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. 1834 Sligo grain export trade

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1831–1834

   In 1834, the export trade of Sligo was the largest in the north-west of Ireland, consisting chiefly of grain. The port exported hundreds of thousands of quarters of oats and saw its wheat exports treble within three years.

   Read the passage

   Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

   " The export trade of Sligo," writes Inglis in 1834, " is the largest in the north-west of Ireland. It consists chiefly of grain.

   234 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 117

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, this was the busiest export port in the north-west of Ireland back in 1834. Inglis wrote that the trade consisted chiefly of grain. The port shipped hundreds of thousands of quarters of oats, and wheat exports trebled between 1831 and 1834.

2. 1877 resolution to serve 'notice to quit' on Corporation tenants

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1877

   On 1 August 1877 the Town Council passed a resolution to serve 'notice to quit' on tenants of Corporation property, seeking to re-let the lands at considerably higher rents than those prevailing since 1855.

   Read the passage

   Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

   On the 1st August, 1877, a resolution, seconded by Mr. Kidd, was passed, to the effect "that considering the Corporation property is now worth more than the rent at which it has been set to tenants since 1855, 'notice to quit ' be served on the tenants in proper time, before next gale day, for the purpose of having a re-letting of the property at best rents to be had, which it is believed will be considerably over the rent now being received."

   An amusing incident occurred in December, 1850, when the Corporation, through the Town Clerk, summoned one of their tenants on "the Commons," before the Barrister, for committing waste on their property by cutting down a white-thorn hedge. The case was dismissed, as the tenant had in reality improved the fence ; and when leaving the Court, he assured the Bench, that in memory of the trial, he would call his house in the future "The White-thorn." The Town Clerk, in a tone of bitterness, threw after him the suggestion, that he would probably find a more appropriate designation in that of "The Hedge-Hog."

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 48

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead is Sligo town. In 1877 the Town Council passed a resolution, seconded by a Mr. Kidd, to serve notice to quit on tenants of Corporation property. The rents had been fixed since 1855, and the Council believed the land was now worth considerably more. The idea was to re-let the property at the best rents available before the next gale day. There is an earlier story from December 1850, when the Corporation summoned a tenant on the Commons before the Barrister for cutting down a white-thorn hedge on their property. The case was dismissed, because the tenant had in fact improved the fence. Leaving the court, he promised to call his house The White-thorn in memory of the trial. The Town Clerk, in a tone of bitterness, suggested he would probably find a more appropriate name in The Hedge-Hog.

3. Arigna coal sold in southern Sligo at 7s. per ton in 1770

   Arigna · electoral division · Leitrim · 1770

   Coal from the Arigna workings, situated in the mountains on the borders of Lough Allen across Leitrim, Roscommon, and Sligo, was sold in the southern part of County Sligo at 7 shillings per ton in 1770. The coal, though inferior to Scotch or English, was suitable for domestic and manufacturing purposes.

   Read the passage

   Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

   The northern mountainous district on the confines of Lough Allen, partly in Leitrim, partly in Eoscommon, and forming the celebrated coal and iron district of Arigna, calls for a short notice, although but a comparatively small portion lies immediately within the confines of the County Sligo. A peculiarity of these coal-seams is, that the beds all lie at a considerable elevation in the mountains where their out-crop may be distinctly traced in various places. The coal — though not equal to Scotch or English — is adapted for culinary or mauufactui'ing purposes ; in 1770 coal from these workings was sold in the southern part of the County Sligo, at 7s. per ton.

   The first important era in the mining district was the establishment of iron works at Arigna in 1788, but the concern was abandoned in 1808. In consequence of the evidence of Mr. Griffith before a Committee of the House of Commons in 1824, three mining companies made the borders of Lough Allen the scene of revived activity ; several new pits were formed, the largest of which was worked to advantage for a long time, but after various vicissitudes all the undertakings collapsed. Until the works are opened up by railway they cannot prove remunerative, for although no question was entertained relative to the good quality of the iron manufactured, still it was found that owing to want of facilities of transit, neither the pig nor bar iron could be successfully brought into competition in the public markets with the supplies from England, Scotland, and Wales.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 129

   As the companion tells it

   The road passes through the Arigna district, the coal and iron country that stretches across the mountains on the borders of Lough Allen through Leitrim, Roscommon, and Sligo. The coal seams here lie high in the mountains, where their outcrop can be traced in various places. The coal was not equal to Scotch or English, but it served for household and manufacturing purposes. In 1770, coal from these workings was sold in the southern part of County Sligo at 7 shillings a ton. Iron works were established at Arigna in 1788, the first important era in the mining district, but the concern was abandoned in 1808. After Mr. Griffith gave evidence before a Committee of the House of Commons in 1824, three mining companies brought renewed activity to the borders of Lough Allen. Several new pits were formed, the largest of which was worked to advantage for a long time, but after various vicissitudes all the undertakings collapsed. The iron manufactured was of good quality, but without railway transport neither pig nor bar iron could compete in the public markets with supplies from England, Scotland, and Wales.

4. Calry Church built and consecrated

   Calry · parish · Sligo · 1824

   Calry Church was completed in 1824 at a cost of £3,000, partly funded by a £900 grant from the Board of First Fruits. The stone was quarried on the site. It is a plain Gothic building with tower and spire, consecrated in June 1824 by the Bishop of Elphin.

   Read the passage

   Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

   Calry Church (fig. 26) was completed in the year 1824 at a cost of £3000. On March 1st, 1817, the vestry of the Union of St. John's received a letter from the Bishop of Elphin, recommending the erection of a chapel of ease for the Union, owing to the increase of the Protestant population. This idea, after some debate, was ultimately adopted. The Board of First Fruits gave a free grant of £900 towards the expense of building the church and purchasing a site for it, and a glebe-house. The stone of which the church is built was quarried on the ground ; and this fact, to some extent, may explain the small cost of the erection of this edifice as compared with that of the alterations made in St. John's. Calry Church is a plain Grothic building, with a tower and spire; it was consecrated in June, 1824.^

   ^ The curates of St John's were: — Edward Nicholson, circa 1700 ; John Palmer, 1761 to 1766; James Armstronge, 1771 to 1800; Edward Coates, 1801 ; H. Hunt, 1820; W. C. Armstronge, 1821 ; Hugh I.Hamilton, 1828 ; Hugh Murray and Gr. Crozier, 1830; J. E. Green, 1835; Gr. Montgomery, 1840; Knox Roman and Andrew Robinson, 1841; Samuel Shone, 1847; Oliver J. Tibeaudo, 1856; Morgan W. Jellett ; John Dowden, 1864; W. A. Day, 1867 ; A. M. Kearney, 1868 ; J. A. French, 1877 ; Frederick Hamilton, 1880 ; Henry Mills, 1882; C. W. Darling, 1886. One of the curates of St. John's became a Koman Catholic Priest, and by a strange coincidence one of the former curates of the Roman Catholic Cathedral became a Protestant.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 67

   As the companion tells it

   The parish of Calry, in Sligo, is where this church was built and consecrated. The story begins on the 1st of March, 1817, when the vestry of the Union of St. John's received a letter from the Bishop of Elphin. He recommended the erection of a chapel of ease for the Union, owing to the increase of the Protestant population. The idea, after some debate, was ultimately adopted. The Board of First Fruits gave a free grant of £900 towards the expense of building the church and purchasing a site for it, and a glebe-house. The church was completed in 1824 at a cost of £3000. The stone of which it is built was quarried on the ground, and this fact may explain the small cost of its erection as compared with the alterations made in St. John's. Calry Church is a plain Gothic building, with a tower and spire. It was consecrated in June, 1824, by the Bishop of Elphin. The curates of St. John's served over many years. Their names run from Edward Nicholson, around 1700, through John Palmer, James Armstronge, Edward Coates, and on to men like Hugh Hamilton, Hugh Murray, Samuel Shone, Morgan Jellett, John Dowden, and others through to C. W. Darling in 1886. One of the curates of St. John's became a Roman Catholic priest, and one of the former curates of the Roman Catholic Cathedral became a Protestant.

5. Carolan's 'Fair-Haired Mary' for Mary MacDermot of Coolavin

   Coolavin · electoral division · Sligo

   Carolan composed the song 'Fair-Haired Mary' in honour of Mary, daughter of MacDermot, Prince of Coolavin, who was married to Owen O'Rourke living on the shores of Lough Allen.

   Read the passage

   Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

   a fair literary education, and pursued his studies until, in his eigliteentli year, he had the misfortune to be stricken with the smallpox, and entirely lost his eyesight. Previous to this, music had not engaged his attention, but he turned to it as a solace in his misfortune. At the age of twenty-one he began to compose, and his first essays gave such promise of success that he was recommended to direct his talents to composition, rather than endeavour to attain excellence in musical execution. In the " Percy Anecdotes of Imagination " it is related that Carolan, even in his gayest mood, never could compose a planxty (a kind of dance music) for a Miss Brett, of the county Sligo. He was a frequent visitor at her father's house, where he always met with a cordial reception. One day, after an unsuccessful attempt to compose something in a sprightly strain for this lady, he threw aside his harp with a mixture of rage and grief, and addressing himself in Irish to her mother, "Madam," said he, "I have often, from my great regard to your family, attempted a planxty in order to celebrate your daughter's perfections, but to no purpose ; some evil genius hovers over me ; there is not a string in my harp that does not vibrate a melancholy sound when I set about the task. I fear she is not doomed to remain long among us: nay," said he, emphatically, "she will not survive twelve months." The event verified the prediction, and the young lady died within the period limited by the prophetic minstrel. This circumstance gave to Mrs. Hemans the idea evolved in her well-known poem of " Carolan's Prophecy." One of Carolan's songs, " Fair-Haired Mary," was composed in honour of Mary, daughter of MacDermot, Prince of Coolavin, then maiiied to Owen O'Rourke, who lived on the shores of Lough Allen. " A person," relates James Hardiman in his " Irish Minstrelsy," " lately remonstrating with a descendant of this gentleman on his extravagance, amongst other things told him 'he ought to have sense.' 'Sense,' replied the indignant Milesian. ' Know that an O'Rourke scorns to have sense.' "

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 200

   As the companion tells it

   As the road takes you through Coolavin in Sligo, you are travelling through the country of a family Carolan honoured in music. One of his songs, Fair-Haired Mary, was composed in honour of Mary, daughter of MacDermot, Prince of Coolavin. She was married to Owen O'Rourke, who lived on the shores of Lough Allen. Carolan himself had lost his eyesight to smallpox in his eighteenth year, and turned to music as a solace. By twenty-one he had begun to compose, and his first efforts showed such promise that he was advised to devote his talents to composition rather than to performance. There is a story told of Carolan in the county Sligo. He was a frequent visitor at the house of a family named Brett, and always received a warm welcome. He wished to compose a planxty, a kind of dance music, for Miss Brett, but could never manage it, even in his gayest mood. One day, after another failed attempt, he threw aside his harp in a mixture of rage and grief, and spoke in Irish to her mother. "Madam," he said, "I have often, from my great regard to your family, attempted a planxty in order to celebrate your daughter's perfections, but to no purpose; some evil genius hovers over me; there is not a string in my harp that does not vibrate a melancholy sound when I set about the task. I fear she is not doomed to remain long among us: nay, she will not survive twelve months." The young lady died within that period. James Hardiman relates another remark connected to the family Carolan honoured in song. A person remonstrating with a descendant of Owen O'Rourke about his extravagance told him he ought to have sense. "Sense," replied the indignant man. "Know that an O'Rourke scorns to have sense."

6. Collooney chemical works

   Collooney · townland · Sligo

   Chemical works were established at Collooney to convert tree thinnings from surrounding demesnes into pyroligneous acid. The works had an ephemeral existence and also produced charcoal as an important byproduct.

   Read the passage

   Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

   The chemical works at Collooney had but an ephemeral existence ; they were erected for the purpose of converting the thinnings of trees from the various surrounding demesnes into pyroligneous acid. The charcoal, left after extraction of the acids from the wood, formed also an important item in the profits.

   In the commencement of this century a slate quarry was opened by Mr. Taaffe near Lough Talt, but it proved a failure.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 126

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, chemical works were once built to turn tree thinnings from the surrounding demesnes into pyroligneous acid. They did not last long. The works had what the record calls an ephemeral existence. But they left something behind. The charcoal that remained after the acids were drawn from the wood was itself an important part of the profits.

