally good. Food distress in the county became very apparent at the start of May. In the middle of the month a bounty of 10 shillings per ton was paid on the importation of seed potatoes into the port, and at the close of the month a meeting of the county gentry was convened.

32. Sligo Masonic Lodge and St. John's Day procession

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1788–1825

    The earliest Masonic Lodge in Sligo was founded in 1788. On St. John's Day, the Masons would walk in procession to St. John's Church in Sligo, carrying their insignia and the various emblems of their order.

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    The earliest record of Masonic Lodges in Sligo is of one founded in the year, 1788. Fig. 63 is a representation of the seal of the Lodge.

    On St. John's Day the Masons of Shgo were in the habit of walking in procession to St. John's Church, with all their insignia, and bearing the various emblems of their order. A sermon suitable to the occasion was delivered by the Minister after the service. The following is a description, given in 1825, of this annual procession : — " At an early hour the principal streets were crowded, the windows filled with beauty and fashion, and the most intense anxiety displayed to witness the annual tribute of thanksgiving to that shrine, the fountain of brotherly love, from which the great principles of

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 205

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town has a Masonic history going back to 1788, when the earliest lodge here was founded. On St. John's Day the Masons of Sligo would walk in procession to St. John's Church, carrying all their insignia and the various emblems of their order, and after the service the minister would deliver a sermon suited to the occasion. A description from 1825 captures the scene: the principal streets were crowded early in the day, the windows filled with beauty and fashion, and intense anxiety was displayed to witness what was called their annual tribute of thanksgiving to that shrine, the fountain of brotherly love.

33. Sligo meat market inspection regulations

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1781–1866

    An attempt to regulate the meat market in Sligo was made as early as 1781. In 1866 the Corporation resolved that the Mayor should inspect meats for sale and forfeit any deemed unfit for human consumption.

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    So early as 1781 an attempt was made to regulate the meat market. In 1866 it was resolved tliat the Mayor should from time to time inspect " meats exhibited for sale, and have any such as may be, in his opinion, imfit for human food, forfeited."

    In 1881 the Town Council resolved to purchase Mr. Wynne's interest in the corn and butter markets, tolls, customs, and rent, and all buildings in connexion with them, together with the fair-green and tlie pig-market, &c. When the Corporation liad complete control of the markets, &c., they set to work energetically in the way of improvement. A deputation, including the Borough Engineer (Mr. Cochrane) of the Town Council, visited various towns in Ulster, i.e. Strabane, Derry, Coleraine, Armagh, and Newry, to inspect the management, after which they made a report which was in many respects valuable for the afterregulation of the market. The concluding paragraph may be given : —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 118

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo's efforts to regulate its markets stretch back over a century. As early as 1781 an attempt was made to regulate the meat market. In 1866 the Corporation resolved that the Mayor should from time to time inspect meats exhibited for sale, and have any such as may be, in his opinion, unfit for human food, forfeited. In 1881 the Town Council resolved to purchase Mr. Wynne's interest in the corn and butter markets, tolls, customs, and rent, and all buildings connected with them, together with the fair-green and the pig-market. When the Corporation had complete control of the markets, they set to work energetically on improvement. A deputation including the Borough Engineer, Mr. Cochrane, visited towns in Ulster, Strabane, Derry, Coleraine, Armagh, and Newry, to inspect their management. Afterward they produced a report valuable for the regulation of the market.

34. Sligo Militia funding levied in St. John's Parish

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1798–1807

    Vestry books of the Union of St. John's record money being levied on the district to maintain the Sligo Militia's full strength. In 1798, £40 19s was levied for procuring the quota of men, and a 1807 vestry meeting in St. John's Church discussed raising 33 men for the county militia.

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    " Eesolved. — That the sum. of forty pounds nineteen shillings sterl. be applotted and levied off the Union at large, and paid to the Col. of the Sligo Militia for the purpose of procuring the Quota of men to be added to s"*. Reg', according to Act ParP. £40 19s. Od." 7th April, 1798.

    At a vestry meeting held in St. John's Church on the 10th December, 1807—

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, vestry books of St. John's Union record the town bearing the cost of the Sligo Militia. On 7 April 1798, £40 and 19 shillings was levied across the union, paid to the Colonel of the Sligo Militia to procure the quota of men required by Parliament. On 10 December 1807 a vestry in St. John's Church took up raising 33 men for county militia.

35. Sligo Post Office formerly in Quay Street

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1790–1800

    At the close of the eighteenth century the Post Office of Sligo was situated in Quay Street, the ground afterwards known as 'the post office plot.' Letters from Dublin to Sligo then cost 10d. in transmission.

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    At the close of the last century the Post Office of Sligo was situated in Quay-street ; the ground on which it stood was long afterwards known as " the post office plot." Letters from Dublin to Sligo then cost lOd. in transmission — a single sheet of paper and no enclosure allowed. The speed at which " His Majesty's Mail" was carried was not excessive; in October, 1824, the Sligo mail was " accelerated to 5i miles per hour " at the urgent entreaties of tlie Sligo Town and Harbour Commissioners ; whilst on May 10 of the following year the Postmaster-General advertised for " proposals for the conveyance

    216 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 108

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are near Quay Street, where the town's Post Office stood at the close of the 18th century. The ground it stood on was long afterwards known as "the post office plot." A letter from Dublin to Sligo then cost 10 pence in transmission, a single sheet of paper and no enclosure allowed. The speed at which His Majesty's Mail was carried was not excessive. In October 1824 the Sligo mail was accelerated to 5 and a half miles per hour at the urgent entreaties of the Sligo Town and Harbour Commissioners.

36. Sligo re-constituted as a Borough by James II

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1685–1688

    King James II issued a charter re-constituting Sligo as a Borough after the previous charter had been annulled. The new charter increased the number of Burgesses to twenty-four and required the Provost to take an oath of allegiance to the King.

