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. Irish Waste and Land Improvement Society model farm at Gleneask

   near Gleneask · population centre · Sligo · 1836–1850

   The Irish Waste and Land Improvement Society, formed in 1836, established a model farm at Gleneask on the slopes of the Slieve Gamph Mountains. The estate covered about 5,769 acres of peat bog and mountain pasture, with sixteen acres of reclaimed bog producing turnips, mangolds, rape, vetches, and potatoes. Small stone houses costing about £20 each were built for tenants.

   Read the passage

   An " Irish Waste and Land Improvement Society " was formed in 1836, under the presidency of the Earl of Devon, and a traveller, in 1844, describes their estate in Sligo— being one of four which they possessed — as situated at Gleneask, on the south-east slope of the Slieve Gampli Mountains. It consisted principally of a wide glen or valley, extending from Lough Talt on the west to Lough Eask on the east, a stretch of about seven English miles, with a breadth varying from four miles at the south-west end, to a narrow point, where the mountain terminates on the eastern extremity of Lough Eask. The whole valley, as well as the lower slopes of the mountain available for tillage, are almost without exception pure peat bog. This includes about 3500 acres, and the remaining 2269 acres are mountain pasture, admirably adapted to the rearing and feeding of " mountainy " cattle. The model farm consisted of sixteen statute acres, where upon a piece of pure bog, only two years reclaimed, turnips, mangolds, rape, vetches, and potatoes flourished. The allotments were marked out by main drains and neat green sod-banks, surmounted by trimmed furze-hedges. The small white tenements faced the road ; the houses were good, each having two rooms. They were built of stone, thatched and glazed, and cost the society about £20 each. Prizes of £2 wei'e given annually for every acre of reclaimed land, as well as annual prizes for drainage, for the best green crops and cattle, for cleanliness, &c. Unfortunately the depression of 1846-50 appears to have compelled the society to sell this property.

   A large extent of reclamation was made near Tanrego. In 1851, William Petrie was granted by the landlord a lease for ever, at a nominal rent, of about 120 acres of " slob-land " on

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 148

2. Longford to Sligo railway officially opened 1862

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1862

   The railway extension from Longford to Sligo was officially opened on 3 December 1862 after three years of construction at a cost of £450,000. The line was fifty-eight miles long, twenty-four within County Sligo, and involved heavy cuttings from Sligo to beyond Boyle.

   Read the passage

   luxury in Sligo, As early as 1859 the permanent way between Sligo and Ballymote was laid in several places, but the extension from Longford to Sligo was not officially opened until the 3rd December, 1862,^ The works had been three years in course of construction, at a cost of £450,000. The total length was fifty - eight miles, twenty - four of this being within the county, and it involved some heavy cuttings from Sligo to beyond Boyle. It had been ready for traffic twelve months previously, but before opening any smaller portion the company had to await the completion of the entire line.

   At Kilfree a large signal-cabin was erected at considerable expense, and fitted with all the latest appliances, including electrical repeaters ; also new signal-cabins at CoUooney, Carrickuagat, Ballysadare, aud Sligo, between which stations the absolute block-system is in force, the signals being worked by electricity.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 107

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Sligo, this is where the Longford to Sligo railway finally arrived. The extension was officially opened on 3 December 1862, after three years of construction costing £450,000. The line ran fifty-eight miles in total, twenty-four of them within County Sligo, and it involved heavy cuttings from Sligo to beyond Boyle. It had actually been ready for traffic twelve months earlier, but the company had to wait until the entire line was complete before opening any part of it. By 1859 the permanent way between Sligo and Ballymote was already laid in several places. Later on, a large signal-cabin went up at Kilfree, fitted with electrical repeaters, and new signal-cabins were installed at Collooney, Carricknagat, Ballysadare and Sligo, with the absolute block-system worked by electricity between them.

3. Masonic Lodges in Sligo town suspended during fierce 1790 election

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1790

   In the fiercely contested 1790 County Sligo election, Cooper defeated Wynne. The struggle was so severe that Masonic Lodges in Sligo town did not meet for two months, the majority of members being engaged in the election.

   Read the passage

   The Eight Hon. Owen Wynne being unseated, thereupon a fresh election took place the following year, when Owen Wynne, Junr., was declared duly elected. A petition was lodged by Ormsby, but was unsuccessful;^ and the Wynnes kept possession of the seat until 1790 ; but in that year Mr. Cooper defeated Mr. Wynne in a severely contested election ; so severe was the struggle that the Masonic Lodges in the town — according to the records in their books — did not meet for two months, "the majority of the members being unavoidably engaged in the election." In 1797 Mr. Wynne again came forward, and in his address, dated Hazlewood, 20th July, 1797, thanked the electors for the " very honourable, tho' unsuccessful support " he had experienced at the previous election.

   The families of O'Hara and Cooper next became paramount,

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 18

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Sligo town, you're passing through a place where an 1790 election struggle ran so deep it shut down the local Masonic Lodges. Cooper defeated Wynne that year in a severely contested County Sligo election. The contest was so fierce that the lodges in the town did not meet for two months, as their own records put it, "the majority of the members being unavoidably engaged in the election." Before that, the Wynnes had held the seat after Owen Wynne Junior was declared duly elected, and a petition by Ormsby against that result had failed. Wynne tried again in 1797, thanking electors from Hazlewood for what he called their "very honourable, tho' unsuccessful support."

4. Night raids on tithe-corn buyers in Sligo, 1815

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1815

   In 1815 persons who bought tithe-corn or oats were visited by disguised gangs at night, who threshed the corn and carried off the proceeds. The disturbances were largely resolved by the composition of tithes under 4 George IV. c. 99.

   Read the passage

   In the year 1815 any persons who bought tithe-corn or oats were visited by disguised gangs of men by night, the corn and oats threshed, and the proceeds carried off. The cause of these disturbances was finally to a great extent rectified by the composition of tithes, 4 Greorge IV. c. 99.

   In 1843 there was a revival amongst the peasantry of the agitation against the fees charged by their priests. The movement appears to have originated in Mayo, whence it spread to Sligo. The lloman Catholic parishioners of Skreen and Achonry adopted the " new rules ; " but after several meetings had been held, the majority of the parishes decided to resist the movement. There were, however, many riots before the agitation quieted down.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 164

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead is Sligo town. In 1815, people here who bought tithe-corn or oats were visited by disguised gangs at night. The gangs threshed the corn and carried off the proceeds. These disturbances were largely resolved by the composition of tithes under 4 George IV, chapter 99.

5. Organ at St. John's reputedly from Spanish Armada wreck

   Sligo · town · Sligo

   St. John's was said to be the first religious edifice in Sligo to boast an organ. The instrument is reputed to have been taken from the wreck of one of the galleons of the Spanish Armada.

