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 the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Mrs. Irwin imprisoned at Strandhill fort during the war

   Strandhill · town · Sligo · 1688–1691

   Mrs. Irwin was detained prisoner in a fort at Strandhill after being captured by Sir Teigue O'Regan. She was forced to part with all her possessions, including her wedding ring, to buy bread for her children.

   Read the passage

   but when trying to make their escape from the County they were captured by Sir Teigue O'Regan, who observed, " Though the Fox has escaped I have got the cubs." Mrs. Irwin was detained prisoner in a fort at Strandhill, where she found herself obliged to part with everything belonging to her, even to her wedding ring, in order to procure bread for her children. At the close of the struggle many Protestants found themselves ruined ; their money became exhausted from the pressure on their own resources whilst the war was being carried on. Each side seemed to understand perfectly the art of carrying on the struggle, if possible, at the cost of their adversaries, and the annexed correspondence will be found amusing from the statement of the mode in which repayment was made : —

   " The peticon of Capt° Hugh M'Dermott To the Rt Honno'^'^ Coll. Patt. Sarsfield Command' in Chefe of his mat' fforces in Connought, and to y' Honno^'" Coll. Henry Dillon, L^ Leut. of the County of Sligo.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 2

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Strandhill, this is where Mrs. Irwin was held during the war of 1688 to 1691. She was captured by Sir Teigue O'Regan as she tried to flee the county. He said, "Though the Fox has escaped I have got the cubs." She was detained prisoner in a fort here at Strandhill, and found herself obliged to part with everything belonging to her, even to her wedding ring, in order to procure bread for her children. At the close of the struggle many Protestants found themselves ruined, their money exhausted from the pressure on their own resources while the war was being carried on. Each side seemed to understand the art of carrying on the struggle at the cost of their adversaries.

2. Overcrowded burial grounds in Sligo town prompt crisis

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1846

   By 1846, burials within the borough of Sligo were injurious to public health, worsened by the famine and pestilence. A deputation of clergy, Mayor, Corporation, and health officers appealed to the Grand Jury at summer assizes about the crowded burial grounds.

   Read the passage

   The Cemetery is now in charge of the Corporation of Sligo. Although from the year 1832 burials within the precincts of the borough had been positively injurious to the public health, yet no steps were taken to provide a suitable locality for the purpose until the famine of 1846 and the pestilence which followed again brought the subject into general notice. A numerous deputation from the town of Sligo, headed by the clergy of all denominations, the Mayor, Corporation, and Town and Harbour Commissioners, oflScers of health, &c., waited on the Grand Jury assembled at summer assizes, 1846, to represent the crowded state of the burial grounds in the town, and the injury arising therefrom to the public health.

   On December 1st, 1846, the Town Council expressed their willingness " to let a portion of the Commons, /. e. about four Irish acres, for tlie purpose of a cemetery for the public of all denominations," and on January 7th, 1847, " The Widow Tuohy's Field," part of the " Commons Plot," was thus appropriated, whilst on July 28th of the same year, in compliance with a communication from Government, the deed by which the cemetery was to be constituted was submitted to the clergymen of all denominations. On August 21st, 1848, it was further proposed to make a transfer of the cemetery to the following trustees : — John Wynne, Esq. ; the Protestant and Poman Catholic Rectors ; and clergymen for the time being of all religious denominations ; and on November 25th, 1848, the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury granted permission to set apart three and a-half acres for the purpose.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 92

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, this is a town where the dead once pressed too closely on the living. Burials within the borough had been injurious to public health since 1832, but nothing was done until the famine of 1846 and the pestilence that followed forced the matter into general notice. That summer, a deputation headed by clergy of all denominations, the Mayor, the Corporation, Town and Harbour Commissioners, and officers of health waited on the Grand Jury at the summer assizes of 1846 to represent the crowded state of the burial grounds and the injury to public health arising from them. On December 1st, 1846, the Town Council expressed willingness to let about four Irish acres of the Commons for a cemetery for the public of all denominations. On January 7th, 1847, the Widow Tuohy's Field, part of the Commons Plot, was appropriated for that purpose. By July 28th of the same year, the deed constituting the cemetery was submitted to clergymen of all denominations in compliance with a communication from Government. On August 21st, 1848, it was proposed to transfer the cemetery to trustees: John Wynne, the Protestant and Roman Catholic Rectors, and clergymen for the time being of all religious denominations. On November 25th, 1848, the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury granted permission to set apart three and a-half acres for the purpose.

3. Protestant Orphan Society first meeting

   John Street · street · Sligo · 1840–1889

   The first meeting of the Protestant Orphan Society was held in the school-room in John-street, Sligo, on March 17th, 1840, with 35 orphans admitted and maintenance grants ranging from 30s. to £5. A bazaar later became a major fundraiser, realizing over £300 in 1889.

   Read the passage

   The Rules of the Dublin Orphan Society were adopted, and the first meeting was held in the school-room, John-street, on March 17th, 1840. In the Report read, only thirty-five orphans had been admitted, to whom grants for maintenance, &c., had been made, ranging from 30s. to £5.

   The Society laboured on for several years with very limited financial resources, until it was adopted universally by the county, and gradually became, as it now is, one of its leading and most important institutions. During a lengthened period it depended entirely on card collections, sermons, offertories, and annual subscriptions, but it was largely aided some twentyfive years since by a basket-sale of work, provided by Miss Mary Cooper, of Cooper's Hill, and members of her family, and friends. This latter form of aid developed into a bazaar, managed by the late Mrs. L'Estrange, of Kevinsfort, and Mrs Cooper, of Markree. It still flourishes under a " ladies' committee," and provides fully half the annual income of the Society, the sale in 1889 realizing upwards of £300.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 80

   As the companion tells it

   Along here on John Street in Sligo, the Protestant Orphan Society held its first meeting in the school-room on March 17th, 1840. They adopted the rules of the Dublin Orphan Society, and their report showed 35 orphans had been admitted, with maintenance grants ranging from 30 shillings to £5. The society laboured on for years with very limited money, depending on card collections, sermons, offertories, and annual subscriptions. About 20 years later, Miss Mary Cooper of Cooper's Hill and members of her family organised a basket-sale of work, which grew into a bazaar managed by Mrs. L'Estrange of Kevinsfort and Mrs. Cooper of Markree. That bazaar still provided fully half the society's annual income, and the sale in 1889 realized upwards of £300.

4. Rebel scare panic in Sligo town, May 1797

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1797

   In May 1797 a report spread that a numerous party of rebels were marching to attack Sligo town, causing hours of tumult and terror among inhabitants. The panic proved baseless, and an anonymous satirical poem called The Alarm was composed about the incident.

   Read the passage

   A poem entitled " The Alarm " appeared a few days after a scare that occurred in the town of Sligo, in May, 1797, consequent on a report that a numerous party of rebels were on the march to attack the place. The tumult and terror produced amongst the inhabitants is very wittily described ; the confusion continued during several hours, until it was discovered that no real cause of apprehension existed. The authorship of this once locally celebrated squib was never traced ; many persons were credited with it, but none of the " suspects " were really capable of its composition. Like " The Letters of Junius " the pen that produced it will never be known, and for this secrecy there was ample reason, as in case of the author revealing his identity, he would have had duels on hands for the remainder of his term of life, every inhabitant of any note

   406

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 204

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town with an embarrassing moment in its history. In May 1797, a report spread that a numerous party of rebels was on the march to attack the place. Tumult and terror gripped the inhabitants for several hours until it was discovered that no real cause of apprehension existed. The supposed rebels were a flock of sheep. A satirical poem called The Alarm appeared a few days later, wittily describing the confusion. Its authorship was never traced. Many people were suspected of writing it, but none of the suspects were thought capable of its composition. Like the Letters of Junius, the pen that produced it will never be known. There was ample reason for the secrecy, since whoever revealed his identity would have had duels on his hands for the remainder of his life, from every inhabitant of any note who felt lampooned.

5. Roads blockaded around Sligo during cholera epidemic

   Ballincar · townland · Sligo

   Country people near Sligo erected barricades to prevent anyone from the cholera-stricken town from passing into the countryside. A wall was built across the road near Ballincar, trenches were cut across highways in other directions, and a carrier from Enniskillen was forced to turn back, threatening the town with famine.

   Read the passage

   Tlie newspapers of the time state that the country people of the neighbourhood, in various directions, were acting in a most outrageous manner on the high roads; they cut the ropes of carriers, stopped provisions on the way to the town, insulted and interrupted those who rode, walked, or drove out for exercise or on business; thus severe want was being felt in the town, and the miserable remnant of the population were threatened by their neighbours with a blockade and famine, following on the fearful visitation of God. Some gentlemen on horseback were insulted near Ballincar, where a wall had been built across the I'oad to prevent the passage of people from the town ; in other directions, trenches were cut across the highways; a carrier from Enniskilleu was foreed to turn back, but it is needless to enumerate the many similar cases that occurred; the daily coach between Dublin and Sligo, however, seems to have been allowed to proceed unimpeded, and handbills were therefrom distributed aloug the route giving details of tlie ravages of the epidemic.^

   The period of the cholera visitation was one which brought into prominence the distinctive traits in the character of public officials. Some few fled; but the majority behaved in an exemplary manner, so much so, that when it was proposed

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 35

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Ballincar, during the cholera epidemic, the country people around Sligo turned on the town. They cut the ropes of carriers, stopped provisions on the road, and insulted anyone who rode, walked, or drove out for exercise or business. The people left in the town were threatened with blockade and famine on top of the disease itself. It was near here that gentlemen on horseback were insulted, and a wall was built across the road to stop anyone from the town passing into the country. In other directions trenches were cut across the highways. A carrier from Enniskillen was forced to turn back. The daily coach between Dublin and Sligo, though, seems to have been allowed through. Handbills were dropped from it along the route, giving details of the ravages of the epidemic. The newspapers of the time called all this the work of neighbours, the same people who lived around the stricken town, now sealing it off.

6. Savings Bank for working classes established in Sligo

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1810–1823

   A Savings Bank for the benefit of the working classes was established in Sligo following the introduction of savings banks in Ireland in 1810. By June 1823 it was not flourishing, allegedly because there was no fund to pay a clerk to keep the accounts.

   Read the passage

   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

   176

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 87

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, this was one of the first places in Ireland to have a Savings Bank for the benefit of the working classes, after such banks were established across the country in 1810. Its yearly accounts were published in the newspapers, and its directors were gentlemen of local position. By June 1823, though, it was not flourishing. It was alleged that the Savings Bank had not been open for some time, and upon inquiry the cause stated was that there was no fund applicable for the payment of a clerk to keep the accounts.

7. St. John's churchyard soil preserves bodies as adipocere

   Sligo · town · Sligo

   The soil of St. John's churchyard in Sligo possesses peculiar qualities such that buried bodies do not decay in the ordinary manner. Adipocere, a soft waxy substance into which fat and muscular fibre are converted, has often been found in large quantities when the ground was opened for fresh interments.

   Read the passage

   The soil of the churchyard presents some peculiarities. There is little doubt that bodies buried in it do not decay in the ordinary manner, and adipocere in large quantities has often been noticed when the ground was opened for fresh interments. Adipocere is a soft, unctuous, or waxy substance, of a light -brown colour, into which the fat and muscular fibre of bodies are converted by burial in soil of peculiar nature ; and this fact demonstrates that the earth possesses certain qualities which, combined with moisture, bring about the result.