7. Drumcliff bridge — ancient narrow-arched masonry

   near Drumcliff · parish · Sligo

   Drumcliff bridge is identified as one of the oldest surviving bridges in County Sligo, distinguished by its narrow arches and style of masonry indicating long existence, though undated.

   Read the passage

   Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

   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.

   The present modern bridge at Ballysadare is much higher up the stream than its predecessor ; for the remains of an old bridge — perhaps that erected in 1360 or in 1586 — was discovered when workmen were sinking the foundations for the eel-house, which is situated just over the last fall made by the river before mingling its waters with the tide.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 100

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Drumcliff in Sligo, this is one of the oldest bridges still standing in the county, alongside the one at Bellarush near Lough Arrow. No date can be given for when it was built, but its narrow arches and the style of its masonry show it must have been in existence a long time. That is all the record tells us, nothing more.

8. Drumcliff parish as mother parish of the Rosses

   near Drumcliff · parish · Sligo

   The Rosses originally formed part of the extensive parish of Drumcliff and depended on the rector and curate for religious ministrations. During the bathing season, divine worship was conducted in a borrowed farmhouse room.

   Read the passage

   Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

   Originally, the Rosses having formed part of the very extensive parish of Druracliff, depended for the ministrations of religion on the services of the rector and his curate, by whom (during the bathing season) divine worship was conducted on Sunday afternoon in a room of some farmhouse, lent by the owner for the purpose. At Elsinore, which was then the property of the Cooper family, the visitors to the seaside were invited to attend, and occasionally, clergymen of the diocese, who chanced to be temporarily lodging at the Point, held services, and ministered wherever congregations could be brought together. But the irregularity and inconvenience of these arriingements were keenly felt, when, as happened year by year, the number of Protestant visitors increased. Therefore, with the consent of the Rev. Thomas Crawford, then rector of Drumcliff, it was resolved, that a parochial district should be severed from the mother parish, under what was known as " the Peel Act " of Parliament, and a church built, in which an incumbent should conduct the services of the United Church of England and Ireland, and have spiritual charge of the new parish — the appointment to be placed in the hands of Five Trustees. Appeals for aid towards carrying out this desirable object were accordingly made, and a sufficient amount was raised for the erection of the church now standing at the entrance to the village of Rosses Point, and also for endowment of the incumbency, whenever a nomination thereto could be made. A sum of over £500 was expended in the building and fittings of the church, and £1395 was provided for endowment. The first stone was laid on the 14th August, 1854: the architect was William Dean Butler, and the builder, Henry Caldwell. For some years after 1858, when the building was opened for Divine Service during the summer months, the clei-gy of Drumcliff ofhciated there on Sunday afternoons, and conducted a school for the children of the coastguards and other residents of the district. In 1867 the then rector, feeling himself unable, througli infirmity of age, to keep up the summer service at The Rosses, secured for a short period the aid of the Rev. J'rederick Flood, A.B., Vicar of Ivilmood, in the diocese of Down, who eventually accepted the incumbency of the church, and in August, 1869, he entered on the charge of the parish, in which he still continues to serve.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 113

   As the companion tells it

   As you travel through this part of Sligo, you are passing through Drumcliff parish, which once stretched far enough to include the Rosses. The Rosses depended on the rector and his curate for all religious ministrations. During the bathing season, Sunday worship was held in a room of a farmhouse, lent by its owner for the purpose. At Elsinore, then the property of the Cooper family, seaside visitors were invited to attend, and clergymen temporarily lodging at the Point held services wherever congregations could be gathered. As the number of Protestant visitors grew year by year, the irregularity of these arrangements was keenly felt. With the consent of the Reverend Thomas Crawford, then rector of Drumcliff, it was resolved to sever a parochial district from the mother parish under the Peel Act and build a church. Over 500 pounds was spent on the building and its fittings, and 1395 pounds was provided for endowment. The first stone was laid on the 14th of August 1854, with William Dean Butler as architect and Henry Caldwell as builder. The church stands at the entrance to the village of Rosses Point. It opened for divine service in 1858, with Drumcliff clergy officiating on Sunday afternoons and running a school for the children of coastguards and other residents. In 1867, the rector, feeling too infirm to continue the summer service, secured the help of the Reverend Frederick Flood, Vicar of Kilmood in the diocese of Down, who accepted the incumbency and took charge in August 1869.

9. Easky river bridge rebuilt

   Easky · town · Sligo · 1877

   The bridge over the Easky river was rebuilt at an expense of £700 following the flood damage of 1877.

   Read the passage

   Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

   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

   As you pass through Easky in Sligo, you are crossing a river bridge that was rebuilt at a cost of £700. In August 1877 a sudden flood destroyed bridges at Cabragh and Enniscrone, and the Easky river bridge was rebuilt in that same period of repair. A new bridge over the river Owenbeg near Billa went up at the same time for £500. The flood and the rebuilding were part of a wider effort across the county.

10. Endowed Schools Commission reports on Sligo schools, 1855

    near Drumcliff · parish · Sligo · 1855

    The 1855 Endowed Schools Commission gave an unfavourable report on education in the area. Calry and Ballinorley schools were satisfactory; schools with fair attendance existed at Dromard, Drum, Drumcliff, Muninan, Easky, and Killeenduff, the latter founded by Colonel Irwin.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    " The Endowed Schools Commission " of 1855 gave an unfavourable report of the manner in which education was conducted. Calry and Ballinorley schools were satisfactory ; at Dromard, Drum, DrumcUff, Muinanean, Easky, and Killeenduff — the latter founded by Colonel Irwin — there were schools with a fair attendance.

    Several applications had been from time to time made for the establishment of a " Model School " in Sligo. The Town Council petitioned the Commissioners of National Education on the subject, and finally their request was granted. The building, which consists of a central block and two wings, was not completed until 1862. It is of Italian character ; the windows are circular-headed, and deeply recessed, with moulded jambs. The mason work is of limestone, and the dressings are of Mount-Charles sandstone. The edifice cost about £7000. At the close of the year 1888 the number of boys on the roll of the school was 163 Church of Ireland, 34 Presbyterians, 83 of other denominations, and 16 Roman Catholics, forming a total of 296. The average daily attendance was 158.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 211

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through the parish of Drumcliff in Sligo, you are passing through country that the Endowed Schools Commission of 1855 examined. Their report on how education was conducted across the area was unfavourable overall. Calry and Ballinorley schools were satisfactory. At Dromard, Drum, Drumcliff, Muninan, Easky, and Killeenduff there were schools with a fair attendance, the one at Killeenduff founded by Colonel Irwin. There had been repeated applications over the years for a Model School in Sligo itself. The Town Council petitioned the Commissioners of National Education, and the request was eventually granted, though the building was not completed until 1862. It cost about 7000 pounds. By the end of 1888, 296 boys were on the roll, 163 Church of Ireland, 34 Presbyterians, 83 of other denominations, and 16 Roman Catholics, with an average daily attendance of 158.

11. Famine relief committee formed in Sligo town

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1822

    A meeting called by the High Sheriff at the request of local gentlemen appointed parochial committees to manage relief for the poor in Sligo town and union. The town's poor districts were divided into four areas, with gentlemen deputed to visit and give relief on the spot.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    Those parts of the town in which the poor principally resided were divided into four districts, " and gentlemen were deputed to visit tliem purposely to ascertain the extent of distress actually existing, with power to give relief on the spot, to a certain amount, in cases of such urgent distress as would not admit of a few days' delay."

    The following are the names of the Committee for Relief of the Distressed Poor in the Town and the Union of St. John's : —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 33

    As the companion tells it

    In 1822, a relief committee was formed here in Sligo. The High Sheriff called a meeting at the request of local gentlemen, who set up parochial committees to manage relief for the poor. The town's poorest districts were divided into four areas, and gentlemen were deputed to visit them "to ascertain the extent of distress actually existing," with power to give relief on the spot in urgent cases.

12. First recorded potato failure in Sligo, 1739

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1739

    The first recorded failure of the potato crop in Sligo occurred in 1739. This was an early instance of the recurring crop failures that would later devastate the county's population.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    The frequent recurrence of these latter calamities seems to have been to some extent diminished by the introduction iuto the country of the potato, which took place about 1586 to 1588. The potato stayed for a time the almost periodical famines ; but even prior to the commencement of the eighteenth century notices are to be met with of partial blights and disease of that tuber. The first recorded failure of the potato in Sligo occurred

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 31

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are travelling through a town where the first recorded failure of the potato crop occurred in 1739. The potato had been introduced to the country around 1586 to 1588 and had held back the near-periodical famines for a time. But partial blights were noticed even before the eighteenth century, and the failure recorded here in Sligo was an early sign of the recurring crop disasters that would later devastate the county's population.

13. Iceberg-deposited boulders at Kilmorgan churchyard

    Kilmorgan · townland · Sligo

    Near the old churchyard of Kilmorgan, an immense number of limestone boulders, matching the composition of the Hill of Keash, are scattered over half a square mile. These were likely deposited by icebergs grounding in shallow water.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    evidently derived from it. The direction of the ice-movement, all along the tract ranging from Sligo Bay to Lough Conn, has been determined by numerous observations ( made by the Rev. Maxwell Close and others, both from the striations of rocks and the transport of erratics) to have been towards the north-west. This is well shown by glaciated rounded bosses, called " roches moutonnees," in the deer-park at Markree and in Union Wood; also north of Collooney station, where "crag and tail " are very apparent; the " tail " being ground down by the powerful ice-sheet advancing from the south-east, while the " crag " or bluff, facing in the opposite direction, suffered little from attrition. Travelled blocks of granite or schist from tlie Ox range are scattered over the Carboniferous plain to the north ; of these the stone circles and cromlechs of Carrowmore are formed, and similar boulders are found near the summit of Knocknarea (limestone, 1078 feet). The converse of this is seen south of the eiglith milestone on the road from Sligo to Ballina, where a block of rubbly limestone, weighing about twenty-three tons, rests on a ridge of gneiss some 400 feet above sea-level ; such a boulder must have travelled several miles to reach its present position. Near the old churchyard of Kilmorgan, and scattered more or less thickly over an area of half a square mile are an immense number of boulders of the same kind of rubbly limestone (with bands of " chert ") of which the Hill of Keash, two miles to the south-east, is chiefly composed. They look as if they had been thrown at random in a battle of giants. Ice is the only agency to account for their transport. It did its work, however, not in the form of a glacier, but through means of icebergs that grounded and dropped their burdens in shallow water hereabouts. Huge granite boulders from the Slieve Gamph Hills are found on the high ground south of Lough Talt, some of which weigh over 100 tons each, and have, perhaps, a couple of feet of peat and heather on the top. In the low ground about here are rarely found any but small erratics, similar to the underlying Carboniferous strata. Striae, and " roches moutonnees " also agree in indicating a north-west ice-flow.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 134

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Kilmorgan, near the old churchyard, an immense number of limestone boulders are scattered over half a square mile. They are the same kind of rubbly limestone, with bands of chert, that makes up the Hill of Keash, two miles to the south-east. They look as if they had been thrown at random in a battle of giants. Ice is the only agency to account for their transport. Not a glacier, but icebergs that grounded and dropped their burdens in shallow water hereabouts. This fits a wider pattern. All along the tract from Sligo Bay to Lough Conn, observations by the Reverend Maxwell Close and others, from rock striations and the transport of erratics, determined the ice movement to have been towards the north-west. Glaciated rounded bosses, called roches moutonnees, show this at Markree deer-park and in Union Wood. North of Collooney station, crag and tail are very apparent: the tail ground down by the powerful ice-sheet advancing from the south-east, while the crag or bluff, facing the opposite direction, suffered little from attrition. Travelled blocks of granite or schist from the Ox range are scattered over the Carboniferous plain to the north. The stone circles and cromlechs of Carrowmore are formed from these, and similar boulders are found near the summit of Knocknarea, limestone at 1078 feet. South of the eighth milestone on the road from Sligo to Ballina, a block of rubbly limestone weighing about 23 tons rests on a ridge of gneiss some 400 feet above sea level. Such a boulder must have travelled several miles to reach its present position.