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    On account of its archaeological interest, a brief outline is annexed of the Grant of James II. ; it is, however, of no legal value. The charter, after reciting that the town of Sligo was an ancient Borough, and that the Provost, free Burgesses, and Commonalty had enjoyed great liberties and privileges, reconstituted it a Borough, tlie previous charter having been annulled for the time, either by a quo icarranfo or a forced surrender. Instead, however, of twelve, twenty- four Burgesses were now appointed ; the power of returning two members to Parliament was re-affirmed, as also the power of the Provost

    (\

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 46

    As the companion tells it

    This is the town of Sligo. King James the Second issued a charter here, reconstituting it as a Borough. The previous charter had been annulled, either by a writ of quo warranto or a forced surrender. The new charter recited that Sligo was an ancient Borough, and that the Provost, free Burgesses, and Commonalty had enjoyed great liberties and privileges. Where there had been twelve Burgesses, twenty-four were now appointed. The power of returning two members to Parliament was reaffirmed, as was the power of the Provost.

37. Sligo Regiment's exemplary conduct in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1810–1811

    The Sligo Militia, mustering 609 rank and file, was stationed in Limerick in 1810 and 1811. Major-General H. T. Montresor, commanding the garrison, praised the regiment's exemplary conduct and steadiness in the field.

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    " The exemplary conduct of the Sligo Regiment in this Garrison vies with their steadiness in the field."

    Shortly after, the Sligoes were ordered to embark for England ; and with the object of reconciling the married men to the change, they were ail allowed to be accompanied by their wives and families witliout restriction as regards numbers; and provisions as well as accommodation were allotted to them on board the transports.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is where the Sligo Militia was stationed in 1810 and 1811, mustering 609 rank and file. Major-General Montresor, commanding the garrison, praised them, saying their exemplary conduct "vies with their steadiness in the field." Shortly after, the Sligoes were ordered to embark for England, and their married men were allowed to bring their wives and families without restriction as to numbers, with provisions and accommodation allotted on board the transports.

38. Sligo town hunt survived land-agitation without boycott

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1800–1892

    The Sligo subscription pack of hounds was maintained by local gentlemen and later taken up by Sir Robert Gore-Booth. During the worst days of land-agitation, Sligo was one of the few counties where no attempt was made to boycott sport.

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    The Sligo pack of hounds had a more chequered career, as for some period it appears to have been kept by gentlemen residing in the vicinity of the town, and was supported by subscription ; it so continued until taken up by the late Sir Eobert Grore-Booth, and after his decease there was an interval of a couple of years before it was resuscitated — equally to the enjoyment of the farmers and the gentry. To the credit of the former be it stated that, during the worst days of the land-agitation through which Ireland has recently passed, Sligo was one of the few counties in which no attempt was made to " boycott " sport.

    The gentlemen of this Hunt had the reputation of being hard-riders and deep drinkers. A well-known member of the field was commonly known as " The Bloomer," and he is reputed to have received that nickname from the speech he made, when proposing to a young lady in these terms : — " My face is rough" — he was deeply marked by smallpox — " but my acres are smooth and blooming."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 195

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo town, this was the home of a subscription pack of hounds kept by gentlemen in the vicinity. The late Sir Robert Gore-Booth took it over, and after his death there was a gap of 2 years before it was revived, to the enjoyment of both farmers and gentry. To the credit of the farmers, during the worst days of land-agitation, Sligo was one of the few counties where no attempt was made to boycott sport. The gentlemen of this hunt had a reputation as hard-riders and deep drinkers. One member was known as The Bloomer, a nickname he earned when proposing to a young lady. His face was deeply marked by smallpox, and he told her, "My face is rough, but my acres are smooth and blooming."

39. Soldiers encamped near Aclare on march to Castlebar

    Aclare · electoral division · Sligo · 1750–1820

    Old residents recalled seeing soldiers, on the march to their quarters at Castlebar, encamp for the night near the village of Aclare along the Circuit Road. This reflects the continued military use of the old trunk route in living memory.

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    Another of the old trunk-lines led from Collooney through Tubbercurry, Banada, and Kilmacteigue, over the mountains to Foxford and Castlebar. This road is still known as the *' Circuit Road," ' from the fact that the judges and members of the bar rode by it from Sligo to Castlebar when going circuit. There are yet some old men living who recollect this, and who saw soldiers, on the march to their quarters at Castlebar, encamp for the night near the village of Aclare. Near Banada, a road branched off to Balliua through " The Gap " by Lough Talt. Of this road, Neligau (1816) in his Statistical Account of Kilmacteiye, relates that " a valuable improvement was made in this place through the exertions of a Captain O'Dowd, who possessed an estate of many thousand acres of these mountains, which were without inhabitants, . . . and which were nearly impassable to the active and barefooted natives. The immense rocks, steep hills, and deep caverns which everywhere presented themselves, formed as many difficulties as the passage of the

    1 In the presentment book of the Grand Jury (1805) it is styled the " Grand Circuit Road." The road from Boyle to Ballyshannon through Sligo is also desi^ruated " The Circuit lioad."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 99

    As the companion tells it

    The road through Aclare is part of an old trunk route the book still calls the Circuit Road. It ran from Collooney through Tubbercurry, Banada, and Kilmacteigue, over the mountains to Foxford and Castlebar. The name came from the fact that judges and members of the bar rode this way from Sligo to Castlebar when going circuit. When the book was written, there were yet old men living who recollected this. Those same old men saw soldiers on the march to their quarters at Castlebar encamp for the night near the village of Aclare. So the road carried judges and lawyers riding circuit, and it carried soldiers moving to their quarters. The soldiers stopped and made camp when darkness fell near Aclare, and people who lived there remembered seeing them.

40. St. John's vestry assesses £70 for Sligo street paving, 1775

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1775

    From about 1770 the vestry of St. John's had charge of the streets and roads in the union. In 1775, under an Act of 5 Geo. III, the vestry ordered seventy pounds sterling to be levied off the inhabitants of Sligo town for paving and gravelling.