   1 St. John's, it is stated, was the first religious edifice in Sligo which could boast of an organ. This instrument is reputed to have been taken from the wreck of one of the galleons of the Spanish Armada.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 66

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, the soil of St. John's churchyard has a strange property. Bodies buried there do not decay in the ordinary manner. When the ground was opened for fresh interments, adipocere was often found in large quantities. Adipocere is a soft, waxy, light-brown substance into which the fat and muscular fibre of bodies are converted by burial in soil of peculiar nature. The earth possesses certain qualities which, combined with moisture, bring about this result.

8. Strandhill village overwhelmed by sand drift

   Strandhill · town · Sligo · 1816–1835

   The village of Strandhill, formerly near the seashore, was overwhelmed by moving sand during the great sand inundation of 1816–1835. The inhabitants were forced to relocate en masse up the slopes of Knocknarea.

   Read the passage

   was in motion. Most probably tliis was caused by the immense impetus given to tillage by the struggle on the continent, and the consequent breaking up of the sandy lands along the littoral, for potatoes, oats, and other tillage crops. This invasion of sand had been long threatening, and any intelligent observer might have prognosticated the catastrophe which ensued ; but no note of warning was raised, and it was not until 1816 that the real inundation commenced in full force. From that date up to the year 1835, thousands of fertile acres were overwhelmed ; no endeavours were successful in checking the progress of this devastation — the planting of bent as a remedy was then unknown— and the unfortunate cottiers retreated before the deluge, clinging, however, to their wretched hovels as long as the roofs were able to sustain the superincumbent mass of sand. No one, without studying the map of the county, can form any conception of the eifects of this devastating inroad. The village of Strandhill — then situated near the seashore — was overwhelmed, and the inhabitants removed in a body up the slopes of Knoeknarea. The same thing occurred near Haughly, on the properties of the late Sir Robert Grore-Booth and Mr. John Grethin, and the action of the wind year after year turned several townlands into a miniature Sahara ; the wretched inhabitants one by one abandoned the struggle until only one or two houses were left. The first inroad of the torrent of sand is thus depicted by an eye-witness : — " There are few more desolate scenes in our island than that which the once fertile plains of Raughly now present. It requires no stretch of the imagination to describe what may have been the appearance of this place, for the remains of many houses may still be traced, and there are at least a hundred yet inhabited huts nearly overwhelmed, resembling more the dens of wild animals than the habitations of human beings. Fragments of the ancient church and some of the rude tombs are still seen, peering over the accumulating sand. This wilderness was fortunately bounded on two sides by the Atlantic ; on the north by an inlet of the sea, and on the east by a small river, whose channel being blocked occasioned the formation of a

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 140

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Strandhill in Sligo, you are passing a place that was once nearer the seashore than it is now. Between 1816 and 1835 a great inundation of moving sand overwhelmed the village, and the inhabitants were forced to remove in a body up the slopes of Knocknarea. The sand had been threatening for a long time. People had broken up the sandy lands along the coast for potatoes, oats, and other crops, and the catastrophe that followed might have been foreseen by any intelligent observer. But no note of warning was raised. It was not until 1816 that the real inundation commenced in full force. From that year up to 1835, thousands of fertile acres were overwhelmed. No efforts succeeded in checking the devastation. The planting of bent grass as a remedy was then unknown. The unfortunate cottiers retreated before the deluge, clinging to their wretched hovels as long as the roofs could sustain the mass of sand above them. The same fate fell on the land near Haughly, on the properties of Sir Robert Gore-Booth and Mr. John Grethin. Year after year the wind turned several townlands into a miniature Sahara. The inhabitants abandoned the struggle one by one until only one or two houses were left. An eye-witness described the once fertile plains of Raughly. The remains of many houses could still be traced. At least a hundred huts were still inhabited but nearly overwhelmed, resembling more the dens of wild animals than the habitations of human beings. Fragments of the ancient church and some of the rude tombs were still seen, peering over the accumulating sand. This wilderness was bounded on two sides by the Atlantic.

9. Systematic outrages at Tubbercurry 1880–1884

   Tobercurry · town · Sligo · 1880–1884

   From 1880 to 1884, Tubbercurry was notorious for systematic outrages against police, landlords, and officials. A sub-inspector was fired at, the Clerk of the Union's life was attempted, and two resident landlords and two police constables were also fired at.

   Read the passage

   From 1880 to 1884 Tubbercurry and its neighbourhood enjoyed an unenviable notoriety. It was one of the few places in the county where outrages were common, and where law and order were systematically put aside. Absence from the locality did not protect those marked out, for one unfortimate man who had gone to Aughris in Tireragh, for benefit of his health, was followed, and his ears cut off. A sub-inspector was fiured at ; the life of the Clerk of the Union was attempted ; two policeconstables were fired at, as were also two resident landlords. These outrages were carried on with a systematic secrecy which baffled the police ; whilst even dumb brutes belonging to unpopular persons were maltreated and ill-used.

   On Saturday morning, 12th June, 1886, it was discovered that wilful damage had been done to the piers of the gate of the Eoman Catholic Cathedral, as also to the entrance to the Presbytery. The damage was trivial, and would probably not have excited much comment but for the disturbances then occurring in Belfast ; and it was given out that the Protestants of Sligo had been the offenders. Mobs paraded the streets, smashing the windows of householders. However, a reward of £100 was offered by the Protestant inhabitants of the borough for discovery of the perpetrators of the outrage, and one of the delinquents turned informer. It was then discovered that the mischief at the Cathedral and Presbytery had been effected by three Roman Catholics,^ who

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 164

10. The buckle-beggar near Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    A degraded Presbyterian clergyman living on the mail-coach road near Sligo performed clandestine marriage ceremonies for runaway couples for a fee. He was tried at the Sligo Assizes on several occasions but acquitted, as he evaded statutory penalties by reading the service from behind a screen.

    Read the passage

    In the early part of this century there resided on the mailcoach road, not far from Sligo, a "buckle-beggar" (so called) who plied the same profitable trade as the Scottish Blacksmith. He was a Presbyterian clergyman who had been degraded for misconduct, but he was quite willing to read the marriage ceremony over any runaway couple for a slight remuneration.

    He was tried on several occasions at the Sligo Assizes, but was acquitted, as he appears to have evaded the penalties of the statute by reading the marriage service from behind a screen. From this position he could see the happy couple, but to them

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 176

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near Sligo, on the mail coach road, there lived a man known as a buckle-beggar. He was a Presbyterian clergyman, degraded for misconduct, who made his living reading the marriage ceremony over runaway couples for a small fee. He was tried on several occasions at the Sligo Assizes, but each time he was acquitted. He had found a way around the law by reading the marriage service from behind a screen. From there he could see the couple, but they could not see him, and so he escaped the penalties of the statute.

11. The Waterflight waterfall at Glencar

    Glencar · electoral division · Sligo

    A waterfall at Glencar known as Sruth-an-ail-an-ard, or the 'Waterflight,' is notable for being blown upwards during a stiff breeze from the south. It is seen to most advantage after heavy rain when the wind gets underneath the falling water to form a backward-leaning column.

    Read the passage

    The waterfalls at Glencar are objects of interest, especially the one known as Sruth-an-ail-an-ard (the stream against the height), or the " Waterflight," so called from its being sometimes blown upwards. Tliis is seen to most advantage after heavy rain with a stiff breeze from the south, the wind getting underneath at the point where the water falls over the edge of the cliff, so as to form a column leaning more or less back towards the hills, or breaking into spray over the grass above. With less wind, a smaller stream looks like ascending smoke.'

    " When tourists think of glens, they almost always imagine dark, gloomy defiles, like Glendalough or the Gap of Duuloe,

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 137

12. Wynne faction seizes control of Sligo Corporation, 1722

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1722

    After the election of Mitchelburn Knox as Provost in October 1722, the Wynne family faction reversed earlier corporation decisions, disfranchised opponents George Bennett and John De Butt, and packed the burgesses with their own supporters. By the end of the month Captain John Wynne and Major John Ffolliott were elected, making the Borough of Sligo the de facto property of the Wynne family.

    Read the passage

    the 31st of the same month to elect two new burgesses tice De Butt and Bennett disfranchised. At this meeting Captain John Wynne and Major John Ffolliott were elected burgesses ; and in this manner the Borough of Sligo became de facto the property of the Wynne family.

    Strange to narrate, it was not until four years subsequently, when every burgess present was either by marriage or other ties connected with the Patron of the Borough, that the election of Samuel Burton was formally annulled : the resolution ran as follows : —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town that once became the de facto property of the Wynne family. After Mitchelburn Knox was elected Provost in October 1722, the Wynne faction moved fast. They disfranchised opponents George Bennett and John De Butt, then on the 31st of the month elected Captain John Wynne and Major John Ffolliott as burgesses, packing the corporation with their own.

13. 1837 Sligo Borough election and bludgeon title-deed

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1837

    The 1837 Sligo Borough election was warmly contested, with John Patrick Somers returned by 262 votes to 208. During the registry of voters, a radical applicant presented a huge bludgeon as his 'title-deed' to the barrister, drawing laughter from a crowded court.

    Read the passage

    In 1837 the representation of the Borough was warmly contested, Mr. John Martin being supported by the moderate Liberals and by the Conservatives. On the declaration of the poll on Thursday, the 3rd August, John Patrick Somers was returned by 262 votes to 208. During the registry of voters' claims, prior to this election, before the Kevising Barrister (Hartstonge Robinson), a radical applicant was asked by Counsellor Casserly for his title-deed, when the Precursor, with an air of gravity and self-confidence, handed over to the learned counsel a huge bludgeon which he held in his hand, at the same time exclaiming, amidst the general laughter of a crowded Court, " Here is my title-deed."

    On the 9th July, 1841, John Patrick Somers was, without opposition, again returned member for the borough; politics ran high ; the Repeal movement was then in full swing ; and on the 4th May, 1843, O'Connell held a mass meeting in Sligo ; in the evening he was entertained at a dinner in the Hibernian Hotel, and on both occasions he delivered a characteristic speech. Amongst a variety of other topics he stated that England had tried to ignore the agitation until " a chap of the name of Lane- Fox — a poor man who had more strength than brains; a Fox by name but not by nature, for there was no cunning in him — came out with his notice of motion to have it suppressed. . .. . Oh ! was it not worth while struggling for Repeal to gag a fellow of that kind."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 26

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Sligo, the town where a fiercely contested borough election in 1837 returned John Patrick Somers by 262 votes to 208 over John Martin on Thursday the 3rd of August. Before the election, during the registry of voters before barrister Hartstonge Robinson, a radical applicant was asked by Counsellor Casserly for his title-deed, and the man handed over a huge bludgeon with perfect gravity, shouting to a crowded court, "Here is my title-deed." Somers was returned again without opposition on the 9th of July 1841, and on the 4th of May 1843 O'Connell held a mass meeting in the town, dining at the Hibernian Hotel and mocking a motion by "a chap of the name of Lane-Fox" to suppress the Repeal agitation.

14. Famine overcrowding overwhelms Sligo Workhouse

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1846–1849

    During the Great Famine (1846–1849) the Sligo Workhouse, originally designed for 1,710 inmates, could no longer accommodate all seeking admission. Three auxiliary houses were provided, including one at Ballincar and another at the Charterhouse.

    Read the passage

    The number in the Workhouse, from being at first only a few hundred, rose gradually from the year 1846 to 1849, in consequence of the great famine, till the Union- Workhouse — originally designed to house 1710 inmates — was no longer able to accommodate all who sought admission, and it was found necessaxy to provide three auxiliary houses, viz. one at Ballincar, another at the Charterhouse, and a third near the site now occupied by the artisans' dwellings.