14. Improving country on Ballina–Sligo road

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1834

    In 1834 Inglis observed that the road between Ballina and Sligo showed proof of an improving country, with evidence of recent triumphs over bog and mountain land on every side.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    the other hand, the same traveller remarks that the greater part of the road between Ballina and Sligo " is interesting only as exhibiting proof of an improving country. . . . Everywhere in the neighbourhood proofs are seen of recent triumphs obtained over bog and mountain land ; looking on every side, one would say this is an improving country."

    M'Parlan, who drew up a slight survey of the county, describes the farms as varying in size from three acres to five hundred, the poorest classes having very small holdings, sometimes even less than three acres, and a great number of tenants held wide tracts of land in partnership ; in rough mountainous districts the land was seldom let by the acre, but by the bulk.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 145

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel this road between Ballina and Sligo, in 1834 a traveller named Inglis found it interesting mainly for what it showed of an improving country. He saw, on every side, what he called recent triumphs obtained over bog and mountain land. M'Parlan, who surveyed the county, described farms ranging from 3 acres to 500, with the poorest holding less than 3. Many tenants shared wide tracts in partnership, and in rough mountain districts land was seldom let by the acre but by the bulk.

15. Inglis on evergreens and timber around Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    The traveller Inglis described the environs of Sligo as having finer evergreens than any he had seen in southern counties, with laurels, bays, and arbutus giving scenery colouring rivaling Killarney. He also praised the magnificent ash, oak, elm, and lime trees in the area.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    Evergreens flourished in tlie county, probably owing to the moisture of the climate, and the comparative mildness of the winters. Inglis, describing the environs of Sligo, says : — *' Finer evergreens I never saw in the most southern counties ; the laurels and bays grown into great trees rivalled, if they did not surpass, those of Woodstock or Curraghmore ; and here again I found the arbutus' . . . giving to the scenery all that advantage of colouring which is the boast of Killarney. Tlie timber too ... is equal to almost any I have seen ; and I often found myself pausing before some magnificent ash, oak, elm, or lime, throwing its deep shade across the green amphitheatre which it seemed to have made for itself."

    Ordinary garden fruit was grown in Sligo, but ripened later than on the eastern coast. The " Crofton apple " or " Longford pearmain " was the best keeping, and the most popular eating apple in every part of Ireland, the original trees having come, it is said, from America. Old leases rendered it obligatory on tenants to enclose an orchard, and plant a certain number of trees.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 142

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, the green around you drew praise from a traveller called Inglis. He wrote that finer evergreens he never saw in the most southern counties, with laurels and bays grown into great trees that rivalled those of Woodstock or Curraghmore, and the arbutus giving the scenery all that advantage of colouring which is the boast of Killarney. The timber too impressed him. He said it was equal to almost any he had seen, and he often found himself pausing before some magnificent ash, oak, elm, or lime, throwing its deep shade across the green amphitheatre which it seemed to have made for itself. The evergreens flourished here, probably owing to the moisture of the climate and the comparative mildness of the winters. Ordinary garden fruit was grown in Sligo too, though it ripened later than on the eastern coast. The Crofton apple or Longford pearmain was the best keeping and most popular eating apple in every part of Ireland, the original trees having come, it was said, from America. Old leases even made it obligatory on tenants to enclose an orchard and plant a certain number of trees.

16. Killaspugbrone old church repaired and graveyard walled

    Killaspugbrone · townland · Sligo · 1811–1832

    The old church of Killaspugbrone was repaired by the vestry of St. John's in 1811, and in 1814 the graveyard was enclosed with a wall. The neighbouring Roman Catholic chapel's rebuilding expenses were partly defrayed by a voluntary church rate recommended in 1832.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    In 1811 the old church of Killaspugbrone was repaired by the vestry of St. John's, and in 1814 the graveyard was enclosed with a wall. The expense of erecting the neighbouring Roman Catholic chapel was in great part defrayed by a church rate, for at an adjourned vestry meeting of the Union of St. John's, held 29th May, 1832, it was resolved—

    "That although at the Vestry it cannot be legally imposed as a parish rate, yet that it is recommended to the several cess-payers of the Union to contribute at the rate of twopence per acre on the land, and one halfpenny per pound sterling on the value of the houses in Sligo, as a sum of money to be applied in assisting the expense of rebuilding the Roman Catholic chapel of Wrensborough, in the parish of Killaspugbrone, and the churchwardens are hereby requested to direct the collector to receive a separate collection accordingly, to be appropriated by them for such purpose.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 69

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Killaspugbrone, there's an old church that was repaired in 1811 by the vestry of St. John's. The graveyard around it was enclosed with a wall in 1814. The neighbouring Roman Catholic chapel, called Wrensborough, had been rebuilt, and the cost was in great part defrayed by a voluntary church rate. At a vestry meeting of the Union of St. John's held on the 29th of May, 1832, it was resolved that although it could not be legally imposed as a parish rate, they recommended the cess-payers contribute at the rate of twopence per acre on land and a halfpenny per pound on the value of houses in Sligo, to assist the rebuilding of that chapel.

17. Kilsellagh and Doonally water proposed as new Sligo supply

    Kilsellagh · townland · Sligo

    Analysis confirmed water from Kilsellagh and Doonally was very good, in contrast to the contaminated town wells. This supported the Corporation's case before the House of Commons for a new piped water supply to Sligo.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    The substances included by Mr. Bamber in inorganic matter were, carbonate of lime, sulphate of lime, carbonate and sulphate of magnesia, common salt, &c. ; the substances included in organic and other volatile matter were, vegetable and animal matter, ammonia, and some of the nitrates. The Albert-street and Lungy pumps were pronounced unfit for use, from hardness and organic matter, &c. ; Pound-street pump was recommended to be immediately closed. Greorge's-street pump was as bad, whilst three samples from other wells were not even analyzed, " as their appearance self-condemned them " ; Kilsellagh and Doonally water was stated to be very good.

    According to the Sligo Borough Improvement Bill of 1869, the Corporation were authorized to borrow £25,000 for the purpose of constructing waterworks ; and on September 1st of that year, were taken the first steps towards raising the money necessary for carrying out the scheme : the eJBPort, however, collapsed, and after a general meeting of the ratepayers had decided against proceeding with the waterworks, the matter although then set aside, was, nevertheless, from time to time,

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 93

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, the water of Kilsellagh and Doonally was tested and found very good. Mr. Bamber analyzed the water, finding inorganic matter like carbonate of lime, sulphate of lime, magnesia, and common salt, and organic matter including vegetable and animal matter, ammonia, and some nitrates. The town's own wells were far worse. The Albert-street and Lungy pumps were pronounced unfit for use, from hardness and organic matter. Pound-street pump was recommended to be immediately closed. George's-street pump was as bad. Three samples from other wells were not even analyzed, because as the record says, "their appearance self-condemned them." Only Kilsellagh and Doonally water was stated to be very good. This supported the Corporation's case for a new piped water supply to Sligo. Under the Sligo Borough Improvement Bill of 1869, the Corporation were authorized to borrow £25,000 for constructing waterworks. On September 1st, the first steps were taken toward raising the money. But the effort collapsed. A general meeting of the ratepayers decided against proceeding, and the matter was set aside.

18. Limestone cliffs south of Kinlough

    Kinlough · town · Leitrim

    Similar limestone cliffs to those on the Benbulben range are found on the mountains south of Kinlough, though the rare alpine plant species can mostly be gathered on the range west of the Glenade Valley.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    not descend gradually into tbe valleys, but are surrounded by cliffs varying in height from 30 to 500 feet. These cliffs extend all round the range to the west of Glenade, and it is only in one or two places that the mountains' slope is free from this limestone barrier. There are similar cliffs on the mountains south of Kinlough, but all the rare species can be gathered on the range lying to the west of the Glenade Valley, though they are not all coniined to it. The mean height of the edge of the cliffs may be taken at 1600 feet; they are composed of loose limestone readily detached, and, as this affords a poor security, either for the hand or foot, they are dangerous to climb. The cliffs are everywhere separated from the fields and valleys below by a steep slope of talus or debris extending downwards at an angle varying from 40 to 50 degrees. This slope is frequently 800 feet in vertical height (sometimes more) ; and the cliff can only be examincid in many places by walking along a narrow track made by the sheep where the talus meets the face of the precipice. Nowhere in Ireland is there such an extent of similar cliffs. The top of the talus varies from 900 to 1200 feet above the sea level."

    This Paper affords full particulars of all tlie plants found by the writers themselves or noted by Mr. Corry ; it must be referred to for details.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 150

    As the companion tells it

    Around Kinlough in Leitrim, the mountains to the south hold limestone cliffs much like those of the Benbulben range. They do not descend gradually into the valleys. Instead they are surrounded by cliffs varying in height from 30 to 500 feet. These cliffs extend all round the range to the west of Glenade, and only in one or two places is the mountain slope free of this limestone barrier. The mean height of the cliff edge may be taken at 1600 feet. They are composed of loose limestone, readily detached, and as this affords poor security for hand or foot, they are dangerous to climb. Everywhere the cliffs are separated from the fields and valleys below by a steep slope of talus or debris, extending downward at an angle of 40 to 50 degrees. This slope is frequently 800 feet in vertical height, sometimes more. The cliff can only be examined in many places by walking along a narrow track made by the sheep where the talus meets the face of the precipice. The top of the talus varies from 900 to 1200 feet above sea level. The source says, nowhere in Ireland is there such an extent of similar cliffs. All the rare plant species can be gathered on the range west of the Glenade Valley, though they are not all confined to it. The writers recorded full particulars of the plants found by themselves or noted by Mr. Corry.

19. Lough Gill soundings of 1880

    near Lough Gill · lake or lakes · Kerry · 1880

    In 1880, E. T. Hardman of the Geological Survey took soundings in Lough Gill, finding depths of up to 116 feet. The lake sits in a rock basin with surplus water escaping over horizontal limestone beds.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    The surface of Lougli Gill is but twenty feet above higbwater mark, and the depth is considerable. In the year 1880 soundings in the lake were taken by the late E. T. Hardman, of the Geological Survey, with the following results : — The principal section ran along the centre of the lake from end to end, commencing at the exit of the Eiver Garvogue (fig. 45), passing by the south shore of Church Island, and continuing on to Shriff Bay. The depths along this line were in some places considerable ; between Cottage Island and Church Island 65 feet ; one mile from the latter island 96 feet ; a little further on, eastward, it was 97 feet ; other depths were 99, 105, and 116 feet, the last being the greatest yet found, and this lay a little more than a mile from the east end of Church Island and one mile three-quarters from the east end of the lake ; from this on to the termination of the section at Shriff, the lake sliallowed again. The other section showed 63 feet at thirty yards from the shore, increasing to 88 and 103 feet — the latter depth being found half a mile east of Goat Island, directly opposite to Bunowna Bay ; from Church Island to Holywell, and from thence to Wolf Island, near the Garvogue Eiver, the greatest depths were 34 and 41 feet respectively (see fig. 45), At the time these soundings were taken the water was exceptionally low — at least 10 feet below the ordinary winter level — so that it would be necessary to add 5 feet to the above figures in order to obtain the average depth. The waters of Lough Gill are retained practically in a rock basin, and the surplus water escapes over beds of limestone lying in a nearly horizontal position.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    Lough Gill sits only twenty feet above high-water mark, but beneath that surface the water runs deep. In 1880, a man named E. T. Hardman of the Geological Survey came here to take soundings. He ran his principal section along the centre of the lake from end to end, starting at the exit of the River Garvogue, passing by the south shore of Church Island, and continuing on to Shriff Bay. The depths he found were considerable. Between Cottage Island and Church Island he measured 65 feet. One mile from Church Island he found 96 feet, and a little further east, 97 feet. Other depths along that line were 99, 105, and 116 feet. That 116 feet was the greatest depth yet found, lying a little more than a mile from the east end of Church Island and one mile and three-quarters from the east end of the lake. From there on to Shriff, the lake shallowed again. A second section showed 63 feet at thirty yards from the shore, increasing to 88 and 103 feet. The 103 feet lay half a mile east of Goat Island, directly opposite Bunowna Bay. From Church Island to Holywell, and from there to Wolf Island near the Garvogue River, the greatest depths were 34 and 41 feet. At the time the soundings were taken, the water was exceptionally low, at least 10 feet below the ordinary winter level, so you would need to add 5 feet to those figures to get the average depth. The waters of Lough Gill are held in a rock basin, and surplus water escapes over beds of limestone lying nearly horizontal.