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    From about the year 1770 the vestry of St. Jolm's had charge of the streets, as also the roads in the union, and in each parish " overseers " of the roads were regularly appointed. In 1775 it is recited that "pursuant to an Act made, 5 Greo. III. c. 14, sec. 35, empowering vestries to repair the streets of corporate towns by assessments, it is ordered by this vestry that the sum of seventy pounds sterling be applotted and levied off the inhabitants of the town of Sligo, to be applied towards paving and gravelling," &c. It appears that in 1780 the townspeople considered themselves over-rated, as the vestry ordered that, for the future, the borough should pay in the proportion of but one-ninth of the union. From this date the paving and flagging of the streets seem to have been regularly repaired. After the Town and Harbour Commissioners assumed charge, matters do not appear to have been as well managed by them as by the vestry, for the Lo)i(/oii(/crri/ Sciiftjicl of November, 1836, states that a tourist who visited Sligo thought " that the bogs had been literally carried off the mountains into the streets, and had

    204 HISTORY OF SLTGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 103

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town ahead on your road. From about 1770 the vestry of St. John's had charge of the streets and roads in the union, with overseers regularly appointed in each parish. In 1775, under an Act of 5 Geo. III, the vestry ordered that 70 pounds sterling be levied off the inhabitants of Sligo town for paving and gravelling. By 1780 the townspeople considered themselves over-rated, so the vestry ordered that the borough should pay only one-ninth of the union's share. From that date the paving and flagging seem to have been regularly repaired. After the Town and Harbour Commissioners took charge, things were not as well managed. The London Courier Sentinel of November 1836 reported a tourist's view that the bogs had been, in the source's words, literally carried off the mountains into the streets.

41. The Blennick shoal obstructs Sligo harbour navigation

    near Oyster Island · townland · Sligo · 1877

    At the upper end of Oyster Island, the Blennick, a dangerous rocky shoal projecting from the shore, was the most serious obstacle to river navigation. Its partial removal in 1877 caused The Pool to contract and lose depth, proving a disadvantage.

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    whilst, now, some half-dozen fairly good hotels, containing considerable accommodation, have been erected to meet the demand created by tourists and lodgers ; for the steamer and the cars which, in the summer, ply between Sligo and its suburb have of late considerably increased the influx of visitors during that season. Nature has done a good deal for the place ; and it only requires capital, judiciously laid out, to make the Point a formidable rival to any western watering-place. A large adjoining space, known as " The Greenlands," is open to the public, and forms a delightful promenade. Another great attraction is the amusement which can be had in the way of fishing and boating : row-boats and sailing-craft for hire are plentiful. At the upper end of Oyster Island the channel, which from this is marked out by perches and a sea-wall, is abruptly turned to the southward by the " Blennick," a dangerous and formerly rocky shoal projecting from the shore, and uncovered at low springs. It is the most serious obstacle to the navigation of the river, as it is not only in the direct course which the channel ought to pursue, but, also, it diverts the incoming tide from the north to the south side. The removal of the " Blennick " was long objected to by some persons who considered that it sheltered "The Pool," by breaking the ground-swell coming in from the ocean ; yet its entire removal is of the greatest importance, in order that a straight run may be given to the river, and the incoming tide ; the swell and wind would be sufficiently broken by Coney and Oyster Islands to render " The Pool " a safe anchorage. In 1877 a medium course was pursued, which has been attended with serious disadvantage. A great portion of the Blennick was lowered and the boulders removed. The scour over it is consequently greater, and " The Pool" has contracted in size; the depth has also seriously diminished. The first step for the improvement of the Harbour should be the entire removal of this obstacle, and the partial blocking of Shru-na-muile {the t/ionsand streams), i.e. the channel lying between Oyster and Coney Islands. The additional volume of water thus confined to one course would have the effect of sweeping away the tail of Bungar Spit, and would in

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 113

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, at the upper end of what was called Oyster Island, a dangerous rocky shoal known as the Blennick jutted out from the shore and turned the channel sharply southward. It was the most serious obstacle to navigation of the river, lying right in the path the channel ought to follow and diverting the incoming tide from north to south. Some people long objected to its removal, believing the Blennick sheltered a anchorage known as The Pool by breaking the ocean ground-swell. But in 1877 a medium course was tried. A great portion of the Blennick was lowered and the boulders removed. The result was a serious disadvantage. The scour over it grew greater, The Pool contracted in size, and its depth seriously diminished. The book argues the only real fix would have been to remove the Blennick entirely and partly block the channel between Oyster and Coney Islands, so that the full volume of water would sweep one course and clear the harbour.

42. Toberdoney in Kilross — holy well still used for cures

    Kilross · townland · Sligo

    In the parish of Kilross, the holy well of Toberdoney was described as beautifully situated and was still actively used for cures, with devotees frequenting it on St. Peter and St. Paul's Day.

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    Toberaraght and Tobercully ; parish of Dromard, Toberpatrick ; parish of Skreen, Toberpatrick, Toberawnaun, and Toberloran; parish of Easky, St. Adman's well, Toberavidden and Toberalternan ; parish of Templeboy, Toberpatrick, Tobernasool, and Tobercahillboght ; parish of Kilglass, St. Patrick's well ; parish of Castleconor, Toberpatrick ; parish of Ballysadare, Toberloonagh and Toberbride ; parish of Ballynakill, Lady's-well, and Darby's well; the latter was anciently styled, Toberlastra or Toberlastrach ; parish of Kilmactranny, Tobermurry ; parish of Kilmacallan, Tobermoneen, and Tobernaglashy, so named from an enchanted cow which used to regale herself at the spring ; parish of Aghanagh, Tobermania, Toberbride, Tobermurry, Toberpatrick and Tobermahon ; parish of Tawnagh, Toberpatrick, Tobernalee, Kingsbrook, Toberstarling, and Tobernagalliagh ; parish of Shancough, St. James's- well, parish of Drumcolumb, St. Columb's-well; parish of Kili'oss, Toberdoney, beautifully situated, still used for cures and frequented on St. Peter and St. Paul's Day; parish of Emlaghfad, Holywell; parish of Toomour, Tobernacarta, Tobernamalla, Toberliubhan, Toberacol, Tobercloicharig or King's-well ; parish of Kilturra, St. Araght's-well and Toberpatrick; parish of Drumrat, Toberbride or Tobernanavin, and Toberbarry; parish of Cloonaghill, Toberneerin ; parish of Kilfree, Tobernabraher and Tobernaneagh ; parish of Killaraght, Toberpatrick.