    On the 23rd December there were 1491 recipients of outdoor relief ; in midsummer of the following year the numbers again rose; but in March, 1850, no out-door relief was given. It was, however, shortly afterwards gradually re-introduced, aud increased with scarcely any intermission. A person being once placed on the list, the majority of the Guardians appeared to consider the recipient had obtained a vested right in the relief, which in many instances might be regarded as an annuity paid with great regularity.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 81

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you're near one of the places where the Great Famine left its deepest mark. The Sligo Workhouse was built to house 1,710 inmates, but between 1846 and 1849 the numbers rose so sharply it could no longer hold everyone seeking admission. Three auxiliary houses were opened to cope, one at Ballincar, another at the Charterhouse, and a third near where artisans' dwellings now stand. On the 23rd of December there were 1,491 people receiving outdoor relief, and the numbers rose again the following midsummer. In March 1850 outdoor relief stopped entirely, though it was soon reintroduced and crept upward with scarcely any break. Many of the Guardians came to treat relief as a vested right, "an annuity paid with great regularity" in the words of the record.

15. French's Bank opens and withdraws Sligo branch

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1800–1820

    French's Bank of County Galway opened a branch in Sligo at the commencement of the century but withdrew it after failing to obtain free circulation for its notes. Sligo thus escaped the serious losses suffered by families throughout Mayo and Galway when the bank totally collapsed.

    Read the passage

    Towards the commencement of the century French's Bank (County Gralway) opened a branch in Sligo ; but after a time — it not having succeeded in obtaining free circulation for its notes — the branch was withdrawn, and thus, upon the total collapse of the bank, Sligo escaped becoming involved in the serious losses incurred by many families in every grade of Kfe throughout the counties of Mayo and Galway. A few notes

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 86

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this town had a lucky escape around the start of the 1800s. French's Bank of County Galway opened a branch here but withdrew it after failing to get free circulation for its notes. When the bank collapsed entirely, Sligo avoided the serious losses that hit families across Mayo and Galway.

16. Sligo town mobilises defence against feared French advance

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1798

    News of the troops' defeat at Collooney reached Sligo town, prompting Protestant women and some men to flee by ship while about 300 armed men resolved to defend the town. Methodists led by preacher Albert Blest joined the defence, and Colonel Sparrow's troops occupied strategic positions through the night.

    Read the passage

    About three o'clock in the afternoon on the day of the battle at Collooney, some country people entered the town of Sligo and announced that the troops had been beaten, and the French were advancing; on which intelligence many Protestant women together with some few men embarked in the ships ; those, however, who were capable of bearing arms, to the number of about three hundred, resolved to defend the town, and were joined by a number of Methodists, headed by their preacher, Albert Blest. The troops who had remained behind under command of Colonel Sparrow occupied the most advantageous posts in the approaches leading to the town, and they continued under arms all night.

    On Thursday, the 6th September, the officer in command of the troops in Sligo ordered a retreat on Bally shannon, and he was accompanied by a majority of the respectable inhabitants. The town was thus left at the mercy of the French and the insurgents, but was re-occupied again on Friday, the 7th.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town was the scene of a hurried mobilisation in 1798. About three o'clock in the afternoon, country people came in with word that the troops had been beaten at Collooney and the French were advancing. Many Protestant women and a few men boarded the ships and left, but about 300 men capable of bearing arms resolved to defend the town. They were joined by a number of Methodists headed by their preacher, Albert Blest. Colonel Sparrow's troops occupied the most advantageous posts on the approaches and stayed under arms all night. On September the 6th the commanding officer ordered a retreat on Ballyshannon, and most of the respectable inhabitants went with him. The town was left, as the record says,

17. Archibald Armstrong covers the cavalry retreat at Collooney

    Collooney · townland · Sligo · 1798

    During the Battle of Collooney, Mr. Archibald Armstrong, at the head of thirty-two yeoman infantry from the loyal inhabitants of Colloony and its neighbourhood, took an advantageous position that effectually secured the retreat of the cavalry and the Limerick Militia. This action was well recognized at the time and led to his obtaining a commission for his son.

    Read the passage

    Colonel Vereker in this despatch omitted to mention how his retreat was covered by Sligo men, but for whose exertions the cavalry would have been annihilated. The following incident, well known at the time, and still current amongst the Protestant population about Collooney, is thus detailed in The Sligo Journal of 14th September : " Pressed in the above action by an army so much superior to ours, nothing could exceed the service rendered by Mr. Archibald Armstrong, who at the head of thirty-two men (yeoman infantry), had taken so advantageous a position that the retreat of the cavalry was effectually secured."

    22 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 10

18. Bribery and candidate withdrawal in 1860 Sligo Borough election

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1860

    In the 1860 Sligo Borough election, Colonel Tenison retired after being told that unless £600 or £700 were available for distribution among about twenty-five Liberal voters, there was no use going to the poll. Francis Macdonogh was declared member on 9 August with 157 votes; Somers received only 2 and was hooted by the mob, requiring military and police protection.

    Read the passage

    His opponent in Sligo was E. K. Tenison ; but as Somers still persevered in obtruding himself on the constituency, Tenison's chance of success was destroyed. "We find," state the Commissioners of the Sligo Election Inquiry, " that Colonel Tenison retired in consequence of its being intimated to him on the night before the election, that, unless £600 or £700 were forthcoming for distribution amongst about twenty-five of the Liberal voters, there was no use in going to the poll." And on the 9th August, Macdonogh was declared member with 157 votes; O'Eeilly, 5 ; Somers, only 2. The latter was hooted by the mob, accused of having politically sold the Borough, and of various other alleged acts detrimental to the Liberal party. He had to be protected by the military and police ; and in this manner Somers disappeared from the political arena. He died December, 1862.

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 28

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Sligo, the town the road brings you through. Back in the 1860 election for the borough, Colonel Tenison pulled out the night before the vote after being told that unless 600 or 700 pounds were available for distribution among about twenty-five Liberal voters, there was no use going to the poll. On the 9th of August, Francis Macdonogh was declared member with 157 votes. Somers got only 2, and the mob hooted him in the street, accusing him of having politically sold the borough. He had to be protected by the military and police. He died in December 1862. In the next election, on the 15th of July 1865, Macdonogh was defeated, polling only 158 votes to his opponent's 166.

19. Cattle houghing and special commission in Sligo, 1779

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1779

    In 1779, pressure both legal and illegal was put on landlords to abandon grazing farms and let them to tenants. Those who adhered to the grazing system had their cattle mutilated, and a special commission sat in Sligo for the trial of persons charged with houghing cattle and other notorious crimes.

    Read the passage

    The following extracts taken from local newspapers appear to be typical of various periods of agitation. In 1779, on the spread of tillage throughout the country, pressure legal and illegal was put on the landlords to abandon their grazing farms, and let them to tenants. Those who adhered to the grazing system had their cattle mutilated ; and a special commission sat in Sligo for the trial of a number of persons then in gaol, charged with " houghing cattle, and other notorious crimes."

    In August, 1782, it was stated that : —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 161

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Sligo now. Back in 1779, as tillage spread across the country, landlords came under pressure, both legal and illegal, to give up their grazing farms and let the land to tenants instead. Those who stuck with grazing had their cattle mutilated. A special commission sat here in Sligo to try people held in gaol, charged with what the records call "houghing cattle, and other notorious crimes."

20. Cholera devastates riverside houses on Stephen Street

    Stephen Street · street · Sligo · 1832

    Cholera appeared most virulently in houses on the river side of Stephen Street, Knox's Street, and Ratcliffe Street, while the opposite sides had fewer and less severe cases. In one Stephen Street house, four generations lay dead simultaneously with only one survivor remaining.

    Read the passage

    With respect to the influence of locality on the disease in the town, it is noteworthy that in some of the best streets, such as Stephen-street, Knox's- street, Ratcliffe-street, the epidemic appeared in its most virulent form in almost every house on the side immediately adjoining the river, whilst on the opposite side the cases were less severe and comparatively few in number. In Stephen-street, on the side next the river, four generations lay dead at the same time in one house, and of its inmates there remained only one survivor.

    The general silence which prevailed in the town was specially noticeable, the footsteps of those running to seek medical aid, or the hurried footfall of the medical men, were the principal sounds heard, the only other movement being the carrying of the dead to their last resting-place, or the rumble of the hearse conveying

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Stephen Street in 1832, cholera struck with terrible force. The houses nearest the river suffered the most. In one house on this street, four generations lay dead at the same time, with only one survivor left among its inmates.

21. Defenders disturb Sligo, Lord Carhampton intervenes

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1794–1795

    In spring 1794, the secret society known as the Defenders spread rapidly through County Sligo, robbing houses of arms and administering unlawful oaths. The Earl of Carhampton visited Sligo by government instruction to restore order, finding the law inoperative and the population terrorised by a leader calling himself Captain Stout.

    Read the passage

    In the spring of 1794, Sligo was much disturbed by the "Defenders" — a secret society amongst the Roman Catholics, which spread throughout the County with astonishing rapidity — and at the assizes many were convicted of robbing houses of arms and of administering unlawful oaths. In consequence of these outrages the Earl of Carhampton — by instructions from Government — visited Sligo for the purpose of restoring social order ; the execution of the laws being there impeded by a system of terror. In most places visited by him he found that a leader of disturbance, who assumed the feigned name of Captain Stout, had so greatly intimidated the people of the neighbourhood, that persons who had sustained injury were afraid to prosecute, and magistrates were deterred from enforcing justice. Some informers had been murdered, and others dreading the same fate forfeited their recognizances in order to avoid giving evidence.

    An active and intelligent magistrate of the County stated that the priest of a certain parish in Sligo had advised him to remain a passive spectator of these outrages, as otherwise he would be murdered ; and much the same information was given by Mr. Perceval of Templehouse.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town where, in the spring of 1794, a secret society called the Defenders spread through the county with astonishing rapidity. They robbed houses of arms and administered unlawful oaths, and many were convicted at the assizes. The Earl of Carhampton visited Sligo on government instructions to restore order, finding the execution of the laws impeded by a system of terror. A leader who called himself Captain Stout had so intimidated the neighbourhood that people who had been injured were afraid to prosecute, and magistrates were deterred from enforcing justice. Some informers had been murdered, and others, dreading the same fate, forfeited their recognizances to avoid giving evidence. An active and intelligent magistrate of the county stated that the priest of a certain parish had advised him to remain a passive spectator of the outrages, as otherwise he would be murdered. Much the same information was given by Mr. Perceval of Templehouse.

22. Distress and relief on Innismurray island, early 1883

    Inishmurray · townland · Sligo · 1883

    Severe distress struck the island of Innismurray in early 1883, and the steamer 'Redwing' was placed at the disposal of the Local Government Board. Several abortive attempts were made to land provisions due to stormy weather before the risk of starvation was averted, as the island can barely support its inhabitants even under favourable circumstances.

    Read the passage

    Early in 1883 there was severe distress in the island of Innismurray, and the steamer " Redwing " was placed at the disposal of the Local Government Board. In consequence of very stormy weather, several abortive attempts were made before provisions could be landed, and the risk of starvation thus averted, for even under favourable circumstances this island can with ditficulty support its inhabitants.

    Emigration set in again in full force — one steamer alone carried off from the quay upwards of 100 persons bound for " the far West." To account for the present great diminution of the population a cause must be sought other than the ordinary deathrate or the thinning of the number of inhabitants by famine, fever, or pestilence. This cause is clearly to be traced to emigration. The population in the County Sligo, according to the Census of 1659, was 6877 ; the barony of Carbury contained 1398 souls ; Tireragh,a total of 1495 ; Tirerrill, 1389 ; Corran, 1107 ; Leyny, 1181 ; the half barony of Coolavin, 307. Even from the scant population of the 18th century there was a slight but steady exodus. In 1778, Arthur Young states, " there were some emigrations to America, but not considerable ; some of

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 40

23. Duel between O'Horke and Perceval at rath Liscat near Chaffpool

    Chaffpool · townland · Sligo

    Hyacinth 'Centy' O'Horke challenged Philip C. Perceval to a duel, meeting on a well-known rath called Liscat near Chaffpool, which commanded a panoramic view. Despite winning the toss for position, O'Horke foolishly changed sides in bravado, fired first and missed.