20. Lough Talt trout quality varies by shore

    near Lough Talt · lake or lakes · Sligo

    Trout on one side of Lough Talt were considered poor due to large heads, while those on the opposite shore were of excellent shape, size, and flavour. The difference was attributed to the feeding ground, with gravelly bottom at one end and soft peat at the other.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    At one side of Lough Talt the trout are not considered good, the head being large, whilst those on the opposite shore of the lake are of excellent shape, size, and flavour. This is supposed to be produced by the feeding ground at the two extremities of tliis sheet of water causing a slight difference in the taste, as well as growth, of the fish ; at one end the lake bottom is gravelly, but at the other is soft peat. In some lakes the trout are supposed to be blind. Lough Nabrackkeagh (the lake of the blind trout), in the townland of Castlecarragh, parish of Kilmacteigue, was doubtless so named in accordance with this belief. Beranger, in his tour through Sligo in the last century, recounts of the Castle of Hosslee — which is situated near Portland — a story common to many abbeys, monasteries, and castles in Ireland. Beranger's words are : — " Tradition has banded down a peculiar anecdote of the proprietor of this castle, who must have been a great epicure in fish. The castle stands on the sea-shore, and next to it runs a rivulet, much frequented by salmon ; in this rivulet the proprietor had contrived to build a trap, tlie door of which liad a wire communicating with a bell in the kitchen of the castle. As soon as a salmon entered the trap, the bell rang, and the servants went immediately, fetched the salmon, and dressed it for their master."

    In the eighteenth century Irishmen (whether of Celtic or Saxon race) loved music and poetry ; this taste, no doubt, was

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 199

    As the companion tells it

    Lough Talt, which the road passes near, holds a curiosity recorded in the history of Sligo. The trout caught on one side of the lake were not considered good, the head being large. Those on the opposite shore were of excellent shape, size, and flavour. This is supposed to be produced by the feeding ground at the two extremities of this sheet of water, causing a slight difference in the taste as well as the growth of the fish. At one end the lake bottom is gravelly, but at the other is soft peat. In some lakes the trout are supposed to be blind. Lough Nabrackkeagh, the lake of the blind trout, in the townland of Castlecarragh, parish of Kilmacteigue, was doubtless so named in accordance with this belief. Beranger, in his tour through Sligo in the last century, recounted of the Castle of Hosslee, situated near Portland, a story common to many abbeys, monasteries, and castles in Ireland. Beranger's words are: "Tradition has handed down a peculiar anecdote of the proprietor of this castle, who must have been a great epicure in fish." The castle stands on the sea-shore, and next to it runs a rivulet, much frequented by salmon. In this rivulet the proprietor had contrived to build a trap, the door of which had a wire communicating with a bell in the kitchen of the castle. As soon as a salmon entered the trap, the bell rang, and the servants went immediately, fetched the salmon, and dressed it for their master.

21. Mullaghmore and Ballinful rainfall contrast

    Mullaghmore · town · Sligo · 1880–1890

    Rainfall stations at Mullaghmore on the north coast and Ballinful, lying between Mullaghmore and Markree, showed markedly different averages despite proximity. Mullaghmore's fall was similar to Markree's, while Ballinful recorded about ten inches less.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    " At Doo Castle in the south, the fall is near the mean between the extremes. At Markree and Mount Shannon, near together, and both in the centre of the county, the falls are high and agree very closely. In the extreme north at Mullaghmore the full is very similar, but at Ballinful, between the two, the amount is ten inches less.

    "All the stations are in the cast of the county, and it does not appear that a record has ever been kept in the western and more hilly half, where there is every reason to suppose that the fall would be greater."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 262

    As the companion tells it

    Up here at Mullaghmore on the north coast, rainfall records were kept in the 1880s, and the figures tell a curious story. Mullaghmore's rainfall was very similar to Markree's, both high. But at Ballinful, which lies between Mullaghmore and Markree, the recorded fall was about 10 inches less, despite being so close. All these stations were in the east of the county. No record was ever kept in the western, more hilly half, where the fall would likely have been greater still.

22. Mullaghmore Head roadstead and harbour

    Mullaghmore · town · Sligo

    Mullaghmore Head, nearly 200 feet in height, has a roadstead and harbour on its south-east side where vessels drawing ten feet may enter at high tide with westerly gales. However, it is subject to a dangerous ground-swell and the sea breaks over the shallow anchorage outside.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    ing craft and small coasting vessels may lie in perfect security. EiOsskeeragh is a low rocky point that juts out from the sandy shore, and next to it is MuUaghmore Head, nearly 200 feet in height. The roadstead and harbour are on the south-east side of this promontory, but although with westerly gales vessels drawing ten feet of water may enter at high tide, yet it is subject to a dangerous ground-swell, and the sea breaks all over the shallow anchorage outside.

    Sligo Bay comprehends the deep bight between Lenadoon on the west and Ballyconnel Point on the east : at tte head of this bight are the three inlets of Ballysadare, Sligo, and Drumcliff. The south, or Tireragh shore is low and rocky, rising, however, in the interior to an elevation, in some places, of nearly 2000 feet. From Lenadoon eastward to Cooanmore Point is a distance of four miles, and the little inlet lying between it and Aughris Head is called Dromore Bay ; here, on the eastern side, there is a sandy bottom, affording good anchorage when the wind is off the shore, and outside, is Pollnadivna Ledge, a dangerous rocky shoal. Aughris Head forms a conspicuous landmark ; on its east side there is a small bay which affords shelter to fishing craft during off-shore winds.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 110

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Mullaghmore in Sligo, the head here rises nearly 200 feet, with its roadstead and harbour on the south-east side. Fishing craft and small coasting vessels can lie there in perfect security, and with westerly gales, vessels drawing 10 feet of water may enter at high tide. But it is subject to a dangerous ground-swell, and the sea breaks all over the shallow anchorage outside.

23. National Bank run defeated in Sligo, 1840

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1840

    The National Bank opened a branch in Sligo. In November 1840 a run was made on it which was defeated, but shortly afterwards the branch was withdrawn from the town.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    The National Bank also opened a branch in Sligo. In November, 1840, there was a run on it which was defeated, but shortly afterwards the branch was withdrawn.

    The Bank of Ireland (created circa 1783) had a complete monopoly of banking business for nearly forty years. According to its charter, no one individual was permitted to possess in it more than £10,000 in shares, and amongst the seven subscribers who alone contributed the maximum amount appears the name of the Bight Hon, Joshua Cooper. The Bank of Ireland first issued " dollars " marked " Bank Token ; " then bank tokens were issued by the Treasury to the Bank of Ireland; they were of silver, value for 5f/., lOcl., and 30f/., to answer as change for £1, twenty-four 10^/. tokens being fractionally less than twenty shillings. The copper coins consisted of pence, half-pence, and farthings, 13c?. being equal to Is. British.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 89

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this is the town where the National Bank opened a branch in 1840. That November, depositors panicked and made a run on the bank, but the run was defeated. Despite surviving that crisis, the branch was withdrawn from Sligo shortly afterwards.

24. New Sligo–Ballina road via Tanrego and Dromore West

    Dromore West · population centre · Sligo · 1810–1815

    The most important road built in later times led from Sligo to Ballina, with the new portion leaving the old line at Tanrego and taking a direct course to Dromore West through the bogs. It was about 27 miles long and was made approximately eighty years before the book's writing.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    The most important road made in later times is that leading from Sligo to Ballina ; the new portion of this, left the old line at Tanrego, taking a direct course to Dromore West, and thence through the bogs to Ballina : it is about 27 miles in length, and was made about eighty years ago.

    The old road from Sligo to Ballyfarnon turned off from the Slieve-da-en road to Boyle, in the neighbourhood of Rusheen, and passed down by Eockbrook, St, James's Well, and along the foot of the mountains, through Tullymore to Geevagh, and Foyoges to Ballyfarnon. This road has been now for a long time unused ; the present line was probably made about 1820.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 100

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Dromore West on this road. The most important road built in later times led from Sligo to Ballina. The new portion left the old line at Tanrego and took a direct course to Dromore West, then through the bogs to Ballina. It was about 27 miles long, made around 1810 to 1815.

25. Outdoor relief and destitution in Sligo Union districts, 1879–80

    Lissadell · street · Cork · 1879–1880

    Over 500 persons in the Sligo Union received outdoor relief costing £1300 per annum. The Lissadell West and Magherowe districts were in a sad state of destitution, and large tracts in Tireragh were equally afflicted. In spring 1880 the distress became severe and widespread across County Sligo.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    There were in the Sligo Union over 500 persons, including children, in receipt of outdoor relief, costing at the rate of £1300 per annum.

    The Lissadell West and Magherowe districts were in a sad state of destitution, and large tracts in Tireragh were in the same condition. At this critical juncture the Duchess of

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 40

    As the companion tells it

    This is Lissadell. In 1879 and 1880, over 500 persons in the Sligo Union, including children, were in receipt of outdoor relief, costing at the rate of £1300 per annum. The Lissadell West and Magherowe districts were in a sad state of destitution, and large tracts in Tireragh were in the same condition.

26. Out-door relief expenditure growth in Sligo Union, 1863–1888

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1863–1889

    Out-door relief in the Sligo Union grew from 18 recipients at a weekly cost of £0 6s. 0d. in June 1863 to 582 recipients costing £26 14s. 6d. weekly by June 1883. Expenditure on stimulants and tobacco for workhouse inmates also rose steadily, reaching nearly £90 per annum by 1889.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    The increase in the use of stimulants and tobacco has also been steadily progressive. In 1876 the outlay was but £28, in 1881 £77, whilst in 1889 it was nearly £90 per annum.

    By the " Medical Charities Act," the guardians have now under their control five dispensaries, with seven medical officers, for the treatment of the sick and indigent within the union ; medicines and medical appliances are supplied to those who are too poor to pay.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 83

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo saw out-door relief grow sharply over twenty years. In June 1863, 18 people received it, costing six shillings a week. By June 1883, 582 people depended on it, at 26 pounds 14 shillings and sixpence weekly. Inside the workhouse, spending on stimulants and tobacco rose too: 28 pounds in 1876, 77 pounds in 1881, nearly 90 pounds a year by 1889. Under the Medical Charities Act, guardians ran five dispensaries with seven medical officers for the sick and indigent.

27. Poor-rates struck on Sligo Union electoral divisions, 1843

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1843

    In 1843 poor-rates were levied across the electoral divisions of the Sligo Union, ranging from as low as 2¼d. in Carney, Ballysadare, Coolaney, Drumfin, and Templeboy to as high as 1s. 0d. in Lissadell, Rossinver, Cloonacool, Skreen, and Dromard. The rates rose dramatically during the famine years, reaching about 8s. in the pound.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    The following poor-rates were struck on the various electoral divisions in the year 1843 : —

    " Knocknarea, 6d. ; Kilmacowen, 5d. ; Calry, 7^d. ; Drumcliff, 5d.; Carney, 2^d. ; Lissadell, Od. ; Rossinver, Od. ; Cliffoney, 5d. ; Ballysadare, 2id. ; Coolaney, 2id. ; Collooney, 5d. ; Ballintoglier, 5d. ; Ballinakill, 7id. ; Eiverstown, Hd. ; Drumfin, 2id. ; Ballymote, ] Od. ; Cloonoghill, 5d. ; Tubbercurry, 5d. ; Cloonacool, Od.; Templeboy, 2^d. ; Skreerij Od. ; Dromard, Od.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 81

    As the companion tells it

    In 1843, Sligo town lay within a union where poor-rates were struck across its electoral divisions. Carney, Ballysadare, Coolaney, Drumfin, and Templeboy paid the least, at two and a quarter pence in the pound. Lissadell, Rossinver, Cloonacool, Skreen, and Dromard paid the most, at one shilling. In the famine years these levies reached about eight shillings in the pound.