    In the parish of Kilmactranny, there was anciently (according to the

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 180

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Kilross, there is a holy well called Toberdoney. The record calls it beautifully situated. It was still used for cures, and people frequented it on St. Peter and St. Paul's Day. That is all the old history of Sligo gives us about this place — a single line among many wells listed parish by parish across the county. No miracle is named, no saint credited, no story told. Only that the well was there, that it was fair to look at, and that people still came to it for healing on the feast of Peter and Paul.

43. Townland names preserving old badger haunts in Sligo

    Ahamlish · parish · Sligo

    Several Sligo townland names preserve the Irish word for badger (broc), testifying to the animal's former presence in those localities. The townlands of Ballynabrock and Cloutyprochlis lie in the parish of Ahamlish, Brockage in Skreen, and Brickeen in Killery.

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    Blnitinmlia. — The Badger has for many years been decreasing in numbers. Its nocturnal habits and the retired places where it makes its abode may account for the rarity of its being observed, but such local names as Carrickuabrock and Pollnabrock are to be found in the county, thus testifying to the old haunts of this animal; whilst in the Parish of Ahamlish there are the townlands of Ballynabrook, Cloutyprochlis ; in Skreen that of Brockage ; and in Killery that of Brickeen — all derived from the habitat of these creatures.

    The Otter is still abundant in suitable localities, and though persecuted, is far from being exterminated. When in fine condition its skin is valued, and a good specimen of this animal will measure, from top of nose to tail, 2 feet 6 inches, and weigh 25 lbs.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 154

    As the companion tells it

    The parish of Ahamlish keeps traces of an animal that has been decreasing in numbers for many years: the badger. Its nocturnal habits and the retired places where it makes its abode may account for the rarity of its being observed. But old local names testify to the haunts of these creatures. Within this parish lie the townlands of Ballynabrock and Cloutyprochlis, both derived from the badger's habitat. The Irish word for the animal is broc, and it survives in other Sligo names too: Brockage in Skreen, and Brickeen in Killery. Elsewhere in the county, Carrickuabrock and Pollnabrock also preserve the word. The names mark old haunts of these creatures.

44. Ursuline Convent of St. Joseph, Finisklin Road

    Finisklin · townland · Sligo · 1850

    The Ursuline Convent of St. Joseph on Finisklin Road was built and occupied in 1850 for the education of girls of various ranks. It comprised a gratuitous school for the poor, a day-school for town children, and a boarding-school, with dormitories, class-rooms, library, and chapel covering a great extent of ground.

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    The Ursuline Convent of St. Josepli, Finisklin-road, was built and occupied in 1850. The object of the foundation was the education of young girls of various ranks of society. There is a gratuitous school for the poorer class, supported by private contributions, also a day-school for children of the town, and a boarding-school for those who can afford to pay. The buildings cover a great extent of ground, and comprise dormitories, study, class-rooms, library, and chapel.

    The Parish Church of St. John's was built in the form of a Celtic cross, the eastern limb being finished with a polygonal apse ; the ceiling, doubtless, was in the shape of a rather flattened dome ; the windows were topped with a semicircular arch, and a round arch led into the chancel. This can now be seen above the ceiling of the present chancel ; the old chancel was much shorter than the present one, and was lighted by windows, one in each side of the apse; the whole church was built of stone, quite unchiselled, and the roof rested on the walls, as in an ordinary dwelling-house. This edifice was almost entirely the work of a Mr. Castels who erected it on the site of the prior structure circa 1730. Pococke, in his tour in Ireland, in 1752, thus describes St. John's : — " The Church is the design of Mr. Castels ; it is in the form of a cross, with galleries at every end, except the east. The roof is a curious piece of work."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 66

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Finisklin stands the Ursuline Convent of St. Joseph, built and occupied in 1850. The foundation was made for the education of young girls of various ranks of society. It held a gratuitous school for the poorer class, supported by private contributions, a day-school for children of the town, and a boarding-school for those who could afford to pay. The buildings covered a great extent of ground and comprised dormitories, a study, classrooms, a library, and a chapel. The Parish Church of St. John's was built in the form of a Celtic cross, the eastern limb finished with a polygonal apse. The ceiling was doubtless in the shape of a rather flattened dome. The windows were topped with a semicircular arch, and a round arch led into the chancel. This can now be seen above the ceiling of the present chancel. The old chancel was much shorter than the present one, and was lighted by windows, one in each side of the apse. The whole church was built of stone, quite unchiselled, and the roof rested on the walls, as in an ordinary dwelling-house. This edifice was almost entirely the work of a Mr. Castels, who erected it on the site of the prior structure around 1730. Pococke, in his tour in Ireland in 1752, described St. John's: "The Church is the design of Mr. Castels; it is in the form of a cross, with galleries at every end, except the east. The roof is a curious piece of work."

45. Famine of 1846-8 checked population growth in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1846–1848

    The famine of 1846-8 checked the great increase of population in County Sligo, which otherwise could not have been sustained by the land. The descendants of thousands whose staple food had been confined to potatoes later used flour, tea, and other articles unknown to the rustic larder half a century before.

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    The food and general well-being of the great bulk of the peasantry and of the labouring classes have been on the whole steadily progressive. The famine of 1846-8 checked the great increase of population, which otherwise could not, in course of time, have been sustained by the land ; and the descendants of thousands whose staple food had been confined to potatoes now use flour, tea, and numerous other articles of diet unknown to the rustic larder half a century previously.