    Read the passage

    The celebrated duel between Hyacinth — commonly called Centy — O'Horke and Philip C. Perceval is so well known, that a bare outline will suffice. The two gentlemen quarrelled ; and the former, who was of a fiery and impetuous temperament, was the challenger. The place of meeting selected was situated not far from Chaff pool, on a well-known rath (Liscat), commanding a beautiful panoramic view ; and although safe from interruption by the authorities, j^et the encounter took place in presence of an immense crowd of country-people. O'Rorke " won the toss " for the favourable position ; and as he was reputed to be a dead shot, Perceval's second exclaimed, " This is murder ; " upon which O'Horke, in a foolish spirit of bravado, changed sides. He fired first and missed ; whereupon Perceval

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 158

24. Eleven medical men killed by cholera in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    By early September seven skilled medical practitioners had already died from cholera in Sligo, and by the end of the visitation eleven medical men in total had perished. The ravages were so extreme that a newspaper abroad reportedly carried the headline 'Sligo is no more.'

    Read the passage

    Up to the close of September cholera lingered on in the town, but so early as the beginning of the month seven skilfid medical practitioners and physicians had succumbed, and at the close of the visitation eleven medical men in all were stated to have fallen victims to it. So great were the ravages that a native of the place who was quartered in India at the time, saAV there a newspaper paragraph with the heading "Sligo is no more."

    A prominent member of the profession at this period was Dr. Irwin; he had been with the army during the Peninsular war, and the Waterloo campaign : he was promoted to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Hospitals, and in 1817 was placed on half-pay, and appointed surgeon to the Military at Sligo. He was indefatigable in superintendence of tlie cholera hospital, and witnessed the death of many of his old professional friends who had been associated with him in that duty; amongst them may be mentioned Doctors Coyne and Bell. It is related that the former, a few days before his death, happened to pass a friend's house on his way to one of his numerous patients, when he observed the cholera- cart waiting before the door,- and on inquiry he was told that his friend was dead. He was astonished at this announcement, having seen him in full

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are travelling through a town that was nearly wiped from the map by cholera. By the beginning of September seven skilled medical practitioners had already died, and by the close of the visitation eleven medical men in all had perished. The ravages were so great that a native of the place, stationed in India at the time, saw a newspaper paragraph there with the heading "Sligo is no more." Dr. Irwin, who had served with the army through the Peninsular War and the Waterloo campaign, was appointed surgeon to the Military at Sligo in 1817 after being placed on half-pay as Deputy Inspector-General of Hospitals. He worked tirelessly supervising the cholera hospital, and watched many of his old professional friends die, among them Doctors Coyne and Bell. A few days before his own death, Dr. Coyne was on his way to one of his many patients when he passed a friend's house and saw the cholera cart waiting at the door. He was told his friend was dead, which astonished him, as he had seen him in full health shortly before.

25. Eyewitness describes cabin misery in Sligo, May 1822

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1822

    An eyewitness in May 1822 described the appalling state of Sligo's poor, with cabins containing ten or fifteen squalid inhabitants who had fasted for forty-eight hours. Numbers were expected to die of hunger and resulting disease.

    Read the passage

    An eye-witness thus describes Sligo, in the month of May, 1822 : — "It would be impossible for you to conceive or me to describe the state of the poor among us : the most appalling description would fall far short of the reality. To know all, you should put your head into a cabin, containing perhaps ten or fifteen squalid inhabitants who had fasted forty-eight hours ; hear the cries of the children, behold the tears of the mother, and the worn, heavy countenance of the father, who has neither work to do, nor strength to do it. With all that can be done, numbers must die of hunger, and disease resulting from it. The prospects of another year are gloomy in consequence of the ground remaining unplanted for want of seed potatoes. We are anxiously expecting an importation of them from the bounty offered by Government."

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this is a town that in May 1822 was in the grip of hunger. An eyewitness wrote that any description of the poor fell short of the reality. He said you would have to put your head into a cabin holding 10 or 15 squalid people who had fasted for 48 hours, hear the cries of the children, see the mother's tears, and the father's worn face with no work to do and no strength to do it. The eyewitness warned that numbers must die of hunger and the disease resulting from it. The ground stood unplanted for want of seed potatoes, and the town was anxiously awaiting an importation of them under a Government bounty. Sligo sat within the distressed districts that stretched across half the kingdom, and the county carried a population of 127,000. Unlike the later famine of 1845 to 1848, the potato crop failed but the grain was generally good. A bounty of 10 shillings per ton was paid on seed potatoes brought into the port, and before the end of May the county gentry were called to meet.

26. Market Cross in Sligo used for public election notices

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1722

    In October 1722, the Provost of Sligo posted a public notice of a vacant burgess-ship on the Market Cross in Sligo, following corporation procedure for announcing elections. At the subsequent meeting Major-General Owen Wynne was unanimously elected a burgess in place of the resigned Sir Francis Lycester.

    Read the passage

    In compliance with the above order, the Provost convened a meeting, and the notice was also " posted up on y'^ Market Cross." At this meeting the Eight Hon. Major-General Owen Wynne was unanimously elected a burgess vice Lycester resigned. The Wynne family having now secured the majority, George Bennett — who had taken the part of De Butt — was asked what time he required " to show reason why he should not be disfranchised and removed from his burgess-ship for his manifest misbehaviour," evidently waxed irate, informed the majority that they could not disfranchise him, that they " did not know how to disfranchise, and that he defied them to disfranchise him, and behaved himself with great contempt of the assembly, and endeavoured to provoke several of the particular members of the assembly to use him ill." The matter was soon brought to an issue by the meeting there and then turning him out fi et armis, disfranchising him, and electing Mr. Thomas Jennings in his place to be Recorder and Town Clerk.

    The same meeting sent to Mr. John DeButt a notice "to show cause why he should not be disfranchised and removed from his place of free burgess of the said Corporation of Sligo for his manifest misbehaviour." His reply was as follows : —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, the Market Cross was where the town posted its public election notices. In October 1722 the Provost posted notice there of a vacant burgess-ship, and at the meeting that followed Major-General Owen Wynne was unanimously elected a burgess in place of Sir Francis Lycester, who had resigned. The Wynne family now held the majority on the corporation. At that same meeting they turned on George Bennett, who had backed De Butt's side. They asked him to show reason why he should not be disfranchised for misbehaviour. Bennett defied them, telling the majority they did not know how to disfranchise him and behaving, as the record says,

27. M'Dermott and O'Conor duel, July 1822, both wounded

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1822

    On 23rd July 1822, a duel took place between Mr. Edward M'Dermott and Mr. Denis O'Conor. After the first fire proved ineffectual, both gentlemen were severely wounded in the second exchange, with O'Conor's ball lacerating a branch of M'Dermott's thoracic artery and M'Dermott's ball lodging in O'Conor's abdominal muscle.

    Read the passage

    On the 23rd July, 1822, a meeting took place between Mr. Edward M'Dermott, and Mr. Denis O'Conor. " The first fire proving ineffectual, the parties were provided with second pistols, on the discharge of which both gentlemen were severely wounded, Mr. O'Conor's ball having passed through the left pectoral muscle of his adversarj', lacerating a considerable branch of the thoracic artery, which caused a great effusion of blood. Mr. M'Dermott's ball entered the covering of the abdominal muscle, which was extracted by Dr. Hughes, who was on the spot."

    A duel occurred 21st October, 1823, between J n Mt

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 160

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, it carries a story from July 1822. On the 23rd of that month, a duel was fought here between Mr. Edward M'Dermott and Mr. Denis O'Conor. The first fire proved ineffectual, so both men took up second pistols. On that second discharge, each gentleman was severely wounded. O'Conor's ball passed through M'Dermott's left pectoral muscle, lacerating a branch of the thoracic artery and causing a great effusion of blood. M'Dermott's ball entered the covering of O'Conor's abdominal muscle, and was extracted by Dr. Hughes, who was on the spot.

28. Ninth-century poem names bird haunts of Corran and Kesh

    near Kesh · population centre · Sligo

    A zoological and topographical poem believed by Eugene O'Curry to date to the ninth century names bird habitats around Corran and Kesh. Wilde noted that the localities specified match those a modern naturalist would select, with herons still on hilly Corran and pigeons at Kesh cliffs.

    Read the passage

    A translation is given of an extract taken from a curious zoological and topographical poem, now in the Library R.I. A. Eugene O'Curry believed the original to be as old as the ninth century. The plot of the poem is as follows: — Finn Mac Cool was made prisoner by Cormac Mac Art, monarch of Ireland, who only consented to release him on his procuring within twelve months a pair — male and female — of every wild bird and animal in the kingdom. It is remarkable, as observed by Wilde, that the localities specified as the haunts of the birds and animals are just such as naturalists would now select as a likely habitat for the specimen sought. Herons are still to be seen on " hilly Corran," and wild Pigeons still flit around the cliffs of Kesh.

    " Two Herons from the hilly Corran.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 153

29. The Honey-tree of Coollemoneen

    Coollemoneen · townland · Sligo

    An old sycamore known as 'Honey-tree' stands on a mound with altar-like stones in the townland of Coollemoneen, parish of Killadoon. It is associated with local legends and the tradition of venerating sacred trees (bile).

    Read the passage

    " 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

30. Pauper's poetic shoe request from Sligo Workhouse

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1858

    In 1858 a pauper inmate of the Sligo Workhouse named William Taylor submitted a verse petition to the Board of Guardians requesting a pair of shoes so he could work as a labourer. The shoes were granted in recompense for the poetic effort.

    Read the passage

    1 In the year 1858, the following amusing application was sent in to the Board of Guardians by a pauper inmate of the Workhouse : — "Te muses from Parnassus' hill,

    I pray ye now assist my quill,

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 82

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo town, you're near the old workhouse where, in 1858, a pauper named William Taylor wrote a verse petition to the Board of Guardians asking for a pair of shoes so he could labour. "I pray ye now assist my quill," he wrote. The guardians granted the shoes, paying for the poem.

31. 1747 Sligo rejoicing at Anson's naval victory

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1747

    News of Admiral Anson's success against the French prompted Sligo's greatest-ever public rejoicing. Armed gentlemen marched from the Parade to the Quay, fired three volleys aboard vessels, and celebrated with bonfires, illuminations, and a ball at the Town House.

    Read the passage

    "We hear from Sligoe, that the agreeable news of Admiral Anson's success against the French occasioned the greatest rejoicing that was ever known in that town ; the Gentlemen assembled under arms and marched from the Parade to the Quay, where after filing three vollies with the greatest exactness (as it was a marine stroke), they repaired on board the vessels there, when they di*ank the King, with all the loyal toasts, the brave Anson and Warren, and many more suitable to the occasion. The night ended with bonfires, illuminations, and other demonstrations of the greatest joy, and the next night the Gentlemen of the town entertained the Ladies with a ball at the

    ' Such is the opinion of John P. Prendergast, the author of The Cromwellian Settlement of Ireland, and of J. J. Digges-Latouche, the Deputy Keeper of the Kecords.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this town once saw its greatest-ever public rejoicing back in 1747. News reached here of Admiral Anson's success against the French, and the gentlemen assembled under arms and marched from the Parade to the Quay. There they fired three volleys with great exactness, then went aboard the vessels and drank the King, the brave Anson and Warren, and many more loyal toasts. The night ended with bonfires, illuminations, and other demonstrations of the greatest joy. The next night the gentlemen of the town entertained the ladies with a ball at the Town House.