28. Presbyterian Church in Sligo first recorded, 1655

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1655

    The Presbyterian Church in Sligo is first mentioned in a 1655 Dublin Castle manuscript listing the Civil Establishment of the Commonwealth for Ireland, which granted £100 per annum to minister John Wilkinson for Sligo, then included in the ecclesiastical Precinct of Galway.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    Commonwealth for Ireland, 1G55," where amongst the allowances granted to ministers, there is one of £100 per annum to John "Wilkinson, for Sligo, which was then included in the ecclesiastical " Precinct of Galvvay."

    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.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 69

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, the Presbyterian story here goes back to 1655, when a Dublin Castle manuscript listing the Civil Establishment of the Commonwealth for Ireland granted £100 per annum to a minister named John Wilkinson, for Sligo, which was then part of the ecclesiastical Precinct of Galway. The first minister of whom anything definite is known was the Reverend Samuel Henry, who came from the Presbytery of Edinburgh in October 1694 and was ordained in May 1695 to the joint charge of Sligo and Moywater, meaning Ballina. In July 1698 Moywater was separated and Sligo became a distinct congregation under his care. He resigned in 1728. The next recorded minister was the Reverend L. Ash, son of Captain Ash, one of the defenders of Derry, educated in Edinburgh. The Presbytery of Letterkenny, which took 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. The Reverend Joseph King was ordained by the Presbytery of Clogher on August 4, 1784, resigned that same year, and was succeeded 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.

29. Provincial Bank, first bank of issue, opens in Sligo, 1825

    Stephen Street · street · Sligo · 1825–1826

    The Provincial Bank opened as the first Bank of issue in Sligo on 14th November 1825, with temporary business transferred to a house in Stephen Street. Local directors included O. Wynne, William Faussett, and others. The official opening took place on 20th February 1826.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    The Provincial Bank, the first Bank of issue established in Sligo, was opened 14th November, 1825, and the temporary business previously conducted in the locality was transferred to a house in Stephen-street, the following gentlemen being appointed local directors ; — 0. "Wynne ; William Faussett,

    Amount Deposited.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 88

    As the companion tells it

    A bank, the Provincial Bank, the first bank of issue in Sligo. It opened on 14th November 1825, and temporary business was transferred to a house in Stephen Street. Among the local directors appointed were O. Wynne and William Faussett.

30. River Moy bar and Ballina quay navigation

    Ballina · townland · Mayo

    The bar at the entrance of the River Moy has only three feet of water at low tide and is considered dangerous due to heavy swell and quicksand shoals. Two perches on West Bartragh sandhills mark the deepest water, and a commodious quay lies about two miles below Ballina, though vessels are aground at low water.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    LIGO is the only harbour of any account on that portion of the north-west coast here described. At the entrance of the River Moy there is a bar, having at low water a depth of but three feet ; and on account of the heavy swell which usually rolls in, and the quicksand nature of the shoals, it is reputed to be dangerous. Two perches that are erected on West Bartragh sandhills, when brought into line, mark the greatest depth of water over the bar ; from this the navigation is marked by buoys, and at a place called Plott, about four miles from the entrance, the channel becomes very shallow, with not more than two feet at low water. The quay, which lies about two miles below Ballina is commodious, but vessels are aground at low water.

    Northward in Donegal Bay lies the Island of Inismurray : it has dangerous outlying rocks ; its eastern end terminating in a stony spit, which projects to a distance of three-quarters of a mile, the sea breaking over it in heavy weather. Between Inismurray and the mainland there is a clear passage, but a reef, called Cloonagh Bar, extends from Ballyconnel Point in a direction parallel to the shore for about four miles ; in stormy weather it presents an appalling spectacle, for the sea breaks along the entire line of the shoal.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 109

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, the River Moy meets the sea over a dangerous bar. At low water there is only 3 feet of depth, and the swell that rolls in over quicksand shoals made the passage feared. Two perches on the West Bartragh sandhills, when brought into line, mark the deepest water over the bar, and from there the channel is marked by buoys. About 4 miles from the entrance, at a place called Plott, the channel becomes very shallow with not more than 2 feet at low water. The quay, about 2 miles below Ballina, is commodious, but vessels lie aground at low water.

31. Royal Commission investigated Sligo corporation abuses, 1833

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1833

    In consequence of abuses and defective administration in the local government of corporate towns across the United Kingdom, the Crown issued Royal Commissions in 1833, acceding to an address from both Houses of Parliament. The reports from these commissions led to parliamentary action reforming corporate governance.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    The Reform Bill of 1832 threw open the Parliamentary representation of the borough to a considerable electorate. Until the passing of that Imperial Act, the head for the time being of the Wynne family had, from the year 1723, represented, in his own person, the Corporation, and also the electors of Sligo, both for Parliamentary and local pui'poses. In consequence of the abuses and defective administration connected with the local government of all corporate towns in the United Kingdom, the Crown, in 1833, acceding to an address from both Houses of Parliament, issued Eoj^al Commissions, and in consequence of the reports from these bodies. Parliament con-

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 47

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo is coming up along the road. In 1833 the Crown issued Royal Commissions to investigate abuses and defective administration in the local government of corporate towns across the United Kingdom, after both Houses of Parliament pressed for it. Sligo fell under that inquiry. Until the Reform Bill of 1832 opened the borough's parliamentary representation to a wider electorate, the head of the Wynne family had held the seat in his own person from 1723, controlling the Corporation and the electors for both parliamentary and local purposes. The commission reports led Parliament to act, reforming how these towns were governed.

32. Sligo Borough Improvement Bill drafted and debated, 1867

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1867

    A bill for the improvement of the Borough of Sligo was drafted by solicitors Kernaghan and Saunders and presented to the Town Council. After animated debates, the Council decided on 13 November 1867 to proceed with the Bill, which would remodel the constitution of the Town and Harbour Commissioners.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    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.

    On hearing, before a Committee of the House of Commons in 1867, the preamble was by tliem declared not proved ; they judged it then to be — what it really was — a mere legal speculation. In the following year, 1868, it was again introduced and

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 52

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the town of Sligo, this is the place where a battle over municipal power played out in 1867. The Town Council had long chafed at their limited authority over taxation. Back in 1855 they tried to extend the borough boundaries to match the parliamentary ones under the Town's Improvement Act, but the Lord Lieutenant refused consent because the move was aimed purely at raising extra taxes. A group of councillors would not let the matter drop. They contested the West Ward, got their nominees elected, and had solicitors Kernaghan and Saunders draft a bill for the improvement of the Borough of Sligo. It was suddenly presented to a meeting of the Town Council and sparked very animated debates. On 13 November 1867 the Council decided to proceed with the Bill after some changes to the draft, and the Corporation seal was affixed in December. The Bill would have remodelled the constitution of the Town and Harbour Commissioners, and comparatively few of that body supported it. When it reached a Committee of the House of Commons, the preamble was declared not proved. They judged it to be, what it really was, "a mere legal speculation." It was reintroduced the following year, 1868.

33. Sligo Borough Trade Registration and Quarterage By-Law

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1731–1732

    In 1731 and 1732, Provost Owen Wynne enacted stringent by-laws requiring all traders in the Borough of Sligo to register their names, agree to pay quarterage, and provide security for good behaviour. Foreigners had to produce certificates before being licensed, and neglecting to comply meant shops were shut.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    ^^ Borough of Sligo, — At a Court held for the said Borough by Owen Wynne, Esq., Provost, July 18th, 1732. Ordered by the Provost of the said Borough, pursuant to the By-Law made by tlie Provost and Free Burgesses of the said Borough, the 24th day of June, 1731 : That all persons, inhabiting in the Town of Sligo, exercising any trade, art, or mystery in the said Borough, ail sellers, or any other occupation, shall forthwith enter their names upon record before Laurence Vernon, Recorder of the said Borough, and agree with him for quarterage, giving security for tlieir good behaviour in the said Borough, and in the sum of three pounds six shillings and eight pence to indemnify the said Borough. And that all foreigners shall produce certificates, from whence they come, before they are licensed to follow any trade or business in the said Corporation.

    " Owen "Wynne, Provost.''^

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 52

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town where, in 1731 and 1732, Provost Owen Wynne cracked down hard on anyone trading within the borough. A by-law made by the Provost and Free Burgesses on the 24th of June, 1731, required every person exercising any trade, art, or mystery, all sellers, or any other occupation, to enter their names upon record before Laurence Vernon, the Recorder, and agree with him for quarterage. They had to give security for their good behaviour, in the sum of three pounds six shillings and eight pence, to indemnify the borough. Foreigners had to produce certificates showing where they came from before they could be licensed to follow any trade or business. The summary notes that neglecting to comply meant shops were shut.

34. Sligo Militia annual training under canvas at Rosses Point

    Rosses Point · town · Sligo

    Due to insufficient barrack accommodation in Sligo town, the County Sligo Militia carried out their annual training under canvas at Rosses Point, about four miles distant. The artillery brigade was styled the 'Duke of Connaught's Own Sligo Artillery.'

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    formed into an Artillery Brigade, the officers being allowed no compensation for the change of uniform. At that period it was styled " 8th Brigade (Duke of Connaught's Own) North- Irish Division, R.A." Its present designation is "The Duke of Connaught's Own Sligo Artillery, South Division, E.A." The want of sufficient Barrack accommodation in the town causes the Militia now to go through their course of annual training under canvas at Rosses' Point — four miles distant.

    Appendix C contains a list of Officers of the Oo. Sligo Regiment, showing the rank last held by each, from the year 1793 to 1890.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Rosses Point, you're near where the County Sligo Militia once pitched camp each year. There wasn't enough barrack space back in Sligo town, so the militia carried out their annual training under canvas here, about four miles from the barracks. They'd been formed into an artillery brigade, and the officers received no compensation for the change of uniform. At one period the unit was styled the 8th Brigade, Duke of Connaught's Own, North-Irish Division. Its later designation was the Duke of Connaught's Own Sligo Artillery, South Division. The record also notes a list of officers of the County Sligo Regiment running from 1793 to 1890.

35. Sligo Town Council Repealers pledge bloc voting, 1845

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1845

    At a meeting of the Repeal Association in Dublin on 24 November 1845, O'Connell read a communication from the Repeal members of the Sligo Town Council. They pledged to determine all Corporation and Borough questions by the majority of Repealers, without reference to the Tory party.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    At a meeting of the Repeal Association held in Dublin on the 24th November, 1845, O'Connell read a communication from the " Repeal " members of the Town Council of Sligo, by which they pledged " themselves, one and all, on good faith and honour, that in future every question arising in the Corporation and Borough should be determined on and acted on by the decision of the majority of the Repealers without any reference to, or deriving any assistance from, the Non-Repeal or Tory party."

    On the 4th August, 1847, John Patrick Somers was again returned as member for the borough, but in 1848 he was unseated on petition ; and in April there was a new election, his

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 26

    As the companion tells it

    As the road carries you through Sligo town, there is a piece of political history from 1845. At a meeting of the Repeal Association in Dublin on 24 November that year, O'Connell read a communication from the Repeal members of the Sligo Town Council. They pledged themselves, on good faith and honour, that every question arising in the Corporation and Borough would be determined by the majority of Repealers, without any reference to or assistance from the Tory party.

36. Tree nurseries at Oakfield and Ballintivnan, 1797

    Ballytivnan · townland · Sligo · 1797

    In 1797 there were two tree nurseries in Sligo, one near Oakfield and the other at Ballintivnan, and the sale of trees from them was considerable. This reflects early efforts at afforestation in a county where tree cover was limited by thin soil and westerly winds.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    thinness of the soil, also to the prevalence of westerly winds, and the want of copsing. In 1797, there were in Sligo two nurseries for trees, one situated near Oakfield, the other at Balljtivnan ; the sale was considerable.