   Read the passage

   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, St. John's stands in the town. It was said to be the first religious building in Sligo to have an organ. The instrument is reputed to have come from the wreck of one of the galleons of the Spanish Armada.

6. Perceval of Templehouse reports on intimidation

   near Templehouse · population centre · Sligo · 1794–1795

   Mr. Perceval of Templehouse informed Lord Carhampton that a local priest had warned a magistrate to remain passive in the face of Defender outrages or face murder, confirming the atmosphere of terror in the Sligo countryside.

   Read the passage

   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.

   Lord Carhampton found that in the counties which he visited the laws were inoperative, and that they did not afford protection to loyal and peaceable subjects, who in most places were obliged to fly from their habitations ; he consequently resolved to restore order by decisive measures, and in the following year the loyal inhabitants and the Grand Jury of Sligo thanked Lord Carhampton for his wise and salutary exertions.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 5

7. Plundering of Templehouse during French advance

   near Templehouse · population centre · Sligo · 1798

   On the French march from Tubbercurry to Collooney, Irish pikemen plundered the house of Mr. Perceval of Templehouse because he had been active against the United Irishmen.

   Read the passage

   From Tubbercurry the French proceeded to Collooney, and on their way the Irish pikemen plundered the house of Mr. Perceval of Templehouse, because he had been active against the " United Irishmen."

   Wlien the French reached the village of Collooney, distant about six miles from Sligo, the inliabitants of the latter town, were in the utmost consternation. Sligo contained property to the amount of at least £200,000 ; there were in its harbour several ships, and in its vicinity were twelve well-furnished bleachyards. The small force of six- hundred effective men stationed there was ordered to evacuate it ; however. Colonel Vereker with a detachment of the city of Limerick Militia and a few yeomen, the whole not exceeding two hundred and eiglity-six men, with two curricle guns^, marched out, engaged the French and the rebels, giving them so severe a check, notwithstanding

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 9

8. Ptolemy's Nagnata and Camden's description of Sligo Bay

   near Sligo Bay · bay · Sligo

   Camden, writing his Britannia, noted that Ptolemy placed the city of Nagnata in the area of County Sligo, and identified the Bay of Sligo as a creeky road for ships beneath the town, the chief port in the county, adorned with a castle. The reference highlights Sligo's importance as a port from antiquity.

   Read the passage

   From very early times the port of Sligo appears to have been the scene of busy foreign traffic. Camden, when writing his Britannia, states : — " Hereabouts [i.e. in the County Sligo) Ptolemy places the city of Nagnata, but I have not been able to discover it. . . . The place which Ptolemy points at is now called the Bay of Sligo, a creeky road for ships just under the town, whicli is the chief port in this county, and is adorned with a castle." In 1312 twenty tuns of wine washed ashore on the coast from a wrecked vessel would seem to denote that trade with the Continent was even then considerable. The deed of conveyance of " ye cokket of Sligo" bears date 1430 and 1449, whilst again, a few years later, another concession was granted by Patent, 31 Henry VI. In 1544 Lord Fitzwilliam Bourke petitioned *' to have in fee-farm the cockets of Sligo, Portevade, and Leighborne, with all other creeks and havens, wliich his ancestors had, and whereof the King never had profit, as they were kept from his Highness by usurpation."

   In 1566 Sir Henry Sidney stated that Sligo " hath been a great town, full of merchants' houses ; " and the " Four Masters " record the death of several members of the O'Creau family, who, from the 14th to the 17th century, appear to have been the " Merchant Princes " of Sligo.*

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 114

9. Rev. John Yeates distributes meal in Drumcliff parish

   near Drumcliff · parish · Sligo · 1822

   The starving population of Drumcliff parish was aided by their Vicar, the Rev. John Yeates, who distributed oaten-meal granted for relief. A resident gentleman also gave several tons of meal and offered loans to poor tradespeople.

   Read the passage

   The S/i(jo Journal of June 5th states that the starving population of Drumcliff parish should feel deeply indebted to the exertions of their Vicar, the Eev. John Yeates, who diligently occupied himself in distributing oaten-meal, granted for relief of the poor, and he was aided in that merciful work by a resident gentleman, who himself gave several tons of meal, and further offered to lend money to poor tradespeople in the parish who could procure security for its repayment by easy instalments. The employment of the poor, in any shape, was strongly recommended, as it would be found impracticable to feed them for the ensuing three months unless some proportion of the funds could return by the introduction of industry ; llie spinning of flax and of wool was, in many places, adopted Avith much success.

   Up to the first week in June £1400 had been received from London, but this only permitted the local committee to distribute relief at the rate of " three-pence a head to purchase ])rovisions and firing for seven days." However, a communication was received from the " Committee for Irish Distress " in London, stating that, on the production of any respectable banker's certificate for the actual receipt of subscriptions from the Town of Sligo, the committee in London would remit a sum equal to half that amount in aid of the local fund.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 33

   As the companion tells it

   You are passing through Drumcliff parish, north of Sligo. In 1822 the people here were starving, and their Vicar, the Reverend John Yeates, worked hard distributing oaten-meal that had been granted for relief. A resident gentleman gave several tons of meal himself and offered loans to poor tradespeople who could find security for repayment in easy instalments. The Sligo Journal of June 5th reported all of this, and noted that employment of the poor was strongly recommended, since feeding them for the next three months would be impossible unless some funds returned through industry. Spinning of flax and wool was adopted with much success in many places. By the first week of June 1400 pounds had arrived from London, but that allowed the local committee to give only three pence a head for provisions and firing for seven days. A committee for Irish distress in London offered to match half of any subscriptions actually raised in the town of Sligo.

10. Road over the Gap of Lough Talt

    near Lough Talt · lake or lakes · Sligo

    A road was constructed over 'The Gap' near Lough Talt, with Captain O'Dowd persuading the Grand Jury of the County to fund it. A romantic tale likened the builder to Hannibal crossing the Alps, though Colonel Irwin's evidence before a House of Commons committee credited O'Dowd's exertions.

    Read the passage

    Alps did iu former days. But this Hannibal, by labour and perseverance overcame them all, and has formed a road where a coach can pass conveying passengers" to and from Balliiia and Castlerea. It appears a pity to dispel this romance, but (Jolonel Irwin, in his evidence before a Committee of the House of Commons, specially cites the improvement made in this district through the exertions of Captain O'Dowd, who induced the Grand Jury of the County to vote the money for the formation of this road over *' The Gap." The story naturally

    Fig. 36. — Bearnas, or Gap of Lough Talt, as seen from the crannog.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 100

11. Rosses Point church founded for Protestant visitors

    Rosses Point · town · Sligo · 1854–1858

    The parochial district of Rosses Point was severed from Drumcliff parish under the Peel Act to serve growing numbers of Protestant summer visitors. A church was built at the village entrance, its first stone laid in August 1854, with over £500 spent on building and £1395 for endowment.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 113

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Rosses Point in Sligo, where a church was built in the 1850s to serve the growing number of Protestant visitors who came for the bathing season. Before that, worship was held in a borrowed farmhouse room, and visiting clergymen conducted services wherever congregations could be gathered. As the numbers increased year by year, the irregularity of these arrangements was keenly felt, and with the consent of the rector of Drumcliff a parochial district was severed from the mother parish under the Peel Act. The first stone was laid on the 14th of August 1854, with over £500 spent on the building and its fittings and £1395 provided for endowment. The architect was William Dean Butler and the builder Henry Caldwell. The church opened for summer services in 1858, with Drumcliff clergy officiating on Sunday afternoons and running a school for the children of coastguards and other residents. In 1867 the aging rector could no longer keep up the summer service and brought in the Reverend Frederick Flood, who took full charge of the parish in August 1869.