    The use of shoes and stockings is now general, as also the comfort of sleeping between blankets instead of in a pile of straw ; the improvement, too, in the manner of living, has become general, and has extended more or less to all parts of the county.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 172

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Sligo town. The famine of 1846 to 1848 checked the great increase of population in County Sligo, which the land could not otherwise have sustained in time. The descendants of thousands whose staple food had been confined to potatoes came to use flour, tea, and other articles unknown to the rustic larder half a century before. The use of shoes and stockings became general, as did the comfort of sleeping between blankets instead of in a pile of straw. The improvement in manner of living spread to all parts of the county.

46. General Lake pursues French through Bellahy to Tubbercurry

    Tobercurry · town · Sligo · 1798

    General Lake arrived at Bellahy only to learn the French had passed through more than fourteen hours earlier. He reached Tubbercurry that evening, encamped there, and was joined by Colonel Crawford before continuing the pursuit.

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    In pursuit of the French, General Lake arrived at Bellahy, where he was informed that they had passed on, more than fourteen hours before. About seven o'clock that evening he reached Tubbercurry, where he encamped, and remained some hours. He was there joined by Colonel Crawford. General Lake marched from Tubbercurry to Collooney, heard there of the action, and found a number of French killed,

    1 The Dublin Evening Post, 28th October, 1798, contains an address from the High SherifE and Grand Jury of the Countj' Sligo, complimenting all concerned in the action at Collooney on their conduct on that occasion.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    In 1798, General Lake chased the French through this country. He came to Bellahy and learned they had passed through more than 14 hours before. He reached Tubbercurry that evening and encamped there for some hours. Colonel Crawford joined him, and then Lake marched on toward Collooney, where he heard of the action and found a number of French killed.

47. Methodist church in Wine Street, Sligo, opened 1832

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1832

    The present Methodist church in Wine Street, Sligo, was opened for divine service on Sunday, 3 June 1832, replacing the earlier Linenhall Street building. Methodist ministers remained itinerant, with three years the longest period in one place.

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    In 1802 the old building in Sligo proving insufficient for the congregation, a new and more commodious one was erected in Linenhall-street. Later on, this was superseded by the present church, situated in Wine-street, and which was opened for Divine service on Sunday, 3rd June, 1832.

    The ministers are itinerant, three years being the longest period they can remain in one place. This, though an excellent system when the body was first organized — -it being then a missionary society, so to speak — is now somewhat out of date.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 71

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, the Methodist church on Wine Street dates from 1832. It opened for divine service on Sunday, 3 June 1832, replacing an earlier building on Linenhall Street, which itself had gone up in 1802 when the old Sligo meeting house proved too small for the congregation. The ministers stayed itinerant, with three years the longest they could remain in one place. The book calls this system excellent when the body was first organized, being then, so to speak, a missionary society, but notes it was now somewhat out of date.

48. Rev. Samuel Henry ordained to joint charge of Sligo and Ballina, 1695

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1694–1728

    Rev. Samuel Henry came from the Presbytery of Edinburgh in October 1694 and was ordained in May 1695 to the joint charge of Sligo and Moywater (Ballina). In July 1698 Moywater was separated from Sligo, which became a distinct congregation under his charge until his resignation in 1728.

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    The first Presbyterian minister of whom there is anything very definite known, was the Rev. Samuel Henry, who came from the Presbytery of Edinburgh in October, 1694, and in May, 1695, was ordained to the joint cliarge of " Sligo and Moywater," i.e. Ballina. In July, 1698, " Moy water " was separated from Sligo, which then became a distinct congregation under his charge. He resigned in 1728. The next minister of whom there exists any record was the Rev. L. Asli (son of Capt. Ash, one of the defenders of Derry), who had received his college education in Edinburgh. The Presbytery of Letterkenny, which in 1717 was put in charge of the district, ordained him to the pastoral charge of the Sligo congregation in 1732. He died in 1742, and was succeeded by the Rev. H. Nesbitt, ordained by the Presbytery of Letterkenny, May 3, 1756. In 1760 Ballymote was joined to Sligo. The Rev. H. Nesbitt died in 1778 ; his successor was the Rev. Joseph King, ordained by the Presbytery of Clogher, August 4, 1784 ; he resigned the charge, and was succeeded the same year by the Rev. Booth Caldwell, who died October 24th, 1810. The Rev. Jacob Scott was ordained to the joint charge of Sligo and Ballymote, March 19th, 1811.

    In 1823 the Sligo congregation became a separate charge, their first minister being the Rev. James Heron, ordained March, 1824. Mr. Heron becoming infirm, the Rev. Moffatt Jackson was appointed as his assistant. Mr. Heron died at Rosses Point, July 28, 1860, and was succeeded by Mr. Jackson, who had been educated at the old Academical Institution, Belfast. He was one of the first batch of students who received the degree of M.A. in connexion with the Uueen's University. The energy displayed by the young minister was rewarded by the gradual growth of the congregation, alike in number and influence. It shortly began to show signs of increased vitality, and the history of the church

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 69

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town with an early Presbyterian history. The first minister of whom there is anything definite known was the Reverend Samuel Henry, who came from the Presbytery of Edinburgh in October 1694. In May 1695 he was ordained to the joint charge of Sligo and Moywater, which is Ballina. In July 1698 Moywater was separated from Sligo, and Sligo became a distinct congregation under his charge. He served until his resignation in 1728. After him the next minister of whom there is any record was the Reverend L. Ash, son of Captain Ash, one of the defenders of Derry, who had been educated in Edinburgh. The Presbytery of Letterkenny, put in charge of the district in 1717, ordained him to the Sligo congregation in 1732. He died in 1742 and was succeeded by the Reverend H. Nesbitt, ordained by the Presbytery of Letterkenny on May 3, 1756. In 1760 Ballymote was joined to Sligo. Nesbitt died in 1778, and the Reverend Joseph King was ordained by the Presbytery of Clogher on August 4, 1784. He resigned and was succeeded the same year by the Reverend Booth Caldwell, who died October 24, 1810. The Reverend Jacob Scott was then ordained to the joint charge of Sligo and Ballymote on March 19, 1811. In 1823 the Sligo congregation became a separate charge, and the Reverend James Heron was ordained in March 1824 as its first minister.