    Evergreens flourished in tlie county, probably owing to the moisture of the climate, and the comparative mildness of the winters. Inglis, describing the environs of Sligo, says : — *' Finer evergreens I never saw in the most southern counties ; the laurels and bays grown into great trees rivalled, if they did not surpass, those of Woodstock or Curraghmore ; and here again I found the arbutus' . . . giving to the scenery all that advantage of colouring which is the boast of Killarney. Tlie timber too ... is equal to almost any I have seen ; and I often found myself pausing before some magnificent ash, oak, elm, or lime, throwing its deep shade across the green amphitheatre which it seemed to have made for itself."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 142

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1797, there were two tree nurseries in Sligo, one near Oakfield and the other close to Ballytivnan, and the sale of trees from them was considerable. Tree cover in the county had always been held back by thin soil and westerly winds, so these nurseries were part of an early effort to put down more roots. Evergreens did well, probably because of the moist climate and the mild winters. A writer named Inglis described the environs of Sligo and said, "Finer evergreens I never saw in the most southern counties," with laurels and bays grown into great trees. He also paused before magnificent ash, oak, elm and lime trees throwing deep shade across the green. So despite the poor soil, the land could still grow something worth stopping for.

37. William Dorran drowned crossing to Coney Island, 1823

    Inishmulclohy or Coney Island · townland · Sligo · 1823

    William Dorran, proprietor of Coney Island (sometimes called Dorran's Island), was drowned while crossing over to his house on the island on 9 March 1823. The island was informally known by his name during his ownership.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    ' A Mr. "William Dorran, the then proprietor of the island — hence it was sometimes styled Dorran's Island — was drowned whilst crossing over to his house, on the 9th March, 1823.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 193

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, a man named William Dorran lost his life in 1823. He was the proprietor of Coney Island, and people sometimes called it Dorran's Island after him. On the 9th of March that year, he was drowned while crossing over to his house on the island.

38. Wrensborough Catholic chapel rebuilding funded by vestry rate, 1832

    Killaspugbrone · townland · Sligo · 1832

    At an adjourned vestry meeting of the Union of St. John's on 29 May 1832, it was resolved to recommend cess-payers contribute toward rebuilding the Roman Catholic chapel of Wrensborough in the parish of Killaspugbrone. The rector Charles Hamilton and churchwarden John Martin signed the resolution.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    "That although at the Vestry it cannot be legally imposed as a parish rate, yet that it is recommended to the several cess-payers of the Union to contribute at the rate of twopence per acre on the land, and one halfpenny per pound sterling on the value of the houses in Sligo, as a sum of money to be applied in assisting the expense of rebuilding the Roman Catholic chapel of Wrensborough, in the parish of Killaspugbrone, and the churchwardens are hereby requested to direct the collector to receive a separate collection accordingly, to be appropriated by them for such purpose.

    " Chaeles Hamiltox, Rector. " Jonx Martin, Churchwarden.''^

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 69

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Killaspugbrone, there once stood a Roman Catholic chapel at Wrensborough that was in need of rebuilding. On the 29th of May 1832, an adjourned vestry meeting of the Union of St. John's agreed that although it could not be legally imposed as a parish rate, the cess-payers should contribute toward the cost. The recommended rate was twopence per acre on the land and a halfpenny per pound sterling on the value of houses in Sligo. The rector Charles Hamilton and churchwarden John Martin signed the resolution directing the collector to take a separate collection for the purpose.

39. 1846 Sligo Harbour Act defines port limits and harbour dues

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1846

    In 1846 the third local Act for Sligo was passed, chiefly to define Harbour-dues on imports and exports and to require that the limits of the Port and Harbour be clearly marked by landmarks. MPs for the county and borough were disqualified as ex-officio Board members.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    In 1846 (9 Yict. c. 24) was passed the third local Act, amending that of 1803. Its chief object was to define the Harbour-dues to be levied upon articles of import and export, but other alterations in the prior Act were also introduced ; by it the Members of Parliament for the County and Borough, who seldom attended, were disqualified from being ex-officio Members of the Board; and it was enacted, that the limits of the Port and Harbour were to be clearly defined by landmarks. This Bill was introduced by the Harbour Commissioners themselves, under charge of three members of that body ; and it was subsequently alleged that sufficient provision was not made, or sufficient care taken for proper equalization of the numerous Harbour-dues.

    Before the passing of the fourth local Act (1869) Sligo had

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 48

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, it is worth knowing that 1846 brought the third local Act for the town, amending one from 1803. Its chief purpose was to define the harbour dues on imports and exports. The Harbour Commissioners introduced the Bill themselves, under charge of three of their members. The Act also disqualified the Members of Parliament for the County and Borough from being ex-officio members of the Board, since they seldom attended. It required that the limits of the port and harbour be clearly marked by landmarks. Afterward it was alleged that not enough care had been taken for proper equalisation of the many dues.

40. Ardcotten named from Irish 'cutteen' meaning commonage

    Ardcotten · townland · Sligo

    The Irish word 'cutteen,' designating commonages near towns and villages, gave its name to Ardcotten — meaning 'the hill of the commonage' — near the village of Ballysadare, according to Dr. Joyce.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    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.

    In olden times " The Commons " appear to have been set to a member of the Corporation, generally on a lease of 41 years ; in 1744, when the Messrs. De Butt were pressed for their rent, they pleaded, as a set-off, a sum of £60 which was to have been paid to them, in the year 1719, in three equal instalments, and numerous instances occur in which the land was set to members of the Corporation ; in later times it appears to have been disposed of by public cant; in 1855 the Town Council resolved to procure the outside value for the lands, and The Sliijo C//anipion newspaper of tliat year thus comments on the subject : —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 48

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is Ardcotten, a name that comes down from the Irish word cutteen, meaning commonage — land held in common near towns and villages. Dr. Joyce tells us that Ardcotten means the hill of the commonage, and it sits near the village of Ballysadare. The same word, in its plural form, gave its name to Cutteenta in the parish of Dromard. Commonages like these were not unusual. Until 1842, the Corporation held about 20 acres of land called The Commons, along with a plot once used as a pound for cattle but later built upon. The revenue from these lands did not amount to 100 pounds per annum, and the Patron of the borough applied it to the payment of the Provost. In older times, The Commons were leased to a member of the Corporation, generally for a term of 41 years. In 1744, the Messrs. De Butt, pressed for their rent, pleaded as a set-off a sum of 60 pounds that was to have been paid to them in 1719, in three equal instalments. Many such leases to Corporation members appear in the records. In later years the land was disposed of by public cant, and in 1855 the Town Council resolved to procure the outside value for the lands.

41. Ballysadare Bay choked with sandbanks

    Ballysadare · townland · Sligo

    Ballysadare Bay is choked with sandbanks and exposed to the north-west swell, with no buoys to mark the channel. With the assistance of a skilful pilot, small vessels may go up to near the mills of Ballysadare at high water.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    Ballj'sadare Bay is choked with sandbanks and exposed to the north-west swell. There are no buoys to mark the channel, but with the assistance of a skilful pilot, small vessels may go up to near the mills of Ballysadare at high water.

    The entire of this littoral — with the exception of the entrance to the port of Sligo — is unlighted ; in 1876 the Grand Jury represented to the Government — but in vain — that the coast for many miles west from Sligo, all the way to Eagle Island in Erris, was totally unlit, and many casualties had actually occurred from this cause. It was suggested that the point of Kinnasharragh — a low, dangerous shoal near Easky — appeared a site suitable in all respects for the lighting of this part of the coast.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 110

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, Ballysadare Bay is choked with sandbanks and exposed to the north-west swell, with no buoys to mark the channel. With a skilful pilot, small vessels can reach near the mills of Ballysadare at high water. The whole of this coast, except for the entrance to the port of Sligo, is unlighted. In 1876 the Grand Jury represented to the Government, but in vain, that the coast for many miles west from Sligo, all the way to Eagle Island in Erris, was totally unlit, and many casualties had actually occurred from this cause. They suggested that the point of Kinnasharragh, a low, dangerous shoal near Easky, appeared a site suitable in all respects for lighting this part of the coast.

42. Billa townland and the sacred tree tradition

    Balla · town · Mayo

    The townland of Billa in the parish of Ballysadare preserves the name of a sacred tree (bile). A manuscript in the Royal Irish Academy also describes a 'fern tree' in the parish of Kilmacteige.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    " Honey-tree " is the remarkable designation of an old sycamore in the townland of Coollemoneen, in the parish of Killadoon, and it is so styled on the Ordnance Survey maps. It stands on a mound surrounded by stones, some of which are so disposed as to simulate the form of a rude altar. Like many other old and solitary- growing trees, it has legends and traditions attached to it, some of which are yet current among the old people of the neighbourhood. "Bile" (billa), remarks P. W. Joyce, " signifies a large tree . . . ' JBile ' was generally applied to a large tree, which for any reason was held in veneration by the people ; for instance, one under which their chiefs used to be inaugurated, or periodical games celebrated. Trees of this kind were regarded with intense reverence and affection. One of the greatest triumphs that a tribe could achieve over their enemies was to cut down their inaugui'ation tree, and no outrage was more keenly resented, and when possible visited with sharper retribution. . . . These trees were pretty common in past times ; some of them remain to this day, and are often called Bell trees, or Bellow trees — an echo of the old word, Bile. In most cases, however, they have long since disappeared, but their names remain in many places to attest their former existence." There is a townland of Billa, in the parish of Ballysadare ; and in a MS. in the Library, Royal Irish Academy, one such tree, which is styled " the fern tree," situated in the parish of Kilmacteige, is described in an account of the district.

    This veneration for, or even perhaps ancient worship of trees is singular. Carlyle, in his " Hero Worship," states that amongst the old Norse, life was figured as a tree.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 187

    As the companion tells it

    Near Balla, the old Irish word for a sacred tree still echoes in the landscape. The word is bile, and P. W. Joyce tells us it signifies a large tree held in veneration by the people. A tree under which their chiefs used to be inaugurated, or where periodical games were celebrated. These trees were regarded with intense reverence and affection. One of the greatest triumphs a tribe could achieve over their enemies was to cut down their inauguration tree. No outrage was more keenly resented, and when possible visited with sharper retribution. These trees were once common. Some remain to this day, often called Bell trees or Bellow trees, an echo of the old word bile. In most cases they have long since disappeared, but their names remain in many places to attest their former existence. There is a townland of Billa in the parish of Ballysadare, keeping the name. And in a manuscript in the Library of the Royal Irish Academy, one such tree, styled the fern tree, situated in the parish of Kilmacteige, is described in an account of the district. In the townland of Coollemoneen in the parish of Killadoon, an old sycamore bears the remarkable designation of Honey-tree, marked so on the Ordnance Survey maps. It stands on a mound surrounded by stones, some disposed so as to simulate the form of a rude altar. Like many solitary old trees, it has legends and traditions attached, some yet current among the old people of the neighbourhood. Carlyle, in his Hero Worship, states that amongst the old Norse, life was figured as a tree.

43. Burgess oath of office for the Corporation of Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    The oath taken by a Burgess of the Corporation of Sligo bound the officeholder to serve the King and the town's inhabitants, administer equal justice to rich and poor, keep all orders of the Common Council, and never disclose any council secret prejudicial to the Corporation. The text provides a detailed glimpse into the civic governance structures of the borough.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    ' ' You shall swear that you well and truly shall serve our Sovereign Lord the King and his Heirs and lawful successors and the inhabitants of this town and Borough of Sligo as one of the Burgesses of the town and shall minister equal justice to poor and rich after the best of your cunning wit and power. And also shall well and truly observe, perform, fulfil and keep all such good order, rules, and compositions, as are, or shall be made, ordered, or established by the Common Council of this town, for the good government thereof, in all things to you appertaining. Axd you sliall not utter or disclose any council or secret thing, or matter touching the fellowship or corporation of the town whereby any prejudice, loss, hindrance, or slander shall, or may arise, grow, or be to the same Corporation; but you shall in all things belonging to the Fellowship and Corporation of the town, faithfully, honestly and indifferently behave yourself for the most benefit, worship, and honesty of the town, and the inhabitants thereof."

    The following — as far as can be ascertained — is a list of the freemen of the Borough of Sligo: —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 51

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town whose Corporation once governed through sworn oaths. A Burgess of the Corporation of Sligo pledged to serve the King and the inhabitants of the town, and to minister equal justice to poor and rich. The officeholder swore to observe, perform, and keep all orders, rules, and compositions made by the Common Council for the good government of the town. The oath also forbade disclosing any council secret that might cause prejudice, loss, hindrance, or slander to the Corporation. The Burgess promised to behave faithfully, honestly, and indifferently in all things belonging to the fellowship and corporation, for the most benefit, worship, and honesty of the town and its inhabitants. The words of the source read, you shall minister equal justice to poor and rich after the best of your cunning wit and power. A list of freemen of the Borough follows in the record, but the oath itself gives a detailed glimpse of how civic governance in the borough was structured.