12. Sand drift checked at Streedagh to Mullaghmore by bent planting

    Mullaghmore · town · Sligo

    Sandhills from Streedagh to Mullaghmore were in motion with devastation nearly as great as elsewhere. Lord Palmerston introduced the planting of bent grass and Pinus maritima seeds, which effectively checked the sand drift and allowed fine plantations to grow.

    Read the passage

    The sandhills from Streedagh to Mullaghmore were also in motion, and the devastation was nearly as great. It was here, however, that the drift was at last cheeked. Lord Pulmerston introduced the planting of bent, which effectually prevented the movement of the sand. He also sowed seeds of the Pinus maritima, and now fine plantations are growing on the very verge of the ocean. His example was followed by the other proprietors, the surface gradually coated over, and is now valuable for feeding sheep and young stock, and for the rearing of rabbits. Were the sward, however, again broken up, a recurrence of the same calamity would inevitably follow.

    One other instance of the efficacy of planting bent may be cited. In the neighbourhood of Raughly (on the south-west shore), about a mile of shingle, which formed a barrier against the mighty Atlantic waves, was gradually, but irresistibly driven back, at the regular rate of a foot each year. One very stormy night a breach was effected by the ocean, and the tide ran inland amongst the sandhills for a considerable distance, scattering the shingle rampart right and left. The remedy tried was planting along the beach, bent, which was

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 140

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near Mullaghmore in Sligo, where the sandhills running from Streedagh were once in motion, and the devastation was nearly as great as anywhere. The drift was finally checked here. Lord Palmerston introduced the planting of bent grass, which effectually prevented the movement of the sand. He also sowed seeds of the Pinus maritima, and fine plantations now grow on the very verge of the ocean. His example was followed by the other proprietors. The surface gradually coated over and is now valuable for feeding sheep and young stock, and for the rearing of rabbits. Were the sward again broken up, a recurrence of the same calamity would inevitably follow. One other instance of the efficacy of planting bent may be cited. In the neighbourhood of Raughly on the south-west shore, about a mile of shingle formed a barrier against the Atlantic waves. It was gradually driven back at the rate of a foot each year. On one very stormy night the ocean broke through, and the tide ran inland amongst the sandhills for a considerable distance, scattering the shingle rampart right and left. The remedy tried was planting bent along the beach.

13. Sligo grain exports before the Famine

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1845–1847

    Prior to the 1847 famine, Sligo's exports of oats and oatmeal were very considerable, primarily sent to London, Liverpool, and Glasgow. The importation of wheat and Indian corn only began to a great extent around 1845.

    Read the passage

    Prior to the famine of 1847 the exports of oats and oatmeal were very considerable, principally to London, Liverpool, and Glasgow; the importation of wheat and Indian corn from the Black Sea, the Levant, and Liverpool only commenced to any great extent about the year 1845.

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 117

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are travelling through what was, before the Famine, one of the busiest grain ports in the north-west of Ireland. In 1834 Inglis wrote that its export trade was the largest in the region, consisting chiefly of grain. Oats and oatmeal left here in great quantities for London, Liverpool, and Glasgow. Only around 1845 did large imports of wheat and Indian corn begin arriving from the Black Sea, the Levant, and Liverpool.

14. Sligo streets likened to bog, 1836 tourist report

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1836

    The London Courier Sentinel of November 1836 reported that a tourist visiting Sligo thought the bogs had been literally carried off the mountains into the streets and deposited there in great depth, lamenting the abundance of 'matter in the wrong place.'

    Read the passage

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

    204 HISTORY OF SLTGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 103

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Sligo, the streets here have a long story of their own keeping. From about 1770, the vestry of St. John's had charge of the streets and the roads in the union, and overseers were regularly appointed in each parish. In 1775, under an Act of 5 George the Third, the vestry ordered that 70 pounds be apploted and levied off the inhabitants of the town, to be applied towards paving and gravelling. By 1780 the townspeople thought themselves over-rated, and the vestry ordered that the borough should pay only one-ninth of the union. After that, paving and flagging seem to have been regularly repaired. But when the Town and Harbour Commissioners took over, things did not go as well. The London Courier Sentinel of November 1836 reported that a tourist who visited Sligo thought the bogs had been literally carried off the mountains into the streets, and deposited there in great depth. The visitor lamented the abundance of what he called matter in the wrong place.

15. Sligo town saved from French attack

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1798

    Following the engagement at Collooney, the French changed their direction and did not attack Sligo town, which had been their intended target. Colonel Vereker's despatch from Sligo, dated 30 September 1798, confirmed that the check the French received altered their plans.

    Read the passage

    the harness were brought off, they were rendered useless to the enemy, as appears by their not taking them with them. Our loss in this action, considering we had the whole of the French and Rebel army to contend with, was less than might have been expected, there having been only one officer and six rank and file killed, and five officers and twenty-two rank and file wounded ; the loss on the side of the French, by their own account, was about twenty killed and about thirty wounded ; fourteen very badly, were brought in here, four of whom have since died in the hospital. There must liave been also a number of rebels killed and wounded, which we could not ascertain. I have great pleasure in expressing my entire approbation of the conduct of the officers and soldiers on this occasion ; to Lieutenant- Colonel Gough I have to return my warmest thanks for the very great zeal and spirit displayed by him ; to Major Ormsby, my thanks are justly due; as also to Captain Waller, of the Limerick Militia, who with his light company was extremely active. I have likewise to express my obligations to Captain Slicer, of the Koyal Irish Artillery, for his conduct in the action, and his great exertions, under very heavy fire to bring off his guns, as well as to Captain Whistler of the Twenty-fourth Light Dragoons, who with great bravery met the charge of the French Cavalry and obliged them to retire. I have great satisfaction to think that although we were obliged to retreat, the object of the action was attained, namely, that of saving the town, as from the acknowledgment of the French Officers it was their intention to have attacked it, but from the check they got, and thinking we would not liave gone out to meet them if not supported in our rear they changed their direction.