32. 1885 General Election in North and South Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1885

    After the Redistribution of Seats, Sligo was divided into North and South electoral districts. In the 1885 contest, the Conservatives were heavily outnumbered by the expanded electorate: Peter M'Donald won North Sligo with 5,216 votes, and Thomas Sexton won South Sligo with 5,150 votes.

    Read the passage

    In 1885 both divisions of the County were contested ; but owing to the enormous increase of the electorate the Conservatives were, as a political party in Sligo, completely outnumbered. North Sligo, Peter M'Donald, 5216 ; Colonel Ffolliott, 772. South Sligo, Thomas Sexton, 5150 ; Alexander Perceval, 541. The number of voters in " North Sligo," with a population of 54,657, amounted to 8591 ; " South Sligo " with a ]3opulation of 56,921 had an electorate of 8447.

    The old franchise consisted of a £12 rated occupancy, or other qualifications equivalent to it, but under the present system, although there is a nominal £10 rating, yet the " inhabitant occupier " clause admits the occupier to the privilege of voting, even if he be unrated. The only disqualifications are that he must be in receipt of Poor-law relief — or if a ratepayer, his rates must not have been paid. Also in order to entitle him to vote in both divisions of the County he requires to be duly qualified in each.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this town was at the centre of a political shift in 1885. After the Redistribution of Seats, the county was divided into North and South electoral districts, and the expanded electorate left the Conservatives completely outnumbered. In North Sligo, Peter M'Donald won with 5,216 votes against Colonel Ffolliott's 772. In South Sligo, Thomas Sexton took 5,150 votes to Alexander Perceval's 541. The franchise had changed: the old qualification was a 12-pound rated occupancy, but the new system kept a nominal 10-pound rating while admitting any inhabitant occupier to vote, even if unrated. North Sligo had a population of 54,657 and 8,591 voters; South Sligo had 56,921 people and 8,447 voters. A man could vote in both divisions only if duly qualified in each.

33. Aughris Head pattern and Alexander's horse legend

    Aughris Head · promontory · Sligo

    A yearly 'pattern' or gathering of the people was held on the green slope of Aughris Head, a cliff on the Atlantic coast. Local tradition held that Alexander the Great's horse refused to proceed at the cliff edge, leaving hoof-marks still cleared out afresh annually by the people.

    Read the passage

    The mail-coach between Sligo and Ballina must have been attended by a guard who possessed the same humorous nature as M'Clusky — if an opinion may be formed from an anecdote narrated in the Ulster Journal of Arclumlogy, by a tourist who stated that, " Travelling some years ago, in the county Sligo, I was directed by the driver of the Westport mail-coach to the distant view of Aughris Head, which slopes gently up from the mainland, and suddenly terminates in an abrupt precipice whose foot is lashed by the billows of the Atlantic. On the green slope is yearly held a ' pattern,' or gathering of the people. My informant, a quick-witted, humorous native, proceeded thus : — ' There was no place in all the world where Alexander the Great wasn't able to ride his horse, till he came to Aughris. There he galloped his horse up to the very edge of the cliff, but when the beast saw the waves raging below, he reared up on his hind legs, and stopped short. The two marks of his hoofs are there still to be seen, and the people clear them out afresh every year ; I have seen them myself ! "What better evidence can be required ? ' "

    Within this century no event occurred of greater importance to the interests of Sligo than the opening of the Midland Great Western Eailway to the town. A great many abortive attempts had been previously made to obtain speedy direct communication with Dublin, and elsewhere. In 1825, a memorial was presented to the Lord Lieutenant, from the gentry of Sligo, praying that a canal might be formed to connect Lough Erne with Lough Allen, and that again with Lough Gill, and thence to the sea. In 1839, the merchants of Sligo petitioned the Lords of the Treasury in favour of a caual to connect Lough Allen with Lough Gill, and Lough Gill with the sea ; and in

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 106

34. Beranger's description of Inishmurray curachs

    Inishmurray · townland · Sligo · 1779

    In 1779, Beranger visited Inishmurray and described the traditional curach as a boat made of basketwork covered with a horse's or cow's skin. The sunlight shining through its transparent skin made it look like a vessel of glass.

    Read the passage

    The curach has vanished for some years from Sligo, although it may yet be seen on the coasts of Donegal and Mayo, but even there they are not representations of the true article, these imitations being covered with coarse, tarred canvas, and they differ somewhat both in form and method of construction from their ancient prototype, which was composed of a regular frame of willow ribs, was spoon-shajDed, and about eight or nine feet in length, the frames being covered over on the outside with the untanned skin of a horse or cow, and it was described by Beranger in 1779, on his visit to Inismurray, as a boat made of basketwork, and covered with a horse's or cow's skin. As the "members" (Pribs) were six or eight inches asunder, the sun shining bright, and the skin transparent, it seemed to Beranger to be a vessel of glass, as he could see the water through it. These boats he described as being common in the province of Counaught. Some canoes very similarly constructed are used by the Indians in the northern districts of the Dominion of Canada, and a traveller thus describes one : — " Perhaps boat is too strong a term to employ for structures so fragile — combining the frailty of a cockleshell with the form of a slice of melon. Seeing a piece of plank stretched across the coracle — presumably fixed — one stout, middle-aged man boldly sat on it, but only to subside with a crash on a large mass of ice and snow in the flooring."

    In 1764, and afterwards in 1819, bounties were granted by Parliament to encourage the Irish fisheries, and for this purpose

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 127

35. Bog burst between Geevagh and Bloomfield (1831)

    near Geevagh · population centre · Sligo · 1831

    In January 1831, after a sudden thaw of snow, a bog between Geevagh and Bloomfield gave way, sending a black deluge of bog contents sweeping over meadows, arable land, and a new road being built by Mr. Martin to employ the poor. The flood tore a deep ravine and bore heath, timber, mud, and stones before it.

    Read the passage

    In January, 1831, after a sudden thaw of snow, the bog between Geevagh and Bloomfield gave way, and a black deluge, composed of the contents of several hundred acres of bog, took the direction of a small stream, and rolled on with tlie violence of a torrent, sweeping along heath, timber, mud, and stones, overwhelming many meadows and much arable land. On passing over some boggy land, the flood swept out a wide and deep ravine through part of a new line of road which was being made by Mr. Martin, chiefly to give employment to the poor. A description of the occurroice was thus given in a newspaper of the date : —

    " An ever-increasing noise, like distant but gradually approaching thunder, or the subterranean growling of an earthquake, together with a distinct vibration of the ground,' attracted attention towards the upper portion of the hillside, which the beholders saw actually advancing in huge masses of from 20 to 30 feet in height, bearing away everything before it in its ruthless course : ' Then shrieked the timid and stood still the brave.' Helpless women flying in every direction with their

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 138

36. Currency shortage and bank-note confusion in Sligo, 1797

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1797

    A letter from Sligo dated 28 April 1797 reported no guineas in circulation, only bank-notes, which would cause great confusion among the lower class of people. Small paper tickets issued by merchants ranged from threepence to six shillings and enabled people to carry on business despite being fictitious currency.

    Read the passage

    A kind of small paper-money, called a ticket, or I. 0. U., that ranged in nominal amount from threepence to six shillings, was issued by merchants, shopkeepers, and others. This currency, although fictitious and objectionable on many grounds, yet enabled the people to carry on their business. A letter from SHgo, 28th April, 1797, states there were " no guineas in circulation, nothing but bank-notes, which will cause great confusion among the lower class of people."

    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.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 87

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo, ahead along the road, was gripped by a currency shortage in 1797. A letter from the town dated 28 April that year reported no guineas in circulation at all, nothing but bank-notes, which it said would cause great confusion among the lower class of people. Merchants and shopkeepers issued their own small paper tickets, ranging from threepence to six shillings, to keep business going. The material calls this currency fictitious and objectionable, yet it enabled people to carry on. By 1800, money and paper were equally current, and a report of the Irish Exchange Committee, formed around four years later, noted there was no banker in Sligo, in town or county. In 1822, with trade and agriculture in exceptional depression, the principal proprietors of the county resolved to accept notes of respectable private banks of Dublin in payment of rents, which led to better prices for produce and gave an impulse to business.

37. Earl of Bellamont, Sligo nobleman, in dispute with Lord Lieutenant

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1772

    In 1772, a misunderstanding arose between Lord Townsend (Lord Lieutenant of Ireland) and the Earl of Bellamont, described as a Sligo nobleman. The Earl resigned his army commission and fought a duel with Townsend after the latter left Ireland, eventually recovering after a doubtful struggle.

    Read the passage

    "The misunderstanding " which occurred in the year 1772 between the Lords Townsend and Bellamont was a " model difficulty." Lord Townsend was then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland ; and craving audience, in company with otlier gentlemen, one morning came the Earl of Bellamont, a Sligo nobleman. To him entered an aide-de-camp with a message that the Earl need not wait, for that his Excellency would not be at leisure to see him that day ; and then turning to the others bade them wait, as his Excellency would see tlion presently. " Sir," said the Earl to the aide-de-camp, " j'ou will be good enough to inform his Excellency that, as a peer of the realm, I have a iught to audience ; but if his Excellency does not know what he owes me, I know what I owe to myself, and therefore will not wait upon him here or elsewhere."

    The Earl resigned his commission in the army in order that he might with more propriety proceed in the matter ; and the lovers of that mode of adjusting differences were gratified with a sensational duel. When the Lord Lieutenant had quitted Ireland, the two noblemen mot, and the Earl was destined to be the sufferer, but finally recovered after a doubtful struggle.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 158

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this is the town connected to the Earl of Bellamont, a Sligo nobleman involved in a famous dispute. In 1772, Lord Townsend was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. The Earl came seeking an audience one morning, but an aide-de-camp told him the Lord Lieutenant would not see him that day, while asking the other gentlemen to wait. The Earl told the aide-de-camp that as a peer of the realm he had a right to audience, and said, "if his Excellency does not know what he owes me, I know what I owe to myself, and therefore will not wait upon him here or elsewhere." He resigned his army commission so he could pursue the matter with more propriety. After Lord Townsend left Ireland, the two men fought a duel. The Earl was the one who suffered, but he finally recovered after a doubtful struggle.

38. Fever Hospital pressed into service for cholera victims

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1832

    The Fever Hospital, situated on an eminence outside town, was deemed the most suitable place for cholera patients. Coffins were stacked in great numbers on the field behind the hospital, visible from two or three miles away. Dead bodies lay in streets, wrapped in pitch-smeared sheets and removed by cholera-carts.

    Read the passage

    The present Fever Hospital, being situated on an eminence at a short distance from the town, and detached from other buildings, was considered the most suitable place to be devoted to the reception of cholera patients, and the rapidity with which the unhappy victims were carried off rendered it essential that a large supply of coffins should always be in readiness. These were placed in great numbers on the field behind the hospital, and the fresli wood of whicli they were composed stood out in sti'ong relief on the deep green sod of the hill, from which the ground sloped away on every side, thus rendering the ghastly pile of coffins plainly observable at a distance of two or three miles. It was no unconnnon thing in those direful days to see persons who had fallen victims to the terrible malady lying dead in the streets; these corpses were wrapped in sheets smeared

    74 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this is the town where the Fever Hospital stood on high ground just outside, pressed into service for cholera victims in 1832. The hospital was chosen because it sat apart on an eminence, away from other buildings. The victims were carried off so fast that coffins had to be kept ready in great numbers, stacked on the field behind the hospital. The fresh wood of those coffins showed plainly against the green hillside, and the pile could be seen from two or three miles away. In those direful days it was no uncommon thing to see people who had died of the disease lying in the streets, wrapped in sheets smeared with pitch, to be taken away by cholera-carts.