44. Captain James Hamilton's marine tombstone at St. John's

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1766

    A slab over the grave of Captain James Hamilton, who died in 1766, bears a common 18th-century marine inscription similar to one found in the churchyard at Ballysadare. The verse references Boreas's blasts and Neptune's waves and ends with a reference to meeting Christ.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    It is alleged that, by reason perhaps of cliemieals in the soil, yews will not grow in the chiirch3''ard except in freshlyimported earth, that few, if any, worms burrow in the ground, and that rats do not frequent the place. Like most churchyards in the country, there are few tombs of any antiquity remaining, that of Sir Roger Jones being the oldest. One inscription records the death of a man " who deceased being aged 120 years," and here and there the beholder is startled by sight of the word " executed," in bold lettering ; but it relates, not to the manner of death of the occupant of the tomb, but to the self -advertising of the sculptor. A very common 18th century marine inscription, somewhat similar to that in the churchyard at Ballysadare, may be seen on the slab over the last restiugplace of Captain James Hamilton, who died in 1766 : —

    " Tho' Boreas' blasts and Neptune's waves

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 67

    As the companion tells it

    In the churchyard at St John's in Sligo, it is said that yews will not grow except in freshly imported earth, that few if any worms burrow in the ground, and that rats do not frequent the place. Few tombs of any antiquity remain there. The oldest is that of Sir Roger Jones. One inscription records the death of a man who deceased being aged 120 years. Here and there the word executed appears in bold lettering, but it relates not to the manner of death of the occupant of the tomb, rather to the self-advertising of the sculptor. On the slab over the last resting place of Captain James Hamilton, who died in 1766, there is a common 18th-century marine inscription, somewhat similar to that in the churchyard at Ballysadare. The verse begins with the words, Tho' Boreas' blasts and Neptune's waves, and ends with a reference to meeting Christ.

45. Cloonagh Bar reef from Ballyconnell Point

    Ballyconnell · townland · Sligo

    A reef called Cloonagh Bar extends from Ballyconnell Point parallel to the shore for about four miles. In stormy weather it presents an appalling spectacle as the sea breaks along the entire line of the shoal.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    Northward in Donegal Bay lies the Island of Inismurray : it has dangerous outlying rocks ; its eastern end terminating in a stony spit, which projects to a distance of three-quarters of a mile, the sea breaking over it in heavy weather. Between Inismurray and the mainland there is a clear passage, but a reef, called Cloonagh Bar, extends from Ballyconnel Point in a direction parallel to the shore for about four miles ; in stormy weather it presents an appalling spectacle, for the sea breaks along the entire line of the shoal.

    Off the entrance to Milkhaven are several dangerous rocks : within these are the historic rocks of Carricknaspania and Carricknaneane. Dernish Island forms the western side of the entrance to Milkhaven, a narrow creek, with but two feet of water at its entrance ; its narrow and intricate channel has a pool of twelve feet of water inside Dernish Island, where fish-

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 109

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Ballyconnell, a reef called Cloonagh Bar extends from Ballyconnell Point, parallel to the shore for about four miles. Northward in Donegal Bay lies Inismurray, an island with dangerous outlying rocks. Its eastern end terminates in a stony spit projecting three-quarters of a mile, the sea breaking over it in heavy weather. Between Inismurray and the mainland there is a clear passage, but the reef lies along that stretch. In stormy weather it presents "an appalling spectacle, for the sea breaks along the entire line of the shoal." Four miles of breaking sea along a hidden line of rock, when the weather turns over the bay.

46. Collooney village population nearly halved, 1841-1881

    Collooney · townland · Sligo · 1841–1881

    The village of Collooney had about 650 inhabitants in 1841 but fewer than 400 by 1881, reflecting the broader rural depopulation of County Sligo following the Famine years.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    Villages have decreased in nearly the same proportion ; CoUooney, which in 1841 contained about 650 inhabitants, had in 1881 less than 400. According to the Census of 1881, Ballymote contained 1145 ; TubbercuiTy,§ 1081 ; Bellahy, 274 ; Easky, 374 ; Aclare but 207 souls.

    In regard to general healthiness Sligo bears favourable comparison with other portions of the kingdom. According to computation the town was, for the years 1864 to 1867, one of the healthiest in Ireland, the rates of total deatiis to population being, in 1864, one in 68*7 ; in 1865, one in 63'0 ; in 1866, one in 70'4 ; in 1867, one in 72'3. In the death-rate registered from 1871 to 1880 the county stands second-lowest on the list of the whole of Ireland, with a death-rate of 14-1 per thousand of the population, the premier county, Mayo, having but 13"9, whilst the County Dublin is credited with 262 ; the average death-rate of the whole of Ireland, from 1879 to 1888, being 18-4.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 43

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, a village that once held more people lost nearly half of them. Collooney had about 650 inhabitants in 1841. By 1881, it had fewer than 400. That loss was not unique to this place. The book notes that villages across the county decreased in nearly the same proportion. Ballymote still had 1145 by the Census of 1881, and Tubbercurry had 1081, but smaller places suffered worse. Bellahy had 274. Easky had 374. Aclare had but 207 souls. These were the years after the Famine, when the countryside emptied out. For all that loss, the book records something else about County Sligo in this period. From 1871 to 1880, Sligo had the second-lowest death-rate in all of Ireland, at 14.1 per thousand. Only Mayo was lower, at 13.9. The average for Ireland stood at 18.4.

47. Defeat of Macdonogh in 1865 Sligo Borough election

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1865

    In the Sligo Borough election of 15 July 1865, Francis Macdonogh was defeated, having only 158 votes to his opponent's 166. The constituency had shrunk to 312 voters from 360 in 1859, reflecting the volatile electorate of the borough.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    In the election that took place on the loth July, 1865, Macdonogh was defeated, having only 158 votes to 166 re-

    1 lu 1859, the constituency was 360; in 1865, 312 ; in 1869, 520.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 28

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town saw a close-run thing in July 1865. Francis Macdonogh was defeated in the borough election, taking 158 votes to his opponent's 166. The constituency had shrunk to 312 voters, down from 360 in 1859.

48. Disfranchisement of Sligo Borough

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1868

    Major Laurence E. Knox was unseated on petition following an election. A Commission of Inquiry was subsequently instituted, resulting in the disfranchisement of the Borough of Sligo.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    E.t. Hon. John Wynne, Francis M'Donogh, Q.C., ( Vice Wynne, resigned.) Richard Armstrong, S.L. Major Laurence E. Knox. (Unseated on petition. A Commission of Inquiry instituted, and the Borough disfranchised.)

    Hazlewood. Rutland-square, Dublin.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 220

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this town lost its parliamentary representation after the 1868 election. Major Laurence E. Knox was unseated on petition, and a Commission of Inquiry followed. The result was the disfranchisement of the Borough of Sligo.

49. High barley yields in late 18th-century Tireragh

    Tireragh · barony · Sligo · 1750–1799

    During the latter part of the eighteenth century, Tireragh saw great crops of barley, sometimes yielding as much as 20 barrels to the acre. Oats and wheat were also grown in the area.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    In Tireragh great crops of barley were grown during the latter part of the eighteenth century, the yield being sometimes as much as 20 barrels to the acre. Of oats two barrels of 12 stones were sown, the mean produce being 10 barrels ; of wheat 12 stones were sown, the produce being 6 barrels. The wire- worm was a great enemy to barley, and in 1812 a traveller remarked that comparatively little of that grain was cultivated in Connaught " except on the northern coast of Sligo."

    The introduction of the linen manufacture into the county stimulated everywhere the rearing of crops of flax. A farming cottier, with six or seven acres, would sow six or eight gallons — the quantity of seed required being at the rate of forty gallons per acre — the value, sold on the foot, was, in general, £8 ; and it was calculated that a gallon of seed produced a stone of

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 144

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Tireragh in Sligo, this was barley country in the latter part of the 1700s. Great crops of barley were grown here, sometimes yielding as much as 20 barrels to the acre. Oats were sown too, two barrels of 12 stones, with a mean produce of 10 barrels. Wheat brought 12 stones sown and 6 barrels produced. The wireworm was a great enemy to the barley. By 1812 a traveller noted that comparatively little of that grain was cultivated in Connaught, "except on the northern coast of Sligo." The introduction of the linen manufacture into the county stimulated the rearing of flax everywhere. A farming cottier with six or seven acres would sow six or eight gallons of flax seed, the quantity required being at the rate of forty gallons per acre. The value, sold on the foot, was generally £8.

50. Inishmurray Island dangerous rocks and spit

    Inishmurray · townland · Sligo

    Inishmurray Island in Donegal Bay has dangerous outlying rocks, with its eastern end terminating in a stony spit projecting three-quarters of a mile, over which the sea breaks in heavy weather. A clear passage exists between the island and the mainland.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    Northward in Donegal Bay lies the Island of Inismurray : it has dangerous outlying rocks ; its eastern end terminating in a stony spit, which projects to a distance of three-quarters of a mile, the sea breaking over it in heavy weather. Between Inismurray and the mainland there is a clear passage, but a reef, called Cloonagh Bar, extends from Ballyconnel Point in a direction parallel to the shore for about four miles ; in stormy weather it presents an appalling spectacle, for the sea breaks along the entire line of the shoal.

    Off the entrance to Milkhaven are several dangerous rocks : within these are the historic rocks of Carricknaspania and Carricknaneane. Dernish Island forms the western side of the entrance to Milkhaven, a narrow creek, with but two feet of water at its entrance ; its narrow and intricate channel has a pool of twelve feet of water inside Dernish Island, where fish-

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 109

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Inishmurray lies an island in Donegal Bay that sailors have long had to treat with caution. Inishmurray has dangerous outlying rocks, and its eastern end runs out into a stony spit that projects three-quarters of a mile into the water. The sea breaks over that spit in heavy weather. Between the island and the mainland there is a clear passage, so ships can get through, but a reef called Cloonagh Bar extends from Ballyconnel Point for about 4 miles, running parallel to the shore. In stormy weather that reef presents what the old book calls an appalling spectacle, the sea breaking along the entire line of the shoal. Off the entrance to Milkhaven are several dangerous rocks, and within those lie the historic rocks of Carricknaspania and Carricknaneane.

51. Linen weaving at Ballysadare

    Ballysadare · townland · Sligo

    The linen trade took root in Ballysadare village, where at one period nearly forty looms were in full work. The industry afforded more or less occupation throughout the county before its general decline.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    About the same period that the Ballymote linen trade was started, similar arrangements, but on a smaller scale, were made by Mr. O'Hara, Mr. Knox, and Mr. Wynne, who built houses, procured looms, and encouraged the weaving trade. The present market-house at Collooney was erected by the Cootes before the sale of their property ; it was originally used as a linen-hall, and at the height of the prosperity of the manufacture about fifty weavers found constant employment in the village. The rise and fall of this industry, however, had the same history here as elsewhere in the county. The linen trade took root in most of the country villages ; at one period there were nearly forty looms in full work in the village of Ballysadare ; it afforded more or less occupation throughout the county, and the description of this industry, given by the Bev. James Neligan in 1815, as carried on by his parishioners, is applicable to the entire district : — " The weavers are scattered throughout the villages, having in general a small holding of land, which they cultivate in the same manner as other tenants, and at their leisure times weave pieces for the country people or for themselves. There are good markets for these linens at Sligo and Ballina, where they are sold green, and many of them bought by bleachers in the neighbourhood, who after bleaching them, send them to Dublin or some foreign market." Thus, weaving and spinning were almost universally practised, the latter occupation being that of the women and children, and while the females were engaged in preparing the flax and spinning the yarn, the men were weaving. Yery little land was given with the houses, as it was thought that weaving

    PORT or SLIGO, TRADE AND MANUFACTURE. 245

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 123

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ballysadare, linen weaving was once a living industry. At its height, nearly 40 looms were in full work in the village. The trade was encouraged here much as in Ballymote, by men like Mr. O'Hara, Mr. Knox, and Mr. Wynne, who built houses and procured looms to get weaving started. It gave occupation across the county before the general decline set in.