    " (Signed), " Charles Veeeker,

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Sligo, the town that the French meant to attack in 1798 but never reached. After the engagement at Collooney, the French were checked badly enough that they changed their direction and left Sligo alone. Colonel Vereker confirmed this in a despatch from Sligo dated 30 September 1798, saying the French officers themselves admitted the town had been their intended target. Vereker wrote that he had great satisfaction in thinking that although his forces were obliged to retreat, the object of the action was attained, namely that of saving the town. The losses in the fighting were lighter than might have been expected against the whole of the French and rebel army. On Vereker's side, one officer and six rank and file were killed, and five officers and 22 rank and file wounded. The French lost about 20 killed and about 30 wounded by their own account. Fourteen badly wounded were brought in, and four of those died in hospital. Vereker gave warm thanks to Lieutenant-Colonel Gough for his zeal and spirit, and credited Major Ormsby, Captain Waller of the Limerick Militia, Captain Slicer of the Royal Irish Artillery, and Captain Whistler of the 24th Light Dragoons. Whistler met the charge of the French cavalry and obliged them to retire. The French, thinking Vereker would not have gone out to meet them without support in his rear, decided to change course.

16. Sligo YMCA founded 1868 by Rev. John Dowden of Calry

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1868–1885

    The Sligo United Young Men's Christian Association was formed in 1868, principally through the exertions of the Rev. John Dowden, then incumbent of Calry parish. It initially met near Victoria Bridge before moving to the Town Hall and then to the Protestant Hall in Stephen Street.

    Read the passage

    The Sligo United Young Men's Christian Association was formed in 1868, principally through the exertions of the Rev. John Dowden, who was then incumbent of Calry parish. In the beginning, the Association held its meetings in a small room near the "Victoria Bridge," but its progress being very rapid larger accommodation had to be procured, and on May 5th, 1880, an apartment in the Town Hall was hired. About 1884, the Primitive Methodists offered for sale their meeting house in Stephen-street ; it was purchased by a few gentlemen, was fitted up, and styled " The Sligo Protestant Hall." Rooms for their accommodation were then offered to the S. U. Y. M. C. A., at a much lower rent than those occupied by them in the Town Hall. In March, 1885, a branch of the Association transferred their property from the Town Hall to the Protestant Hall. At present there are about 150 members ; the reading-room is well supplied with periodicals, and the leading daily and weekly newspapers ; the library contains nearly 500 volumes. The dissentients to the removal of the Association from the Town Hall started a new society styled "The Sligo Young Men's Christian Association." In 1889 they entertained the idea of holding an Exhibition in the town ; the authorities of the Science and Art Department, South Kensington, consented to send a selection of exhibits, and from that time forward the Exhibition advanced considerably beyond the proportions originally contemplated. Promises of loans from local sources poured in, and the greater part of the Town Hall, where the Exhibition was to be held, was beautifully decorated. The opening day was fixed for April 8th ; the Exhibition remained open for eight days, and during that time nearly 6000 people passed through the doors.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 72

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town where the Sligo United Young Men's Christian Association was formed in 1868, principally through the exertions of the Reverend John Dowden, then incumbent of Calry parish. It began in a small room near Victoria Bridge, but its progress was rapid and larger accommodation had to be procured. On May 5th, 1880, an apartment in the Town Hall was hired. About 1884, the Primitive Methodists offered their meeting house in Stephen Street for sale. A few gentlemen purchased it, fitted it up, and styled it the Sligo Protestant Hall. Rooms were offered to the Association at a much lower rent than the Town Hall, and in March 1885 the Association transferred its property there. At that time there were about 150 members. The reading-room was well supplied with periodicals and the leading daily and weekly newspapers, and the library contained nearly 500 volumes. Those who dissented from the removal started a new society called the Sligo Young Men's Christian Association. In 1889 they conceived the idea of holding an Exhibition in the town. The authorities of the Science and Art Department, South Kensington, consented to send a selection of exhibits. Promises of loans from local sources poured in, and the greater part of the Town Hall was beautifully decorated. The opening day was fixed for April 8th. The Exhibition remained open for eight days, and during that time nearly 6000 people passed through the doors.

17. Soup kitchens in Upper Leyny during famine

    Leyny · barony · Sligo · 1846–1847

    Soup-kitchens were opened in various localities, principally supported by private subscriptions. In Upper Leyny alone, nine soup-kitchens were maintained at a weekly expenditure of £75.

    Read the passage

    Soup-kitchens were opened in various localities, and these were principally supported by private subscriptions; in Upper Leyny alone, nine soup-kitchens were kept up at a weekly expenditure of £75. "In the district of Achonry, containing 20,000 souls, one half were receiving rations in the month of June ; and forty corpses, the wretched remains of persons who had succumbed to starvation, were awaiting the coroner (at one time) in the district of Magherowe."

    The then rector of Bally mote is credited with having secured the earliest assistance for his parishioners during the first year of this famine. He had written to the committee in Dublin, praying for instant relief, and in reply received a letter which commenced "we are tliinking," &c.; his laconic retort had the

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 39

18. Steam-mill for spool manufacturing in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    A steam-mill was established in Sligo to manufacture wooden articles, chiefly spools or pirns. The premises, run by the MacNeil brothers, were closed at the time of writing, throwing many workers out of employment.

    Read the passage

    It is witliin a comparatively recent period that a steam-mill was established in Sligo for the production of a variety of common articles of wood, but of which the chief output was spools or pirns. Immense circular saws cut the trunks of trees into portable logs, whilst others slice them into sections of thickness corresponding to the height of the required spool, and long lines of workmen perform with bewildering rapidity their various duties, tending towards the production of the perfected article. Everything is done by steam, with skilled hands, assisted by intricate and delicate machinery, and as the Messrs. MacNeil supply the leading thread manufacturers with these pirns, the majority of the spools handled by the deft fingers of the " fair ladies " of Sligo are the product of this factory. Unfortunately, the premises are at present closed, and many workers are thus thrown out of employment.

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 126

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, there was once a steam-mill here that turned out wooden articles, chiefly spools or pirns for thread. The MacNeil brothers ran it, and immense circular saws cut tree trunks into logs, then sliced them into sections the right thickness for each spool, while long lines of workmen performed their duties with bewildering rapidity. Everything was done by steam, with skilled hands and intricate machinery, and the MacNeils supplied the leading thread manufacturers. The majority of the spools handled by the, quote, "fair ladies" of Sligo came from this factory. Sadly the premises were closed at the time of writing, and many workers were thrown out of employment.

19. St. Elva's well and tradition of sisters Lasair and Elva

    Derrysallagh · townland · Sligo

    A well called Tohar-Ehilibh (St. Elva's well) adjoined the alleged grave of the saint and remains of a station house. Tradition tells of two holy sisters, Lasair at Derrysallagh and Elva at Kilronan in Roscommon, who exchanged dwellings to relieve Lasair's loneliness.