39. Fever overwhelms Sligo Infirmary, 1849

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1849

    Fever raged before and after the cholera epidemic, with nearly 500 patients taken into the hospital by 18 August 1849. Numbers who could not be received lay along the roadside, and the Infirmary porter who supplied them with water caught the fever and died.

    Read the passage

    Fever raged both before and after the cholera, and up to the 18th August, 1849, nearly 500 patients had been taken into the hospital ; whilst numbers who could not be received lay along the roadside under temporary shelter, in the immediate neiglibourhood, awaiting their turn ; and the Infirmary porter who was in the habit of supplying these sufferers with water, caught tlie fever and died.

    Tubbercurry, Tubberscanavan, and other villages suffered severely from the malady ; whilst the reports from the townland of Dunfore, on the Lissadell Estate, were simply appalling: one person stated in the public press that on the roadside he saw four coffins, in some of which the corpses had lain for two or three days, as nobody would bury them.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 40

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town that in 1849 was overwhelmed by fever. By the 18th of August that year, nearly 500 patients had been taken into the hospital. Numbers who could not be received lay along the roadside under temporary shelter, waiting for their turn. The Infirmary porter who was in the habit of supplying these sufferers with water caught the fever and died. The malady struck Tubbercurry, Tubberscanavan, and other villages severely. Reports from the townland of Dunfore, on the Lissadell Estate, were appalling. One person stated in the public press that on the roadside he saw four coffins, in some of which the corpses had lain for two or three days, as nobody would bury them.

40. Fitzmaurice bleach mill at Ballymote

    Ballymote · town · Sligo · 1774

    Mr. Fitzmaurice established a bleach mill in Ballymote with advanced machinery and a 34-acre reservoir formed by damming a valley. The enterprise employed hundreds of local people and expanded loom numbers from 65 to 120, but gradually declined after Fitzmaurice's death during a long minority.

    Read the passage

    20 families working on their own account. During the five years that the business was conducted by Mr. Wakefield, it made considerable progress ; several new buildings were erected, and the number of looms was increased to 60, but upon liis death everything came to a deadlock. Lady Shelburne appointed another manager, giving him exceptionally good terms, yet at the end of five years he failed. In the year 1774 Mr. Fitzraaurice determined to take the management into his own hands, but before doing so, resolved to make himself thoroughly acquainted with all the minutiae of linen manfaoture. He inspected the various mills in the North of Ireland, and devoted himself so thoroughly to the subject, that from spinning to bleaching and selling, he could with his own hands do everytliing. Having made himself complete master of the business, Mr. Fitzmaurice employed Mr. Stansfield, a then well-known practical engineer, to erect a bleach mill in Ballymote, with machinery which was, at that time, far in advance of any in the North of Ireland, and as a good supply of water was necessary, a reservoir, occupying an area of 34 acres, was formed by a dam constructed across the valley.

    Not having a bleach green the first year, he only kept 65 looms emploj^ed, and sold the linen " green " ; in 1776, there were the same number; whilst in 1777 there were 120.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 123

41. Mythological battle of Moytirra and Diancecht's healing bath

    near Moytirra · monument · Sligo

    The mythological battle of Moytirra in Sligo saw the fairy doctor Diancecht cure wounded warriors of the Tuatha de Danaan by plunging them into a medicated bath. W.B. Yeats noted that 'fairy doctors' skilled in herbal medicine still existed in the county.

    Read the passage

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

    Domestic industries were carried on, in the evening, under difficulties ; there was little light but that afforded by the fire, for the candle of former times — the rush-light — was but seldom lighted. Beranger thus describes its use, circa 1779 : " We went to supper ; we had the old Irish candles, consisting of rushes dipped in tallow, which gave but poor light. The candlestick consists of a straight piece of wood about two feet high, with three feet to stand on the floor ; on the top is an iron spring, which holds the rush, and which,

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 173

42. Seventeenth-century merchant trade tokens in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1666–1673

    Merchants in the town of Sligo issued brass or copper trade tokens, stamped with armorial bearings or trade-marks, to supply a much-needed circulating medium for small purchases. Specimens include tokens issued by Walter Lynch, John Smith, William Crawford, and Archibold Cunningham.

    Read the passage

    (1.) WALTEB, LYifCH OF (armorial bearing of Lynch); reverse, sligo

    MARCHANT. w. L. 1666. {See fig. 29.) (2.) lOHN SMITH IN (a ship in a circle); reverse, sligoe maechaxx.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 85

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Sligo now. Between 1666 and 1673, merchants in this town issued their own brass and copper trade tokens to make small purchases possible. Walter Lynch struck one in 1666 bearing his family's arms, and John Smith another showing a ship. William Crawford and Archibold Cunningham issued tokens too.

43. Sligo Cathedral damage triggers sectarian riot

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1886

    On 12 June 1886, wilful damage was found at the piers of the Roman Catholic Cathedral and Presbytery gate in Sligo. Mobs paraded the streets smashing Protestant householders' windows, but it was later revealed that three Roman Catholics had committed the initial damage.

    Read the passage

    On Saturday morning, 12th June, 1886, it was discovered that wilful damage had been done to the piers of the gate of the Eoman Catholic Cathedral, as also to the entrance to the Presbytery. The damage was trivial, and would probably not have excited much comment but for the disturbances then occurring in Belfast ; and it was given out that the Protestants of Sligo had been the offenders. Mobs paraded the streets, smashing the windows of householders. However, a reward of £100 was offered by the Protestant inhabitants of the borough for discovery of the perpetrators of the outrage, and one of the delinquents turned informer. It was then discovered that the mischief at the Cathedral and Presbytery had been effected by three Roman Catholics,^ who

    ' The Indictment in the Crown Book is as follows : — "Patrick Curren, James Cleary, Ind. That they, 12th June, 1886, at Sligo, in the county of Sligo, unlawfully did conspire, combine, confederate.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 164

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Sligo now. On the morning of Saturday, 12 June 1886, someone found wilful damage on the piers of the Roman Catholic Cathedral gate and the entrance to the Presbytery. The damage itself was trivial, but tensions were running high because of disturbances then occurring in Belfast, and word went round that the Protestants of Sligo were to blame. Mobs paraded the streets, smashing the windows of Protestant householders. The Protestant inhabitants of the borough offered a reward of 100 pounds for discovery of the perpetrators, and one of the delinquents turned informer. It turned out the mischief at the Cathedral and Presbytery had been done by three Roman Catholics. The indictment in the Crown Book names Patrick Curren and James Cleary, charged with conspiring that day at Sligo.

44. Sligo Regiment at the Battle of Vinegar Hill

    near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

    The Sligo Regiment, led by Colonel King, took part in the assault on Vinegar Hill, a strong outpost to the town of Wexford. Colonel King was wounded while gallantly leading his regiment, and Lieutenant Sandys of the Longford Regiment was killed.

    Read the passage

    " To the determined spirit with which these columns were conducted, and the great gallantry of the troops, we are indebted for the short resistance of the rebels, who maintained their ground obstinately for about one hoiu' and a-half, but on perceiving the danger of being surrounded they fled with great precipitation. Their loss is not yet ascertained, but it must be very considerable ; the loss on our part is not great, the particulars of which I shall report as soon as possible. In the meantime I am sorry to say that Lt. Sandys of the Longford Regiment is killed, and that Colonel King of the Sligo was wounded in gallantly leading his Regiment."^

    " While Vinegar Hill, which formed a very strong outpost to the town of Wexford, was attacked and carried by advanced columns of the army, another strong detachment, under the command of Brigadier- General Moore (of which it is stated some Sligo yeomanry corps formed a portion) penetrated on another side, and enclosing the rebels, who attempted to make their escape, pushed as far as Wexford and took post in a situation which commanded the town."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass Vinegar Hill, this was the scene of one of the fiercest clashes of the 1798 Rebellion. The hill formed a strong outpost to the town of Wexford, and advanced columns of the army attacked and carried it. The rebels maintained their ground obstinately for about an hour and a half, but on perceiving the danger of being surrounded they fled with great precipitation. Colonel King of the Sligo Regiment was wounded in gallantly leading his regiment, and Lieutenant Sandys of the Longford Regiment was killed. A strong detachment under Brigadier-General Moore, which included some Sligo yeomanry corps, penetrated on another side, enclosing the rebels who attempted to escape, pushed as far as Wexford and took post in a situation which commanded the town.

45. Sligo town silenced during French crisis

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1798

    The editor of The Sligo Journal described the atmosphere in Sligo during the crisis as eerily quiet, with no business conducted and only a few citizens keeping a nervous watch in the streets. The newspaper ceased printing during the emergency.

    Read the passage

    " During the above anxious period," remarks the Editor of The Sligo Journal, '* all here was silent as the night, no business of any kind done, and nothing was seen in our streets save a few, a very few, citizens, who with a holy fear kept a desultory watch. We printed not ; for what had we to say ? or to whom publish our tale of woe ? "

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Sligo town, you are passing through a place that went silent during the French crisis of 1798. The editor of The Sligo Journal wrote that all here was silent as the night, with no business of any kind done. Nothing was seen in the streets save a very few citizens, who with a holy fear kept a desultory watch. The newspaper itself stopped printing. "We printed not," the editor wrote, "for what had we to say? or to whom publish our tale of woe?"

46. St. Dominick's Stone healing well near Ballindoon Abbey

    Ballindoon · street · Sligo

    Near the Abbey of Ballindoon is a stone called 'St. Dominick's Stone' with a cup-shaped hollow on top that is generally full of water. The water is believed to be a certain cure for warts.

    Read the passage

    A cure for ring-worm was effected by rubbing the spots with a gold ring ; pounded snails cured bruises ; water in the hollow of certain stones removed warts ; for instance, near the Abbey of Ballindoon is " St. Dominick's Stone," having on its top a cup-shaped hollow generally full of water which is supposed to be a certain cure for these excrescences, whilst in the parish of Killery there is a spring styled Toberuawanny, i.e. the wart well, doubtless from the curative properties of the spring. Witches take the form of hares; a seventh son possesses special curative powers ; spilling, or helping a person to salt^ making a present of a knife, a scissors, or a box of pins, breaking a looking-glass or going under a ladder, all these acts bring illluck. Never boast of good-luck or immunity from ill ; if having inadvertently committed this offence against the " good people," instantly qualify the boast by the ejaculation " In a good hour be it spoken ! "

    In the townland of Keelty, in the parish of Drumcliff, are the remains of a ruined church, founded, according to local tradition, by St. Columbkille. It is stated that the only burials which now take place in the surrounding grave-yard are tlie remains of infants who die unbaptized. Some residents in the neighbourhood hold the strange belief that such children are turned into owls, and therefore they regard it as unlucky to kill these birds. Black cats possess special demoniac power, and are frequently appointed guardians of hidden treasure. To buy a horse from a priest or a parson is unlucky. One of the most generally credited superstitious was that of the " Evil Eye." A certain cure for warts is supposed to be to steal a piece of raw meat and bury it ; according as the meat decays so will the warts diminish.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 190

47. The Cholera Field burial site behind Sligo Fever Hospital

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1832–1848

    Great numbers of cholera victims of all denominations were buried behind the Fever Hospital in Sligo, a site still known as 'The Cholera Field.' It was enclosed with a wall in 1848, and a mound marks the 'Cholera Trench' across the enclosure.

    Read the passage

    St. John's, about eighty bodies were deposited without the trouble having been taken of digging deep ; whereas a cholera corpse should be covered with quite six feet of earth. Great numbers of all denominations were buried in the ground behind the Fever Hospital, but of course the bodies and coffins had, under medical supervision, as a general rule, been carefully and properly put down at a sufficient depth. This place is still known as "The Cholera Field"; it was unenclosed until the year 1848, when it was surrounded by a well-built wall, and across the enclosure runs the mound which marks the site of the "Cholera Trench."