52. Lough Gill annual boat race course established (1822)

    near Lough Gill · lake or lakes · Kerry · 1822

    The original Lough Gill boat race course ran twice round the lake, nearly eighteen miles, starting from a buoy between Cottage Island and the Hazlewood shore, around buoys at Castle Point, Bunowna, and Shriff, forming two triangles per round.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    The course (as originally laid down) appears to have been twice round the lake — nearly eighteen miles — starting from a buoy placed between Cottage Island and the Hazlewood shore, and around buoys at Castle Point, Bunowna, and Shriff, with a straight run back, thus forming two triangles in each round.

    The following gives the original rules : —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 197

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass Lough Gill, this lake was once the setting for a long boat race laid out in 1822. The original course ran twice round, nearly 18 miles, starting from a buoy between Cottage Island and the Hazlewood shore and rounding buoys at Castle Point, Bunowna, and Shriff, forming two triangles in each round.

53. Methodism introduced to Sligo from Drumsna, c.1757

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1757

    Methodism was likely introduced to Sligo around 1757 when someone connected with the Drumsna Methodist Society settled in the town and invited the preacher stationed at Castlebar. The rector of St. John's, Rev. Rubule Ormsby, did not interfere with this pioneer.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    Of Methodism — the exact date, and the means by which it was introduced into Sligo, are not recorded. It is probable that in 1757 some person connected with the Society in

    L2

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 71

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this is where Methodism likely took root around 1757. Someone connected with the Drumsna Methodist Society settled in the town and invited the preacher stationed at Castlebar. The rector of St. John's, Rev. Rubule Ormsby, did not interfere with this pioneer.

54. New bridge over Owenbeg near Billa

    Billa · townland · Sligo · 1877

    A new bridge over the river Owenbeg, near the village of Billa, was erected at a cost of £500 as part of the flood rebuilding efforts.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    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 close to Billa, a new bridge was put up over the river Owenbeg in 1877. It cost £500. That same August, a sudden flood had destroyed the bridges of Cabragh and Enniscrone, which were rebuilt at a cost of £550. The bridge over the Easky river was also rebuilt, at an expense of £700. So the Owenbeg bridge was part of a wider effort to repair what the floodwaters had taken out across the county that year.

55. No banker in Sligo town or county, c.1804

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1804

    According to a report of the Irish Exchange Committee formed about four years after 1800, there was then no banker in Sligo, either in the town or the county. This underscores the absence of formal banking infrastructure in the area at that time.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    In 1800 "money and paper were equally current." According to a report of the " Irish Exchange Committee," which was formed about four years subsequently, there was then no banker in Sligo, either in the town or county. In 1822, owing to the exceptional state of depression both in trade and agriculture, it was resolved at a meeting of the principal proprietors of the county that they would accept the notes of respectable private banks of Dublin in payment of their rents. This arrangement could not fail to lead to better prices for agricultural produce than the then limited circulation of paper-money would admit of, and also gave an impulse to business.

    Savings' Banks were established in Ireland in 1810, and the first of which a record has been found was " The Savings' Bank " for the benefit of the working-classes. The yearly accounts were published in the newspapers, and the directors would seem to have been gentlemen of local position. In June, 1823, its state does not appear to have been flourishing, as it was alleged " that the Savings' Bank had not been open for some time. Upon inquiry as to the cause it was stated that there was no fund applicable for the payment of a clerk to keep

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 87

    As the companion tells it

    About four years after 1800, the Irish Exchange Committee reported that there was no banker in Sligo, not in the town and not in the county. At that time, as the record puts it, "money and paper were equally current." Without a local banker, the circulation of paper money stayed limited. By 1822, trade and agriculture had fallen into an exceptional depression. At a meeting of the principal proprietors of the county, they resolved to accept the notes of respectable private banks of Dublin in payment of their rents. This arrangement, the record says, could not fail to lead to better prices for agricultural produce than the limited circulation of paper money would admit of, and it gave an impulse to business. Savings banks were established in Ireland in 1810. The first for which a record has been found was called "The Savings' Bank," for the benefit of the working classes. Its yearly accounts were published in the newspapers, and the directors would seem to have been gentlemen of local position. By June 1823 it was not flourishing. It was alleged that the Savings' Bank had not been open for some time. Upon inquiry as to the cause, it was stated that there was no fund applicable for the payment of a clerk.

56. Pollaphuca on Aughris Head

    Aughris Head · promontory · Sligo

    A locality on Aughris Head is called Pollaphuca, a name likely connected with a legend of a pooka or strange hobgoblin.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    quay were haunted by a " black dog " — a form, perhaps, of the pooka. Under present management, however, the improvement of gaslight has banished them. On Aughris Head is a locality styled Pollaphuca ; and it is probably connected with a legend of one of these strange hobgoblins.

    At Seaview, in Tireragh, there is said to be a phantom-coach which at certain periods is driven along the avenue leading to the residence. The coachman is headless, as are also the four black horses harnessed to the chariot. The question may be naturally asked, how does the coachman see to guide his team, and where does he place the bits to guide his four-in-hand ? His head is doubtless, as is usual with duUaghans, under his arm, but where are the heads of the four horses ?

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 192

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Aughris Head, there is a locality called Pollaphuca. The name is probably connected with a legend of one of those strange hobgoblins, a pooka. The old stories tell of such creatures taking the form of a black dog, haunting quays and lonely places. The coming of gaslight was said to have banished them, but the name Pollaphuca remains here, carrying the memory of whatever strange thing was once believed to haunt this coast.

57. Sligo Asylum expansion and patient management

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1856–1889

    The Sligo asylum, serving counties Sligo and Leitrim, saw expenditure rise from about £3,000 in 1856-57 for around 120-143 patients to almost £9,000 in 1889 for 439 patients. The original 30-acre farm was expanded, and sleeping arrangements were converted to dormitories to improve order.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    The expenditure on the Institution has been, of late, increasing considerably ; under the regime of the late Dr. John M'Munn, the first resident medical superintendent (appointed 1852, died 1882), the total disbursement for the years 1856 and 1857 was £3025, and £3109 for maintenance of 120 and 143 patients, respectively ; in the year 1889, it was almost £9000 for 439 patients ; however, the Treasury grant covered one half of this amount, leaving the residue to be defrayed by the tax-payers of the counties of Sligo and Leitrim. The present medical officer in charge is allowed to have an assistant, resident in the house, the visiting and consulting physician being E. C. Mac Dowal, M.D. During the year 1889 the average daily number of patients in the building was 439.

    Lying-in Hospital and House of IIefuge. — In the commencement of the century, i. e. in 1804, £30 was voted by the Grand Jury for the training of a proper nurse, whilst during the year 1819 " fifty poor married lying-in women were attended by the accoucheur." Notices regarding the institution occur from time to time in the columns of the local newspaper.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 79

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Sligo now. The asylum here served both Sligo and Leitrim, and it grew fast over the second half of the century. Under Dr. John M'Munn, the first resident medical superintendent, appointed in 1852, the total spent in 1856 and 1857 was around 3,000 pounds, maintaining 120 and then 143 patients. By 1889 the cost had risen to almost 9,000 pounds for 439 patients. The Treasury grant covered half that amount, leaving the rest to be paid by the taxpayers of the two counties. The medical officer in charge at that time had a resident assistant, and the visiting and consulting physician was E. C. MacDowal. The average daily number of patients in the building in 1889 was 439.

58. Sligo Borough boundary extension sought under 1854 Improvement Act

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1855

    On 5 March 1855, Sligo Town Council resolved to extend the borough boundaries for the Town's Improvement Act to the existing parliamentary boundaries. The Lord Lieutenant refused consent due to the increased area sought solely for extra taxation, and subsequent attempts to revive the scheme failed.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    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.

    On hearing, before a Committee of the House of Commons in 1867, the preamble was by tliem declared not proved ; they judged it then to be — what it really was — a mere legal speculation. In the following year, 1868, it was again introduced and

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 52

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you're in a town that spent over a decade trying to redraw its own borders. The Town Council had long been unhappy with their limited powers over taxation, and on the 5th of March 1855 they resolved that the borough boundaries for the Town's Improvement Act of 1854 be extended to the existing parliamentary boundaries. In June they applied to the Lord Lieutenant for his consent. He refused, on the grounds that the increased area was being sought solely for the purpose of extra taxation. Several attempts to revive the scheme failed, but a few councillors refused to let it drop. Their nominees contested the West Ward and secured seats on the council. A bill for the improvement of the borough was drafted by Messrs Kernaghan and Saunders, acting on instructions from some corporation members in their private capacity, and was suddenly presented to a meeting of the Town Council. Animated debates followed. On the 13th of November 1867 it was finally decided to proceed with the bill after some changes to the draft. The corporation seal was affixed in December, though Kernaghan and Saunders were not formally appointed as solicitors for passing the bill until May of the following year. The bill would have remodelled the constitution of the Town and Harbour Commissioners, and comparatively few of that body favoured it. When it came before a Committee of the House of Commons in 1867, the preamble was declared not proved. They judged it to be, in their words, a mere legal speculation. It was again introduced in 1868.

59. Sligo turf barrel standard and market regulations

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1754–1800

    The Sligo Corporation established standard weights and dimensions for turf barrels used in the town market, with oak-hooped barrels placed for public use. The regulations proved effective for nearly a century, with updated measures introduced in 1800.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    These regulations seem, for nearly one hundred years, to have liad the wished-for effect ; the turf barrels were particularly in requisition, for shortly after the issuing of the above order two " turffe Barr'^^ more, Hooped w^^ oake Hoopes and Iron Handles " were placed in the market.

    Dimensions of a Sligo Turf- barrel.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 118

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Sligo now. Back in the 1750s the corporation here set standard dimensions for turf barrels sold in the town market, and placed two large barrels hooped with oak and fitted with iron handles for public use. Those regulations held for nearly one hundred years before new measures came in around 1800.

60. Sligo waterworks financial success by 1890

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1890

    Within five years the Sligo waterworks realized a net profit of nearly £1,500. In May 1890 the accounts showed a clear profit of £546, and the actual supply of water was abundant enough to meet the needs of a town of 50,000 inhabitants.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    is laid a cast-iron cleansing pipe. The straining tower is of masonry, having near the bottom three outlets, in front of which are placed wire-gauze strainers in oak frames ; through these the water is admitted to the interior of the tower ; they can be moved at pleasure, and are counterbalanced by weights that are suspended in the interior of the tower, and are connected with the strainers by chains passing over pulleys hung in the upper part of the walls. From this tower to the sluice-pit — which is a masonry tower built in the centre of the bank of the reservoir— is placed the sluice on the line of pipes that lead to the town, and which terminates in Stephen-street, opposite New Bridge-street. From this line in which are placed two scouring cocks, the water is distributed through the town in pipes that vary in diameter from eight to three inches, and are provided with street wells, and fire-plugs or hydrants. Sluice- cocks also are placed in the pipes, so that in case repairs should be requisite, the water may be shut off from the various streets or districts ; and provision is also made for supplying the town directly from the Doonally Keservoir, in the event of its being for any purpose necessary to empty the Service Reservoir. Within the last five years the waterworks have realized a net profit of nearly £1,500. In May, 1890, the accounts showed a clear profit of £546, so that financially, it is hoped, the enterprise may prove to be eventually a decided success. The actual supply of water is abundant, and would be sufficient to meet the requirements of a town of 50,000 inhabitants.*

    * The Engineer, 1881, pp. 160-2.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 96

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are near the town's waterworks, which by 1890 had become a financial success. Within five years the scheme realized a net profit of nearly £1,500, and in May 1890 alone the accounts showed a clear profit of £546. The system drew water through a straining tower of masonry, with wire-gauze strainers in oak frames, into pipes that ran to the town and terminated in Stephen Street, opposite New Bridge Street. From there the water was distributed through pipes ranging from eight to three inches in diameter, fitted with street wells, fire-plugs, and sluice-cocks so that any street could be shut off for repairs. Provision was also made to supply the town directly from the Doonally Reservoir if the Service Reservoir ever needed emptying. The actual supply was abundant, sufficient to meet the requirements of a town of 50,000 inhabitants. It was hoped the enterprise would prove eventually a decided success.