49. Sligo Presbyterian congregation becomes separate charge, 1823

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1823–1860

    In 1823 the Sligo Presbyterian congregation became a separate charge, with Rev. James Heron ordained as first minister in March 1824. Heron died at Rosses Point on 28 July 1860 and was succeeded by Rev. Moffatt Jackson, a Queen's University graduate who energised the congregation.

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    In 1823 the Sligo congregation became a separate charge, their first minister being the Rev. James Heron, ordained March, 1824. Mr. Heron becoming infirm, the Rev. Moffatt Jackson was appointed as his assistant. Mr. Heron died at Rosses Point, July 28, 1860, and was succeeded by Mr. Jackson, who had been educated at the old Academical Institution, Belfast. He was one of the first batch of students who received the degree of M.A. in connexion with the Uueen's University. The energy displayed by the young minister was rewarded by the gradual growth of the congregation, alike in number and influence. It shortly began to show signs of increased vitality, and the history of the church

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 69

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this was where the Presbyterian congregation became a separate charge in 1823. Their first minister, the Reverend James Heron, was ordained in March 1824. As Heron grew infirm, the Reverend Moffatt Jackson was appointed his assistant; Heron died at Rosses Point on 28 July 1860, and Jackson succeeded him. Jackson had been educated at the old Academical Institution in Belfast and was among the first students to receive an M.A. from Queen's University. His energy was rewarded by gradual growth in the congregation, in number and influence alike.

50. Cabragh bridge destroyed by flood

    near Cabragh · street · Sligo · 1877

    In August 1877, the bridge at Cabragh was destroyed by a sudden flood. It was subsequently rebuilt at a combined cost of £550 shared with the Enniscrone bridge.

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    In August, 1877, the bridges of Cabragh and Enniscrone were destroyed by a sudden flood, and rebuilt at a cost of £550 ; the bridge over the Easky river has been rebuilt at an expense of £700, and a new bridge over the river Owenbeg — near the village of Billa — was erected at a cost of £500. There is only one iron bridge at present in the county ; during the relief-works of 1880-1881 it was erected over the river Moy, on the new road from Tubbercurry to Sessue. It is 40 ft. clear span, and is composed of two lattice girders, supporting a floor of iron arched-plates covered with asphalt, and surfaced with gravel. There are about 17 tons of iron in it, and with the abutments the total cost was about £550.

    203

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 101

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Cabragh, a bridge once stood that was swept away. In August 1877, a sudden flood destroyed the bridges here and at Enniscrone. Both were rebuilt, at a combined cost of 550 pounds.

51. Coolavin's rich and sour pasture

    Coolavin · electoral division · Sligo

    M'Parlan described Coolavin as containing a vast extent of sour mountain pasture alongside some of the richest feeding ground in Ireland, illustrating the extreme variety of pasture quality found within a single barony.

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    In the commencement of the present century, M'Parlan states that it was in the mountains and bogs the greatest part of any draining effected could be seen. He describes the county as containing every possible variety of pasture, sour, sweet, light, heavy ; some fit only for rabbits and kids, some for the heaviest cows and oxen. Coolaviji, wliero there was, and still is, a vast deal of sour mountain pasture, contained aUo some of the richest feeding ground in Ireland ; but the main portion of this area — consisting of the baronies of Leyuy,

    296

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 147

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Coolavin in Sligo, consider what a writer called M'Parlan saw at the start of the 1800s. He found every kind of pasture here, sour and sweet, light and heavy. Some land was fit only for rabbits and kids. Some could carry the heaviest cows and oxen. Coolavin held a vast extent of sour mountain pasture, and still does. Yet it also contained some of the richest feeding ground in Ireland. The draining that had been done, he said, was chiefly to be seen in the mountains and bogs.

52. Enniscrone bridge destroyed by flood

    near Inishcrone · town · Sligo · 1877

    In August 1877, the bridge at Enniscrone was destroyed by a sudden flood. It was rebuilt at a combined cost of £550 with the Cabragh bridge.

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    In August, 1877, the bridges of Cabragh and Enniscrone were destroyed by a sudden flood, and rebuilt at a cost of £550 ; the bridge over the Easky river has been rebuilt at an expense of £700, and a new bridge over the river Owenbeg — near the village of Billa — was erected at a cost of £500. There is only one iron bridge at present in the county ; during the relief-works of 1880-1881 it was erected over the river Moy, on the new road from Tubbercurry to Sessue. It is 40 ft. clear span, and is composed of two lattice girders, supporting a floor of iron arched-plates covered with asphalt, and surfaced with gravel. There are about 17 tons of iron in it, and with the abutments the total cost was about £550.

    203

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 101

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming near Inishcrone in Sligo. In August 1877 a sudden flood destroyed the bridge at Enniscrone, along with the Cabragh bridge. Both were rebuilt at a combined cost of £550.

53. First meeting of Sligo Union Poor-Law Guardians

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1839

    On 21 August 1839 the first Board of Poor-Law Guardians of the Sligo Union assembled in the grand jury room of the Courthouse, chaired by C. K. O'Hara with W. H. Handcock, Poor Law Commissioner, in attendance. Elected guardians represented electoral divisions across the union including Knocknarea, Drumcliff, Carney, Lissadell, Ballymote, Tubbercurry, and many others.