    A return is given of the eases admitted to, and the numbers who actually died within, the hospital. The gross totals are specified, but unfortunately the first and some intermediate portions of the tabular statement are missing. It is impossible to ascertain the actual number of deaths that occurred within the precincts of the Borough, for there appears to have been no regular system of registration observed beyond the bounds of the hospital and the registry of St. John's; no doubt, however, the number furnished in the returns here given would be considerably increased if the burials which took place in the Abbey were added to them, for many contemporaneous observers were of opinion that more were interred there than at the hospital. The numbers who actually died of the epidemic have been variously estimated. It is tliought the statement that "out of a population of about 15,000 the cholera carried off 1500," is not far from the true facts of the case; but it is to be noted that out of the above nominal population, not more than four or at most five thousand remained.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 37

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are near the ground behind the old Fever Hospital, still known as the Cholera Field. In the cholera years, great numbers of the dead of all denominations were buried there. Under medical supervision, as a general rule, the bodies and coffins were carefully and properly put down at a sufficient depth. That mattered. Over at St John's, about eighty bodies had been deposited without the trouble having been taken of digging deep, and a cholera corpse should have been covered with quite six feet of earth. This ground behind the hospital stayed unenclosed until the year 1848, when it was surrounded by a well-built wall. Across the enclosure runs the mound that marks the site of the Cholera Trench. A return was kept of the cases admitted to the hospital and the numbers who actually died within it, but the first and some intermediate portions of the tabular statement are missing. It is impossible to ascertain the actual number of deaths that occurred within the bounds of the Borough, for there appears to have been no regular system of registration beyond the hospital and the registry of St John's. Many contemporaneous observers were of opinion that more were interred in the Abbey than at the hospital. The numbers who died of the epidemic have been variously estimated. It is thought that the statement that, out of a population of about 15,000, the cholera carried off 1500, is not far from the true facts. But it is to be noted that of that nominal population, not more than four or at most five thousand remained.

48. Captain Rock's threatening notice from Rockhill, 1830

    Rockhill · street · Galway · 1830

    A threatening notice dated Rockhill, 9 May 1830, signed by 'Captain Rock,' warned that anyone dealing with a named party in Sligo town would be visited with violence and bloodshed. It exemplified the ongoing campaign of intimidation through exclusive dealing enforcement.

    Read the passage

    " Eockhill, May 9, 1830. Captain Eock wishes to give the public notice that any person or persons that will leave one penny or the smallest dealing with ... in the town of Sligo, I will pay him a visit, not without company, and I will have blood spilt."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 162

    As the companion tells it

    Along here at Rockhill, a notice went up in May 1830 from someone calling himself Captain Rock. He warned that anyone who had any dealings with a certain person in the town of Sligo would get a visit, as he put it,

49. First Linen Hall erected in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1760–1815

    A Linen Hall was erected in Sligo about 1760, prompted by a proposal from James Knox and land from Owen Wynne. The Corporation ordered that all linen buying must take place at the Hall, with one penny charged per piece. The trade rapidly failed after 1815.

    Read the passage

    ^^ Borough of Sligo to wit. — Whereas there was formerly very irregular proceedings in buying Linen-cloth in the Market of Sligo by not having a fixed place for buying the same, and whereas James Knox, Esquire, hath this day proposed to the Common Council to erect and build a Linen Hall — convenient for any number of buyers, who may attend this market — in a plot of ground to be provided — in addition to one to be given by Owen Wynne, Esquire, in Old Market (? Street) for building a Linen Hall and offices, provided the Common Council give their approbation thereto ; therefore it is ordered by the Common Council that as soon as said Hall is so built, that no buyer of Linen-cloth do presume to buy Linen-cloth but at said Hall under the penalty of incurring the displeasure of this Common Council, and under such fines and penalties as the law in that case inflicts. And it is further ordered that no person whatever after said Hall is so built do presume to expose Linen-cloth to sale in any other place but in said Hall under the restrictions and penalties aforesaid. And that one penny — and no more — shall be paid for the buying each piece or web of clothing in the said Linen-Hall. And that the Provost shall, so soon as the said Hall is built, publish this our order in the most piiblic part of the town, that no person may hereafter plead want of knowledge of the same.

    "Edward Martin, Provost.''^

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 123

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this was where the first Linen Hall stood, erected about 1760. Before it was built, buying linen in the Sligo market was irregular, because there was no fixed place for it. James Knox came before the Common Council one day and proposed to build a Linen Hall, convenient for any number of buyers who might attend the market. Owen Wynne gave a plot of ground in Old Market Street for the Hall and its offices. The Common Council gave its approval, and ordered that once the Hall was built, no buyer was to presume to buy linen-cloth anywhere but at the Hall, under penalty of incurring the displeasure of the Common Council, and under such fines and penalties as the law inflicted. No person was to expose linen for sale anywhere else either. One penny, and no more, was to be paid for the buying of each piece or web of clothing in the Hall. The Provost, Edward Martin, was to publish the order in the most public part of the town, so no person could plead ignorance. The linen trade here failed after 1815.

50. Herring fishery cycles in Sligo Bay and Donegal

    near Sligo Bay · bay · Sligo · 1840–1875

    Herring shifted their grounds roughly every thirty years. In 1840 they came into Sligo Bay and remained for thirty-five years before returning to Donegal Bay, following patterns similar to the coast of Norway.

    Read the passage

    habits of tlie herring are very perplexing, but it would appear that they shift their waters about every thirty years. Sixty years ago all the Sligo fishing-boats went off to the northern bay of Donegal, and there fished for the season. In 1840, the herrings came into Sligo Bay, and remained for thirty-five years ; tlien they returned to Donegal Bay again. On the coast of Norway they move about in the same manner ; many reasons for this have been assigned, the most probable being, that from natural instinct they seek out new feeding grounds when the old are bare.

    Toward the close of the last century, a grant was given by the Irish Parliament for the purpose of promoting the whale fisher}^ but it was discontinued shortly afterwards. The spermaceti whale occasionally frequents this littoral ; the bottleuose whale appears in shoals, and follows the herrings and other migratory fish into the bays and inlets of the coast, " one of the signs of fish " (as fishermen express it) is tlie appearance of these whales. The basking-shark or true sun-fish varies in length from thirty to forty feet, and in the summer months they were formerly numerous off the Sligo coast. The value of the spermaceti whale at the commencement of the century was very great, that of the basking-shark, £45 ; foreign competition, however, has now reduced that amount considerably. In the year 1884, two of the latter species, each nearly thirty feet in length, were captured, and their combined value did not exceed £30. The ordinary sun-fish is not uncommon, and seals are very frequently seen on the coast. The Sligo coast fishery extends from Ballina Bridge to MuUaghmore. In 1850, it employed 575 registered vessels, with 3263 men and boys ; in 1853 the number of vessels had decreased to 216, and the crews to 1269, whilst in 1888, in the whole extent of coast from Ballina bridge to Donegal Abbey (or twenty miles in excess of the former limits) there were but 209 boats with 889 men.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 128

51. O'Connell visits Sligo before 1837 election

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1837

    On 24 January 1837, Daniel O'Connell visited Sligo shortly before the General Election, aiming to unseat Perceval and Cooper from the County and Martin from the Borough. His speech attacked all three with colourful insults, calling Perceval a 'potato-faced fellow' and joking about fox-hunting and Martin-hunting.

    Read the passage

    On the 24th January, 1837, Daniel O'Connell visited Sligo shortly before the General Election, for the purpose of unseating, if possible, Perceval and Cooper from the County and Martin from the Borough. As a specimen of O'Connell's style of oratory, the following extract from his speech is here given. He informed his audience that " they had already hunted a Fox (i. e. Lane-Fox) from one County, and they had now to hunt another from this (County Sligo) ; but he was sure that Fox-hunting was not half so good as Martin -hunting ; . . . and as to Colonel Perceval, they would leave him at home to mind the potatoes for he was a potato-faced fellow ; . . . and as to Mr. Cooper, unless he behaved himself better, they would leave him at home to make a cask for Colonel Perceval's red herrings."^

    Hard hitting was not confined to one side : the following lines had previously appeared in the Sligo Journal on O'Connell having refused to either fight or apologize to an opponent : —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 26

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Sligo, the town where Daniel O'Connell came campaigning on the 24th of January, 1837, shortly before that year's General Election. He came to unseat Perceval and Cooper from the County, and Martin from the Borough, and he went after all three with relish. He told the crowd they had already hunted a Fox from one county and now had to hunt another from County Sligo, adding that

52. Schoolboy ensign summoned to join regiment in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1798

    A sergeant entered a school-room in Sligo to summon a youthful ensign to join his regiment shortly before the action at Vinegar Hill. The schoolboy threw his books at his teacher and rushed out cheering for the army.

    Read the passage

    One of the officers present with the Sligo Regiment at Vinegar Hill used to recount the circumstances attending his debut into military life, which occurred shortly before that event. A sergeant, entering the school-room in Sligo, where he was attending at his lessons, saluted and notified the adjutant's request that the youthful ensign should forthwith join his regiment. The schoolboy thereupon flinging his books at the head of his pedagogue, rushed out of the class-room, cheering for the army.

    It was probably for the action of Yinegar Hill that the medal of which Figs. 6 and 7 are full-size representations was engraved. Ohcerse. — A harp with crown, above in the rim, Sligo; under;ieath, Militia. Reverse. — The legend By the Right Honorable Colonel King, and in the centre, on a ribbon, Reward or Merit.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in the town where a future officer of the Sligo Regiment got his start in 1798. He was sitting in a schoolroom here when a sergeant walked in and told him the adjutant wanted him to join the regiment at once. The schoolboy flung his books and rushed out cheering for the army. He went on to serve at Vinegar Hill, and later used to tell the story of that day in the classroom.

53. Sewage-contaminated wells plague Sligo town

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1868

    In 1868, sixty-seven sewers emptied into the river above Victoria Bridge in Sligo. During dry summers, no drinkable water was available and water was sold door to door by the gallon. Wells communicated with the sea and suffered sewer infiltration.

    Read the passage

    It was calculated that in 1868 there were sixty-seven sewers in Sligo, emptying into the river above the Victoria bridge ; and if, in the middle of summer, there chanced to be a long continuance of dry weather, there was, according to one authority, not a drop of drinkable water available in the town, and men, with horses, and carts containing barrels, distributed water from door to door, selling it by the gallon,

    Sligo being built upon the mountain limestone (opened and fissured rock), there can be little doubt that all the wells in the town, judging from the quantity of salt which the analysis displays, communicated more or less with the sea ; they also suffered by infiltrations from the sewers, as evidenced by the quantity of nitrate of ammonia contained in the water : indeed, a great leakage must have taken place from drains, and " to such an extent, that in one well (the Pound- well) the constituents of that water were practically the same as you might expect to find in a grave-yard."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 92

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Sligo, the town had a water problem that went right down to its rock. In 1868 there were sixty-seven sewers in Sligo, emptying into the river above Victoria Bridge. If a long stretch of dry weather came in the middle of summer, there was not a drop of drinkable water available in the town. Men with horses and carts carrying barrels went from door to door, selling water by the gallon. Sligo is built on mountain limestone, opened and fissured rock, and the wells in the town communicated more or less with the sea, judging from the quantity of salt the analysis showed. They also suffered infiltration from the sewers, shown by the quantity of nitrate of ammonia in the water. A great leakage took place from the drains. The source says, to such an extent, that in one well, the Pound-well, the constituents of that water were practically the same as you might expect to find in a grave-yard.