    Read the passage

    Ordnance Survey notes), a well, styled Tohar-Ehilibh or St. Elva's-well, and close adjoining the alleged grave of the saint, and the remains of a station house. The story, as recounted by one of the country people, was that, in da5's when saints were more numerous than at present, there lived two sisters, holy women, called Lasair and Elva. The former first located herself at Derrysallagh, and the latter in the parish of Kilronan in Roscommon. Elva observed that her sister was failing in health, and inquired the cause of her despondency. Lasair confessed that the loneliness of the place weighed on her spirits, upon which Elva changed localities and cells.

    1 Close to this well, are rocks curiously indented with depressions resembling " buUauns" ; there is a very good specimen built into the fence along the road near the old church, and many others are scattered about through the fields.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 181

20. Surrender of Sligo by Sir Teigue O'Regan, 1691

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1688–1691

    During the Revolution of 1688, every male in Sligo capable of bearing arms was engaged either with the Enniskilleners or supporting James II, leaving no local militia. Sligo was ultimately surrendered by Sir Teigue O'Regan in 1691.

    Read the passage

    From the commencement of the Revolution of 1688 until the surrender of Sligo by Sir Teigue 0' Regan in 1691, there could have been no body of local militia stationed within the County, as every male capable of bearing arms was either engaged in the ranks of the Enniskilleners or supporting the cause of James II. It seems evident, however, that a local force for Sligo has existed, it may be said, almost from the first settlement of the County. This force was embodied in 1715 and again in 1745 ; in May, 1747, the following notice occurs in a newspaper of the day : —

    "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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town that felt the full weight of the Revolution of 1688 in the west. During those years every man in the county capable of bearing arms was drawn into the fighting, either with the Enniskilleners or supporting the cause of James II. There was no local militia left to garrison the town. In 1691, Sir Teigue O'Regan surrendered Sligo, bringing it under Williamite control. A local force had existed in Sligo almost from the first settlement of the county, and it was embodied again in 1715 and once more in 1745. In May 1747 the town celebrated Admiral Anson's success against the French with what a newspaper of the day called the greatest rejoicing that was ever known in that town. The gentlemen assembled under arms, marched from the Parade to the Quay, fired three volleys, and went aboard the vessels to drink the King's health and toast Anson and Warren. The night ended with bonfires and illuminations, and the next evening the gentlemen of the town entertained the ladies with a ball.

21. Swastika cross-carving near Cliffoney

    Cliffony · town · Sligo

    A remarkable cross-carving bearing a carefully wrought swastika or croix gammée occurs on a small pillar-stone leaning against a well-building situated a short distance from Cliffoney. The swastika form was known in remote antiquity and was used by early Christians as a disguised cross during times of persecution.

    Read the passage

    A very remarkable cross-carving occurs upon a small pillarstone leaning upon the side of a well-building, situate at a little distance from Cliffoney. The design. No. 1, fig. 58, is curious, the head of the figure containing a carefully wrought swasfica, or croix gammee. This form of cross was known iu days of remote antiquity ; and, was used in ante-Chi-istian times by various nations. " The truth is," writes Dr. Grraves, Bishop of Limerick, " that the early Christians finding this symbol in common use, employed it as a disguised cross in times of persecution, when, with their profound reverence for the sign of the cross, they were obliged to combine a certain prudence, which restrained them from exposing the emblem of their faith freely to the view of pagans. De Eossi does not hesitate to declare that only one exception is known to the general statement that the simple undisguised cross does not appear on monuments before the time of Constantine."

    But of all the groups of early Celtic cross-markings found in Ireland that upon Inismurray is the most varied and interesting. The majority of these figurings bear wonderful resemblance to crosses carved by early Christians on the walls of pagan temples in Egypt. No. 2 of fig. 58 represents a design, a counterpart of which was observed by Bishop Graves upon a Coptic or Egyptian temple. The stone measures in height 26J inches.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 186

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near Cliffoney. A small pillar stone leans against a well-building a short distance from the town, and carved into it is a very remarkable cross. The head of the carving contains a carefully wrought swastika, or croix gammée. This form of cross was known in days of remote antiquity and was used in pre-Christian times by various nations. Dr. Graves, Bishop of Limerick, wrote about it. "The truth is," he says, "that the early Christians finding this symbol in common use, employed it as a disguised cross in times of persecution, when, with their profound reverence for the sign of the cross, they were obliged to combine a certain prudence, which restrained them from exposing the emblem of their faith freely to the view of pagans." De Rossi does not hesitate to declare that only one exception is known to the general statement that the simple undisguised cross does not appear on monuments before the time of Constantine. Of all the groups of early Celtic cross-markings found in Ireland, those upon Inismurray are the most varied and interesting. The majority bear a wonderful resemblance to crosses carved by early Christians on the walls of pagan temples in Egypt. A counterpart of one design was observed by Bishop Graves upon a Coptic or Egyptian temple. The stone measures 26 and a half inches in height.

22. The Glen: Nicholson's blasted-cliff residence

    The Glen · street · Dublin · 1840–1892

    A scenic mountain-side cleft opening to a sea-coast view, once described by Lady Morgan for its wild beauty. About fifty years before publication, proprietor Mr. Nicholson blasted the overhanging cliffs to build a house, damaging the natural appearance; the dwelling has since disappeared.

    Read the passage

    Sucli had been the appearance of the Glen till about 50 years ago, when Mr. Nicholson, the then proprietor of this charming spot; resolved to make a residence for himself at the end of the defile wliere the sea- coast opened to view. He procured materials for the house by blasting the overhanging cliffs, and did much damage to the original appearance of nature's handiwork. The Glen has now passed into other hands; all traces of the dwelling-house have disappeared, and this cleft on the mountain side still remains, a spot well worthy of a visit from lovers of the picturesque, although its beauty is no longer of the very wild and rugged type so admirably described by Lady Morgan.

    The County Sligo contains a gross total of 461,796 acres, of which 12,740 are covered by water. In the year 1881 it was computed that 225,099 acres were in pasture, 89,864 in tillage, which is year by year steadily decreasing,^ 7131 under plantation, and 126,962 acres consist of bogs and wastes of various descriptions, presenting a brown, desolate appearance, resembling the wilds of Mayo, which St. Patrick viewing from afar, when on one of his missionary tours, is reputed to have exclaimed: "I'll bless you any way, but sorrah a foot ever I'll set upon you."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 138

23. Transportation of Sligo criminals to American colonies

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1724–1771

    Criminals sentenced at the County Sligo assizes were transported to American plantations throughout the eighteenth century. In 1724 three men were shipped to Antigua; in 1733 thirteen criminals from Sligo, Leitrim, and Roscommon were sent to the same destination; in 1769 four were bound for Philadelphia.