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    On August 21st, 1839, a meeting of the Poor-Law Guardians of the Sligo Union was held in the Courthouse, and a list is here given of the first Board which assembled in the grand jury room of the above building : —

    " "W. H. Handcock, Poor Law Commissioner, attended the meeting; Chairman, C. K. O'Hara; Vice- Chairman, 'So\m^jrme\ Deputy Vice- Chairman, John Martin ; Cleric, Mr, Charles O'Connor.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 81

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Sligo now. On 21 August 1839, the first board of Poor-Law Guardians for the Sligo Union met in the Courthouse. C. K. O'Hara chaired, with John Martin as Deputy Vice-Chairman and Charles O'Connor as clerk. The Poor Law Commissioner, W. H. Handcock, attended. The board had ex-officio guardians chosen by magistrates and 39 guardians elected by cesspayers across the union's electoral divisions.

54. Progressive establishment of dispensaries across County Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1806–1824

    Dispensaries were progressively established across County Sligo from 1806 onward, beginning with the Sligo Dispensary and expanding to Coolany (1817), Ballymote (1818), Grange (1823), Dromore West and Riverstown (1824), and subsequently Castleconor and Kilglass. Districts were subdivided as the need for medical care became apparent.

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    for the support of dispensaries, medicines, &c., tliere must have been some prior Act, for in 1806 £83 was voted " to the Treasurer of the Sligo Dispensary for the support thereof ; " in 1817 there was a presentment for the Coolany Dispensary ; in 1818 for one at Ballymote ; in 1823 for one at Grange ; in 1824 for those at Dromore West and Riverstown ; and subsequently for Castleconor, Kilglass, &c. — districts being thus progressively subdivided as the increased need of medical care became apparent. The duties of Dispensary doctors, in an extensive rural district, when properly and conscientiously carried out, are arduous and onerous.

    Various accounts are given of magic crystals, and rounded or globular stones, kept in certain families and believed to be cures for maladies afflicting both man and beast. These charms were simply placed in the fluid given to the patient to drink, and into which they were supposed to exude some healing virtue. " If we are inclined to laugh at the simple people who believed in those marvellous cures," remarks P. W. Joyce, " let us not forget that they are in no degree more credulous than myriads of our own day, who are caught by quack advertisements, and who believe in cures quite as wonderful as those performed by Diancccht." This " fairy doctor " at once cured the wounded warriors of the Tuatha de Danaan, at the battle of Moytirra in Sligo, by plunging them into a medicated bath. There are still — according to W. B. Yeats in Fairy and Folk Tales — "fairy doctors" in the county, "really well up in herbal medicine by all accounts."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 173

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo town, this was where the county's dispensary system began. In 1806, £83 was voted to the Treasurer of the Sligo Dispensary for its support. From there, dispensaries spread across the county as the need for medical care became apparent. Coolany came next in 1817, then Ballymote in 1818, Grange in 1823, Dromore West and Riverstown in 1824, and subsequently Castleconor and Kilglass, districts being progressively subdivided. The duties of dispensary doctors in an extensive rural district, properly and conscientiously carried out, were arduous and onerous. Before formal dispensaries, people turned to other kinds of healing. Certain families kept magic crystals and rounded stones believed to cure ailments in man and beast. These charms were placed in the fluid given to the patient to drink, into which they were supposed to exude some healing virtue. P. W. Joyce remarked, "let us not forget that they are in no degree more credulous than myriads of our own day, who are caught by quack advertisements." The fairy doctor Diancccht cured the wounded warriors of the Tuatha de Danaan at the battle of Moytirra in Sligo by plunging them into a medicated bath. According to W. B. Yeats, fairy doctors were still in the county, "really well up in herbal medicine by all accounts."

55. Sligo Borough Apprentice By-Laws and Protestant Requirement

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1716–1718

    In 1716 and 1718, the Borough of Sligo enforced rules requiring apprentices to serve faithfully for seven years and to be Protestants of the Church of Ireland. George Bennett, Town Clerk, recorded indenture discharges for trades such as felt-making, confirming the establishment's control over trade and religious conformity.

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    ^' Borough of Sligo. — This day James Henery received his Indenture from his Mistress, his Master being dead, and having served six years, was discharged of the other year, having served the said six years honestly to the art and trade of felt-making, and being a Protestant of the Church of Ireland, as established by Law. As witness my hand this 25th day of March, 1718.

    " George Bennett, Toicn Clerk.''''

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 52

    As the companion tells it

    Through Sligo, a town where trade and religion were tightly bound. In 1718, James Henery received his indenture back from his mistress, his master being dead, after six honest years in felt-making. The remaining year of seven was discharged, the record noting he was a Protestant of the Church of Ireland, as established by law. George Bennett, Town Clerk, signed it on the 25th of March.

56. Sligo Borough governed by reformed Town Council under 1842 Act

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1842

    From 1842, under the Municipal Reform Act, Sligo was governed by a town council administering local affairs with a local rate of threepence in the pound. The Corporation's revenue never increased beyond its original endowment, unlike other towns that received large land grants.

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    sidered it to be incumbent on it to interpose ; and from the date of the Municipal Eeform Act, 3 & 4 Vict. c. 108 (1842), Sligo was governed by a town council who administered the local affairs of the borough, enabling the reformed Corporation to levy a local rate of threepence in the pound. This sum, however, even when supplemented by the independent and separate revenue of the body, was found insufficient to make the municipal payments considered necessary by them. Other towns, at various times, had large grants of lands made to them ; but in Sligo the revenue seems never to have increased beyond the original endowment.

    Until 1842, tlie only property belonging to the Corporation was about 20 acres of land, called " The Commons," together with a plot of ground, formerly used as a pound for cattle, but now built upon ; and the revenue of these lands, which did not amount to £100 per annum, was applied by the Patron of the borough to the payment of the Provost. Commonages near towns and villages were by no means unusual, and the Irish name, pronounced cutteen, by which they were designated, has (according to Dr. Joyce) bequeathed its name to Ardcotten — the hill of the commonage — near the village of Ballysadare, and in its plural form to Cutteanta, in the parish of Dromard.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 48

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you're in a town whose local government was reshaped in 1842. Under the Municipal Reform Act of that year, Sligo was governed by a town council that administered the borough's local affairs and could levy a local rate of threepence in the pound. That rate, even with the Corporation's separate revenue, was not enough to cover the payments the council considered necessary. Other towns received large grants of land at various times, but in Sligo the revenue seems never to have increased beyond the original endowment. Before 1842, the only property belonging to the Corporation was about 20 acres of land called the Commons, and a plot once used as a pound for cattle, since built upon. The revenue from these lands did not amount to 100 pounds a year, and it was applied by the Patron of the borough to the payment of the Provost. Commonages near towns were not unusual, and the Irish name for them, pronounced cutteen, gave its name to Ardcotten near Ballysadare.