54. Bonfire Night customs and dangers in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    On St. John's Eve (June 23rd), bonfires were traditionally lit at crossroads in Sligo, and cattle and people were driven through the flames for purification. A house was eventually burnt from a spark, leading the grand jury to rule the damage 'wanton' and allow recovery from the rates.

    Read the passage

    Bonfires were allowed to be kindled in the streets of Sligo — even between rows of thatched cottages. Remonstrances were vain, " the custom " was pleaded in excuse ; but finally a house was burnt from a spark from one of these fires ; the grand jury

    1 In Folk Lore there is an account of somewhat similar observances in Greece on May Day, as well as the Custom on tSt. John's Eve of lighting bonfires and jumping over them.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 188

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you're in a town where bonfires were once kindled in the streets, even between rows of thatched cottages. On St. John's Eve, June 23rd, people and cattle were driven through the flames for purification. When remonstrances failed and "the custom" was pleaded, a house burnt from a spark. The grand jury called the damage wanton and allowed recovery from the rates.

55. Cholera refugees from Sligo turned away by countryside

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    Poor residents who fled Sligo during the cholera epidemic were treated as carriers of the disease by the surrounding peasantry, who refused them shelter or food. The refugees sheltered in ditches and relied on a relief committee for sustenance, with whiskey becoming a common panacea.

    Read the passage

    At the outbreak of the cholera in Sligo, all who could do so removed from the town, the population being reduced, it is alleged, to under four thousand ; but a vast number of the poorer classes, who fled into the neighbouring country, were looked on by the peasantry as disseminators of the scourge then afflicting the town, and they refused to house these refugees, or even supply them with the ordinary necessaries of life. Accordingly they sought protection in ditches, or any sheltered nook they could find, and as nothing could induce them to return to the town, food was given for their use by the committee appointed for that purpose : however, as might be expected, from the hardships to which they were exposed, whiskey came to be regarded as the great panacea, and this despite their poverty, they managed in some way to procure, so that drunkenness became very prevalent, and it was said that those who gave way to that vice fell ready victims to the cholera on their first return to sobriety.

    PESTILENCE, FAMINE, EMIGRATION, AND POPULATION. <7

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Sligo, this is the town that emptied itself when cholera broke out. The population dropped to under 4,000 as those who could leave fled. But the poor who ran into the surrounding countryside met a hard reception. The local peasantry saw them as carriers of the disease and refused to house them or give them food. The refugees ended up sheltering in ditches and any nook they could find, sustained by a relief committee that supplied them with food. Whiskey became what people turned to, and drunkenness grew common among them despite their poverty. It was said that those who fell into drink became easy victims of the cholera as soon as they sobered up.

56. Colonel Irwin on Sligo Protestant-Catholic relations

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1790–1793

    Colonel Irwin, testifying before a House of Commons committee, described how Protestants and Roman Catholics in Sligo had lived on cordial terms before 1790, with priests frequenting his father's house. He dated the deterioration of relations to 1793 with the rise of the Defenders.

    Read the passage

    cordiality, much greater intercourse and familiarity between the two sects than exists at this time. The first tone that was given to Protestant feeling adverse to the Catholics was in the year 1793 at the time of the Defenders."

    In the spring of 1794, Sligo was much disturbed by the "Defenders" — a secret society amongst the Roman Catholics, which spread throughout the County with astonishing rapidity — and at the assizes many were convicted of robbing houses of arms and of administering unlawful oaths. In consequence of these outrages the Earl of Carhampton — by instructions from Government — visited Sligo for the purpose of restoring social order ; the execution of the laws being there impeded by a system of terror. In most places visited by him he found that a leader of disturbance, who assumed the feigned name of Captain Stout, had so greatly intimidated the people of the neighbourhood, that persons who had sustained injury were afraid to prosecute, and magistrates were deterred from enforcing justice. Some informers had been murdered, and others dreading the same fate forfeited their recognizances in order to avoid giving evidence.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Sligo, a town with a story told by Colonel Irwin before a House of Commons committee. He said that before 1790, Protestants and Roman Catholics here lived on cordial terms, with priests frequenting his father's house. He dated the break in that goodwill to 1793, when the Defenders, a secret society among Roman Catholics, spread through the county with astonishing rapidity. By the spring of 1794, Sligo was much disturbed. At the assizes many were convicted of robbing houses of arms and administering unlawful oaths. The Earl of Carhampton, by instructions from Government, visited the town to restore social order, since the execution of the laws was impeded by a system of terror. A leader of disturbance using the feigned name of Captain Stout had so intimidated the neighbourhood that persons who had sustained injury were afraid to prosecute, and magistrates were deterred from enforcing justice. Some informers had been murdered, and others, dreading the same fate, forfeited their recognizances to avoid giving evidence.

57. Enchanted well on the Curlew mountains

    near Curlew Mountains · mountain or mountain range · Roscommon

    According to O'Curry, an enchanted well connected with the hazel tree and the salmon was situated on the Curlew mountains, on a hill called Cor-sliabh-na-Seaghsa, reflecting pagan associations of hazel, salmon and sacred springs.

    Read the passage

    In pagan days the hazel tree and the salmon seem to have been indissolubly connected with certain springs. According to O'Curry, one of these enchanted wells was situated on the Curlew mountains, on a hill designated Cor-sliabh-na-Seaghsa.

    The above writer continues thus : — " There were several of these poetic springs, or Helicons, in ancient Erin, each surrounded (it is said) by nine imperishable hazel trees, from which showers of ruddy nuts were dropped periodically into the spring. These nuts were eagerly watched by the salmon at the bottom of the spring, who, when they saw them drop upon the surface, darted up and eat them as fast as they could, after which they glided into the neighbouring rivers. Those who had succeeded in getting the nuts to eat had their bellies all spotted with a ruddy spot for every nut they had eaten ; but those who got none had no such spots. On this account the spotted salmon (which was called the E6 Fis or Salmon of Knowledge) became an object of eager acquisition, both with the learned and the unlearned ; because when the learned eat of it they became (it was supposed) more learned and sublime in their poetic aspirations ; and when the unlearned had the good fortune to catch and eat him they became at once great poets."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 181

58. Father Mathew's temperance crusade in Sligo town

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1839–1840

    Father Mathew commenced his temperance crusade in Sligo around 1839, exhorting crowds to avoid political disputes and secret societies. An eye-witness estimated over 60,000 people enrolled in the pledge, and silver medals and temperance-pledge cards were distributed and long treasured.

    Read the passage

    In his various addresses to the people in the town of Sligo, Father Mathew exhorted them to avoid all political and religious disputes, to cultivate a spirit of good will, of Christian charity to their neighbours of every persuasion, and to avoid all secret societies. There was a moral sublimity deeply impressive in the spectacle of so many thousand human beings influenced by one man, and on their knees repeating after him the words of the temperance pledge. No correct estimate can be formed of the numbers who enrolled themselves, but, adds an eye-witness, " from all that could be learnt it exceeded sixty thousand." The silver medals and temperance-pledge cards distributed by Father Mathew when in Sligo are, many of them, still treasured by the people.

    Father Mathew did more for the social regeneration of the country than any other man ; several attempts have been made to resuscitate the movement, but with only partial success. In 1890, the Mayor and Corporation of Sligo joined, with other Irish Municipal bodies, in the arrangements for commemorating the centenary of this remarkable man.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 169

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this is where Father Theobald Mathew launched his temperance crusade from about 1839. He addressed the people of the town, urging them to set aside political and religious disputes, to show Christian charity to neighbours of every persuasion, and to avoid all secret societies. Thousands knelt and repeated the temperance pledge after him, a spectacle one witness described as having a moral sublimity deeply impressive. No exact count was kept, but from all that could be learnt it exceeded sixty thousand. The silver medals and pledge cards he distributed in Sligo are still treasured by the people. He was said to have done more for the social regeneration of the country than any other man. In 1890 the Mayor and Corporation of Sligo joined other Irish municipal bodies in commemorating the centenary of this remarkable man.

59. Gabriel Beranger describes cake-dance near Glencar

    Glencar · electoral division · Sligo

    Gabriel Beranger was attracted by a large crowd near Glencar and witnessed a traditional cake-dance, where gentlemen, ladies, and country people formed a triple ring around dancers competing for a cake hung on a pole in a clean napkin adorned with ribands. The cake was awarded to the best performer, judged by endurance rather than elegance.

    Read the passage

    A dance for a cake — which in the eighteenth century was a favourite amusement, has been graphically described by Gabriel Beranger. He was attracted by a great crowd in the neighbourhood of Glencar, and went to see what had occasioned it. *' The scene was pleasing ; gentlemen and ladies on horseback and on foot, being mixed with the country people, and forming a triple ring around the dancers, whilst a fellow standing on some bench or barrel held up a pole, at the end of which the cake was hung in a clean napkin, adorned with ribands — to be given as a prize to the best performer," The cake, generally from eighteen to twenty inches in diameter, was placed on a circular board of somewhat greater breadth, elevated some six or eight feet high ; but it was more frequently fixed on an improvised stand, /. e. on the top of a churn-dash, set upright in the ground. In spring and summer the cake was garnished with flowers, and in the autumn with apples, whilst a fiddler and piper alternately played jigs, reels, and planxties. At the termination of the meeting the cake was given to the best dancer, chosen, not from the elegance of style, but from the endurance of his performance.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 201

60. Gold-cupped fibula found in bog near Sligo town

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1874

    A perfect golden-cupped fibula was discovered in a bog near Sligo town in 1874 and purchased by the Royal Irish Academy for £21 12s. Such ornaments, ranging from shirt-stud to door-handle size, have long puzzled antiquaries.

    Read the passage

    Many curious and antique gold ornaments have been found from time to time in the county. Along with a penannular ornament (acquired by the Royal Irish Academy), were discovered a quantity of small ring chains. A golden-cupped fibula (fig. 42) was found in a bog near the town in 1874 ; it was quite perfect, and was purchased by the Royal Irish Academy for £21 12s. Remains of this class have long been a puzzle to the antiquary. There seem to be but scanty grounds for styling them " fibulse ; " they are found of sizes varying from a mere shirt stud to that of a door-handle — sometimes even larger. Portion of a strange penannular object was found in a cutting when the Collooney and Enniskillen Railway line was in course of construction ; it was in a stratum of peat, resting on gravel, and at a depth of about six feet from the surface ; the relic consists of a hard earthen core, covered with a thin plate of gold, upon which is displayed a variety of dots and scorings of very archaic character. Articles of the so-called " fibulae " character, and probably contemporary with the fragment in question, have not unfrequently been found to contain a core of earth or copper. This curious waif of time coming into the possession of Robert Duke, d. l., of Newpark,

    Fig. 42. — GoUl-cupped Fibula. (About one-third real size.)

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 124

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are near a bog where a perfect golden-cupped fibula came to light in 1874. The Royal Irish Academy bought it for 21 pounds and 12 shillings. Objects of this kind have long puzzled antiquaries. They range in size from a mere shirt stud to that of a door-handle, sometimes even larger, and there seem to be but scanty grounds for calling them fibulae at all. Gold ornaments of various sorts have turned up in the county from time to time, including small ring chains and a penannular ornament also acquired by the Academy. A strange penannular fragment was found in a cutting when the Collooney and Enniskillen railway line was under construction, lying in peat resting on gravel about six feet below the surface. It had a hard earthen core covered with a thin plate of gold, marked with dots and scorings of very archaic character. Articles of this so-called fibulae character, probably contemporary with that fragment, have often been found to contain a core of earth or copper. This curious waif of time came into the possession of Robert Duke, deputy lieutenant, of Newpark.