    Read the passage

    During the seventeentli century, transportation was a common form of punishment, and transportation to the American Plantations was carried on until the War of Independence. There is given a list of " apprentices " bound to Nicholas Cribb, of Liverpool, " to serve in Virginia, or any other of His Majesty's Plantations abroad." Their ages varied from 12 to 22, and the period of their " apprenticeship " from 5 to 8 years. There is an entry of three men sentenced to transportation at the " general assizes, and gaol-delivery held for the County of Sligo, the third day of April, 1724," and these were " servants " to William Dickson, master of the " Bettzoy " of Dublin, bound for Antigua; whilst in the year 1733, thirteen criminals sentenced to transportation from the Counties of Sligo, Leitrim, and Roscommon, were also shipped to the same locality ; Isaac Smith, " master of the good ship Dolphin," entering into a security of £50 that he would " deliver the above-mentioned persons transported, in Antigua, in the West Indies, the dangers of the sea, and mortality excepted " ! In the year 1736, ten criminals were shipped to Virginia ; in 1737, three boys were sent as "apprentices" to Antigua; and in 1745 three criminals were despatched to Virginia for seven years ; in 1769 four criminals, sentenced to transportation, "were bound to Mr. Charles King, of Sligo, merchant, and John Fife, of the good ship, or snow,^ called 'The Recovery' of Sligo, bound to Philadelphia." At that early date it may thus be seen that Sligo was in direct trading communication with America ; whilst in 1771 two more criminals were "bound to Mr. Alexander Erskine, of Sligo, merchant, and Manus Mac Shane, master of the good ship called the Pitt, bound to Baltimore, in Maryland."

    The Provost and Burgesses looked after the lighting and watching of the town, more especially " when none of the army " were at hand. They also saw that no unlicensed beggars were permitted to ply their trade ; this latter duty fell afterwards to

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are travelling through a town that once sent its criminals across the Atlantic. Transportation to the American plantations was a common punishment, and it continued until the War of Independence. There were even what they called apprentices, bound to Nicholas Cribb of Liverpool, to serve in Virginia or any other of His Majesty's plantations abroad. Their ages varied from 12 to 22, and their apprenticeship lasted from 5 to 8 years. At the general assizes and gaol-delivery held for the County of Sligo on the third day of April 1724, three men were sentenced to transportation. They became servants to William Dickson, master of the Bettzoy of Dublin, bound for Antigua. In 1733, thirteen criminals sentenced to transportation from the counties of Sligo, Leitrim, and Roscommon were shipped to the same place. Isaac Smith, master of the good ship Dolphin, entered into a security of £50 that he would deliver the above-mentioned persons transported in Antigua in the West Indies, the dangers of the sea and mortality excepted. In 1736, ten criminals were shipped to Virginia. In 1737, three boys were sent as apprentices to Antigua. In 1745, three criminals were despatched to Virginia for seven years. In 1769, four criminals sentenced to transportation were bound to Mr. Charles King of Sligo, merchant, and John Fife, of the good ship or snow called The Recovery of Sligo, bound to Philadelphia. At that early date Sligo was in direct trading communication with America. In 1771, two more criminals were bound to Mr. Alexander Erskine of Sligo, merchant, and Manus Mac Shane, master of the good ship called the Pitt, bound to Baltimore in Maryland.

24. Union Chapel built in Sligo, 1791

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1791–1811

    A chapel seating about four hundred people was built in Sligo in 1791 with aid from Lady Huntingdon, and was styled Union Chapel. The first regularly appointed pastor, Rev. Claudius Morrison, was installed around 1800–1801 and served until his death in 1811.

    Read the passage

    The movement grew, and a minister being required, twentyone probationers in connexion with the Synod of Ulster preached on trial without being accepted. Application was made to the " Seceders " for "supplies," and the Eev. J. Gibson was at length elected pastor. Mr. Gibson, however, did not remain long. Ministerial help was then sought from the Countess of Huntingdon in England, and from the Haldanes in Scotland. In 1791 a chapel was built, the undertaking being aided by Lady Huntingdon ; it was styled " Union Chapel," and it seated about four hundred people. The first regularly appointed pastor was the Eev. Claudius Morrison, who was installed in 1800 or 1801 ; he continued his labours until his death in 1811.

    The next minister would appear to have been the afterwards well-known Dr. William Urwick, an Englishman, styled " the Little G-iant," on account of his small stature but great abilities. His ministration in Sligo commenced June, 1816 ; he, however, had some experience of Irish missionary work through a previous visit to Sligo. A short sketch of the journey from his native place gives an insight into the times. He had to be ferried across the Menai Strait, " and from Holyhead a sailing packet, sloop, or lugger, giving but scant accommodation, made the passage to Dublin, sometimes in seven hours, sometimes in from three to seven days. It was at that time a two days' journey across a bleak and boggy country " from Dublin to Sligo. Changed times ! "We may now dine in London, and on the following day in Sligo.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 70

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Sligo now. In 1791 a chapel was built here, aided by Lady Huntingdon, and styled Union Chapel. It seated about four hundred people. The movement behind it had been growing. A minister was needed, and twenty-one probationers connected with the Synod of Ulster preached on trial, but none were accepted. Application was made to the Seceders for supplies, and the Rev. J. Gibson was elected pastor, but he did not remain long. Ministerial help was then sought from the Countess of Huntingdon in England and from the Haldanes in Scotland. The first regularly appointed pastor was the Rev. Claudius Morrison, installed in 1800 or 1801. He continued his labours until his death in 1811. The next minister was the afterwards well-known Dr. William Urwick, an Englishman styled "the Little Giant" on account of his small stature but great abilities. His ministration commenced in June 1816, though he had some experience of Irish missionary work through a previous visit. A short sketch of the journey from his native place gives an insight into the times. He had to be ferried across the Menai Strait, and from Holyhead a sailing packet, sloop, or lugger, giving but scant accommodation, made the passage to Dublin, sometimes in seven hours, sometimes in from three to seven days. It was at that time a two days' journey across a bleak and boggy country from Dublin to here. The book notes: "We may now dine in London, and on the following day in Sligo."

25. Rev. Valentine's bequest for Frankfort school

    Castleconor · townland · Laois · 1763–1888

    Rev. Thomas Valentine, vicar of Castleconor and Kilglass (the Union of Frankfort), bequeathed £400 in his 1763 will for a Protestant charity school in his parish. The school began in 1768 renting a cabin for £2 5s. 6d. per year, and the endowment grew to £2500 by 1888.

    Read the passage

    The Eev. Thomas Valentine, appointed in 1711, vicar of the parishes of Castleconor and Kilglass — then designated the Union of Frankfort — bequeathed in his will, dated the 10th September, 1763, a sum of money towards the endowment of a school in his parish for the children of Protestant parents, in terms following : — " I do hereby give and bequeath the sum of £600 sterling, for the support and maintenance of the distressed widows of the clergy of the diocese of Killala and Achonry ; secondly, I give and bequeath the sum of £400 sterling towards the institution of a Protestant charity-school, and for putting out a few of the Protestant apprentices to trades, which school I order to be erected within the Union of Frankfort." The Bishop of Killala and the Yicar of Frankfort, for the time being, were appointed trustees.