57. Sligo County Infirmary: medical relief for the poor

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    The County Infirmary in Sligo provided a large amount of medical and surgical relief to the poor at comparatively low expense. It was originally supported by voluntary subscriptions in the last century, with the present building's wings added around 1845. Roughly eighty-five per cent of its income came from Grand Jury presentments.

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    A large amount of medical and surgical relief, at a comparatively low rate of expense, is afforded to the poor in Sligo by the County Infirmary. The cases admitted are, in general, the same class in all essentials as those treated in metropolitan hospitals. The means of support is derived from (1) presentments by the Grand Jury ; (2) subscriptions to qualify as governors of the hospital ; (3) bequests and donations. It may be roughly calculated that eighty- five per cent, of the income is derived from the first source.

    No old records of the Infirmary are now extant. It existed in the last century, but was then supported by voluntary subscriptions. The site and materials were sold by the Grand Jury when the new building was erected. Up to 45 George III. it would appear as if infirmaries supported by public rates were only established in certain specified localities. The wings to the present edifice were added about the year 1845.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 77

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo had its County Infirmary, a place that gave a large amount of medical and surgical relief to the poor at what was called a comparatively low rate of expense. The cases admitted were, in general, the same class as those treated in the great hospitals of Dublin and London. Most of the money to keep it running came from Grand Jury presentments, roughly eighty-five per cent of the income. The rest came from subscriptions made by people who wished to qualify as governors of the hospital, along with bequests and donations. No old records of the infirmary survive. It existed in the last century, when it was supported by voluntary subscriptions alone. The site and materials were sold by the Grand Jury when the new building went up. The wings of the present edifice were added about the year 1845.

58. Sligo Steam Navigation Company formed 1865

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1865

    Messrs. Middleton & Pollexfen ran sailing vessels to Liverpool and Glasgow from 1840 to 1856, then steamers to the same ports from 1856 to 1865. In 1865 the Sligo Steam Navigation Company was formed by the firm.

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    to Liverpool and Glasgow, and from 1856 to 1865 they ran steamers to the same ports. In the latter year the Sligo Steam Navigation Company was formed by the firm.

    In the year 1840 steam communication with Sligo was commenced by the Glasgow and Londonderry — now the Glasgow, Dublin, and Londonderry Steam-Packet Company. At first the service with Glasgow was fortnightly, by a steamer of 150 tons register and of small power. As trade improved a fortnightly service was established to Liverpool, which subsequently increased to a weekly one. In the year 1856 local opposition commenced, which terminated in 1865 in the withdrawal of the Company from the Liverpool trade. At the present time it maintains a bi-weekly service to Glasgow, and a fortnightly one to Ballina and""Westport.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 108

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this was a busy port town for trade with Britain. From 1840 the firm of Middleton and Pollexfen ran sailing vessels to Liverpool and Glasgow, switching to steamers in 1856. Steam communication with Sligo had begun that same year, the Glasgow and Londonderry company starting a fortnightly service with a steamer of 150 tons and small power. Trade grew enough that the Liverpool run went from fortnightly to weekly. Local opposition began in 1856 and ended in 1865 with the company withdrawing from the Liverpool trade, and that same year the firm formed the Sligo Steam Navigation Company.

59. Street cleaning rules enforced in Sligo, 1737

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1737

    On 14 November 1737 an order was re-enacted requiring householders to sweep the streets to the middle of the crown-causeway opposite their houses and remove all manure at once, on pain of a fine not exceeding 2s. 6d. for each offence.

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    On 14th November, 1737, the order was again re-enacted : householders " to sweep the streets to the middle of the crowncauseway opposite their houses," all manure put out to be removed at once ; in default, the persons were liable to a fine not exceeding 2.s. 6;/. for each offence.

    In 1769 the sum of £77 was laid out in repaii-iug and making good the pavement in the streets, and it was ordered that from that date all householders should at their own expense keep in repair the pavement in front of their residences to the centre of the street.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 103

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town had its streets looked after by law. On 14 November 1737, an order was re-enacted. Householders were to sweep the streets to the middle of the crown-causeway opposite their houses. Any manure put out had to be removed at once. If they failed, they were liable to a fine not exceeding 2s. 6d. for each offence. Later, in 1769, 77 pounds was spent repairing and making good the pavement in the streets. From that date, all householders were ordered to keep in repair, at their own expense, the pavement in front of their residences to the centre of the street.

60. 1831 Sligo election: Cooper and Perceval contest

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1831

    On 17th May 1831, Perceval again contested the representation of Sligo. At the close of the poll the numbers were: E. J. Cooper 361, Colonel Alexander Perceval 287, the Hon. General King 191. The successful candidates were chaired round the town with bands playing.

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    On the 17th May, 1831, Perceval again contested the representation of Sligo, and at the close of the poll the numbers were : E. J. Cooper, 361 ; Colonel Alexander Perceval, 287 ; the Hon. General King, 191. The successful candidates were chaired round the town, with bands playing, and all the displays then usual at the termination of a contested election. " Religious

    ^ The Observatory : a Monthly Revieio of Astronoiny, volume yn., pp. 283, 329.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo here saw a contested election on the 17th of May, 1831. Colonel Alexander Perceval challenged for the representation of the town, but E. J. Cooper topped the poll with 361 votes to Perceval's 287, with the Hon. General King trailing on 191. The winning candidates were chaired through the streets with bands playing and all the usual displays that marked a contested election in those days.