    The school was first started on a very small scale ; for on the 17th August, 1768, an entry in the accounts is as follows : — " One year's rent for a cabin for a school, £2 5.s. 6(7."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 210

26. Starvation feared amid scarce provisions in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1799–1800

    In March 1800, provisions of all kinds were very scarce and amazingly high in price, and starvation among the poor was dreaded. In November 1799, cattle markets were very bad and crops in a dismal way.

    Read the passage

    In November, 1799, the " cattle markets were very bad, and the crops in a dismal way." In March of the following year provisions of all kinds were very scarce and amazingly high in price ; starvation among the poor was dreaded.

    In 1806 the state of the county — more particularly the barony of Tireragh — was so disturbed that it occasioned a debate in the House of Lords ; and agitation again occurred in 1817 ; whilst consequent on the distress which prevailed in 1822, outrages in Tireragh were of constant occurrence.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 162

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up along Sligo town now. In November 1799 the cattle markets here were very bad and the crops in a dismal way. By March of the following year provisions of all kinds were very scarce and amazingly high in price, and starvation among the poor was dreaded.

27. Subscription assemblies and 'drums' in Sligo town

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1797–1814

    Ladies in poor circumstances in Sligo town organized subscription dances, known as 'drums,' as a regular business. Notices from 1797 and 1814 show these events were held at locations like the Grand Jury Room with appointed stewards.

    Read the passage

    "Mrs. M'Mullen, successor to Mrs. Milbank, begs leave to inform her friends and the public that she will hold a drum at the Grand Jury Room, on Thursday, 11th February, 1814, Captain Rutledge, 6th Dragoon Guards, and John Ormsby, Esq., Stewards. Ladies' tickets 5«., Gentlemen's 7s. 6f?."

    When a trip to Dublin was a rare event it naturally required more attention to provide local amusements, and Sligo, from, if not before, the year 1750, contained a theatre. The original building was near the quay ; it was subsequently moved to the vicinity of the Linen-Hall. *' His Majesty's servants from the Theatre Royal, Crow-street," occasionally visited Sligo, even during the Dublin season, showing that in those days the townsfolk appreciated the drama, for in some instances the company remained during several months.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 202

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you're travelling through a town that once kept itself entertained with subscription dances called drums. Ladies in poor circumstances ran them as a regular business. A notice from 1814 shows Mrs. M'Mullen, who had taken over from Mrs. Milbank, holding a drum at the Grand Jury Room on the 11th of February, with Captain Rutledge of the 6th Dragoon Guards and John Ormsby as stewards. Ladies' tickets were 5 shillings, gentlemen's 7 shillings and sixpence. The town had supported local amusements for a long time, with a theatre near the quay since around 1750, later moved near the Linen-Hall, and visiting players from the Theatre Royal in Crow Street in Dublin sometimes stayed for months.

28. Mrs. Jones escapes Ardnaree during 1798 rebellion

    Ardnaree or Shanaghy · townland · Mayo · 1798

    Mrs. Jones fled Ardnaree with her four children and other refugees after all the servants had joined the rebels. She made her way by boat to Ballydrihed and then to Sligo after learning Ballysadare was in rebel hands.

    Read the passage

    almost starved. A letter from Mrs. Jones, describing her escape from Ai'dnaree, conveys a graphic idea of these disturhed times. She managed with difficulty to escape with her four children and some other refugees; all the servants had joined the rebels. It was not without dangers and adventui'es that she made her way to Fortland, the residence of her uncle, Mr. Brown, who had just abandoned the house. She then left for Tanregoe, the seat of her brother. Colonel Irwin, who was at that time in Wexford, with the Sligo Militia. Here she learned that the bridge of Ballydrihed was being broken down, and that Ballysadare was in possession of the rebels; therefore the only way of escape was by water ; so after tacking to and fro, and the water dashing over them in the boat, they were at last landed at the sand-banks, from whence they proceeded on foot to Ballydrihed — which was then in possession of Captain James Wood's corps of yeomanry — and continued their course to Sligo.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ardnaree or Shanaghy, Mrs. Jones fled in 1798 with her four children and other refugees, after all her servants had joined the rebels. She made her way with difficulty to Portland, the residence of her uncle, Mr. Brown, but he had just abandoned the house. She then set out for Tanregoe, the seat of her brother Colonel Irwin, who was away in Wexford with the Sligo Militia. There she learned that the bridge of Ballydrihed was being broken down and that Ballysadare was in rebel hands, so the only way out was by water. After tacking to and fro with the water dashing over them in the boat, they were landed at the sand-banks and proceeded on foot to Ballydrihed, which was held by Captain James Wood's corps of yeomanry, and from there they continued their course to Sligo.

29. Avena Mills at Ballysadare — extensive flour and corn complex

    Ballysadare · townland · Sligo

    Messrs. Pollexfen & Co. owned the Avena flour and corn mills at Ballysadare, the most extensive milling business in the region. The complex comprised three large flour mills, a corn store, oat-kilns and a maize mill, all driven by water-power.

    Read the passage

    In 1770 two " bolting mills " were erected, which promised to increase the crop of wheat, and to change the face of the county. Large mills appeared from the earliest date to have been erected at Sligo, Ballysadare, and Collooney ; and ihey were from time to time increased in size to meet the requirements of the day. Messrs. Pollexfen & Co. at present possess the most extensive business in Sligo. They own the Avena flour and corn mills at Ballysadare, the flour and corn mills at Sligo ; and, together with milling, they carry on an extensive inland trade in maize, wheat, flour, coal, &c. All these mills are driven by water-power. There is also a steam mill in Sligo which is worked by Mr. Harper Campbell.

    The present Avena Mills consist of three large buildings, Nos. 1, 2, 3 flour mills, and corn store, together with large storage accommodation, built separately from, but close to, each mill. Nos. 1 and 2 flour mills are in one large building, situated on the western side of the river. They are driven by two three-quarter breast- wheels, each being 24 feet in diameter, and 10 feet wide ; they contain twenty pairs 4J burrs. No. 3 flour mill is built on the same bank of the river, but somewhat further down ; it is driven by an undershot wheel 24 feet iu diameter and 9 feet wide ; it contains eight pairs of 4| feet burrs. The maize mill is on the eastern side of the river, nearly opposite No. 3 flour mill, and is connected with the opposite bank by a narrow bridge, for convenience of the workmen. It contains nine pairs of 41 feet burrs, driven by two three-quarter breast-wheels, each 16 feet in diameter, and 6 feet wide. On this side of the river are large oat-kilns, driven by machinery connected with the corn mill ; here oats are received from the country people, kiln-dried, cleaned, and prepared for either exportation or milling. Close to them there is a small mill, containing two pairs of stones for crushing maize intended

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 121

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ballysadare stood the Avena Mills, the most extensive milling business in Sligo, owned by Messrs. Pollexfen and Company. The complex held three large flour mills, a corn store, oat-kilns and a maize mill, all driven by water-power. Pollexfen and Company also owned flour and corn mills in Sligo itself, and alongside milling they ran an extensive inland trade in maize, wheat, flour and coal. Large mills had stood at Sligo, Ballysadare and Collooney from the earliest times, growing over the years to meet demand. Back in 1770 two bolting mills were erected that, as the source says, promised to "change the face of the county" by increasing the wheat crop. The Avena Mills were laid out along both banks of the river. Mills numbered 1 and 2 sat together in one large building, driven by two breast wheels 24 feet across and 10 feet wide, with twenty pairs of grinding stones between them. Mill number 3 stood further downstream, powered by an undershot wheel 24 feet across and 9 feet wide, with eight pairs of stones. Across the river stood the maize mill, connected by a narrow bridge, holding nine pairs of stones driven by two breast wheels 16 feet across and 6 feet wide. Beside it were the oat-kilns, where oats brought in by country people were dried, cleaned and prepared for export or milling. Close by stood a small mill with two pairs of stones for crushing maize.

30. Barony of Tireragh so disturbed it occasioned Lords debate, 1806

    Tireragh · barony · Sligo · 1806–1817

    In 1806 the state of County Sligo—particularly the barony of Tireragh—was so violently disturbed that it occasioned a formal debate in the House of Lords. Agrarian unrest and lawlessness in Tireragh continued to recur, including a fresh wave of agitation in 1817.

    Read the passage

    In 1806 the state of the county — more particularly the barony of Tireragh — was so disturbed that it occasioned a debate in the House of Lords ; and agitation again occurred in 1817 ; whilst consequent on the distress which prevailed in 1822, outrages in Tireragh were of constant occurrence.

    It was stated that —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 162

31. Battle of Scurmore: rebels routed with 200 killed

    Scurmore · townland · Sligo · 1798

    On the night of 22 September 1798, a large insurgent force under Henry O'Keon and Mr. Barret attacked the government encampment at Scurmore but was routed with about 200 killed, including Protestants forced to the front by the rebels.

    Read the passage

    General Trench and Lord Portarlington agreed to attack Killala simultaneously, the former advancing on it from the south, the latter from the north. Lord Portarlington marched from Sligo on the 21st September, with his own and the Queen's County Regiment, a detachment of the 24th Dragoons, the Tireragh Yeomen Infantry, commanded by Captain James Wood, and the Tireragh Yeoman Cavalry under Captain Ormsby ; the whole amounting to about 800 men, with two pieces of cannon. They halted the first night at Arkill Lodge, where the rebels approached, but made no attack. On the night of the 22nd, however, when encamped at Scurmore, they were attacked by a numerous body of insurgents commanded by Henry O'Keon and Mr. Barret, but they were soon routed witli a loss of about 200 killed, amongst them being some Protestants whom the rebels had forced to the front in order to draw the fire of the troops upon them, and who, when the rebels broke and fled, fell in the indiscriminate slaughter of the pursuit. The rebel leader, John M'Dounough, by whose order these innocent people had been driven to their death, was captured a few days afterwards and hanged.

    28 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, on the night of 22 September 1798, Lord Portarlington's force was encamped at Scurmore when a large body of insurgents under Henry O'Keon and Mr. Barret attacked them. Portarlington had marched from Sligo the day before with about 800 men and two pieces of cannon, halting the first night at Arkill Lodge, where rebels approached but made no attack. At Scurmore the rebels struck, but they were soon routed with about 200 killed. Among the dead were Protestants whom the rebels had forced to the front, so that the troops' fire would fall on them. When the rebels broke and fled, those people fell in the indiscriminate slaughter of the pursuit. The rebel leader John M'Dounough, by whose order these people had been driven to their death, was captured a few days afterwards and hanged. Portarlington's march was part of a wider plan: he and General Trench had agreed to attack Killala simultaneously, Portarlington from the north, Trench from the south.

32. Chaffpool turlough and underground water phenomenon

    Chaffpool · townland · Sligo

    Chaffpool's name derives from a limestone-district phenomenon: when a turlough half a mile away fills, water rises in a distant depression, carrying chaff from winnowed oats to the surface, proving an underground connection between the two points.

    Read the passage

    1 Chaffpool derives its name from a phenomenon that is not uncommon in a limestone district. Whenever a turlotigh, situated about half a mile from the house, chances to be full, an inundation then takes place in a depression of the ground at some considerable distances, and if oats be winnowed at the turlough, the chaff comes up on this rise of water, showing that there must exist an underground communication between the two.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 191

33. Cursing-stone ritual and decorated stones of Inishmurray

    Inishmurray · townland · Sligo

    The cursing stones on Inishmurray's altars were long venerated by the island's natives. The ritual involved turning stones thrice from right to left while uttering imprecations against an enemy; if the adversary was innocent, the curses recoiled on the supplicant. Five of the surviving stones bear decorated Greek crosses enclosed by circles.

    Read the passage

    Upon the various altars of Inismurray may be noticed a collection of these stones, which have been long held in high veneration by the natives of the island. Two stones of this class, both of which bear inscriptions as well as crosses, are, it is stated, to be seen in the Paris Museum, and tliey are, it is alleged, common in the western isles of Scotland. We learn, also, from ancient authorities, that even in anto-Patrician days

    362 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 182

34. Dangerous dogs ordered shot in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1836

    In June 1836, the streets of Sligo were infested with dangerous and ferocious dogs. The Provost ordered that any dogs found at large without muzzles would be shot.

    Read the passage

    imposing a penalty on the owner who did not put a log on his canine companion, it was seldom carried into execution. Several of these yelping-curs would follow a rider for miles at his horse's heels, and many dreadful accidents ocem-red from their savage attacks : so late as June, 1836, the streets of Sligo being infested with dogs of a dangerous and ferocious nature, orders were given by the Provost that any found at large without being muzzled would be shot.

    The "Dogs Regulation (Ireland) Act " of 1865 (by imposing a tax on those animals) has abolished the nuisance, and the diminution in number of the canine breed has been very great. The sm-plus fund of this tax is lodged to the credit of the County ; and the proportion of surplus moneys arising from the sale of licenses is yearly paid over by the treasurer to be applied in aid of the borough rates.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 144

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this town had a dog problem back in June 1836. The streets were infested with dangerous and ferocious animals. Several of these curs would follow a rider for miles at his horse's heels, and many dreadful accidents occurred from their savage attacks. The Provost ordered that any dogs found at large without muzzles would be shot. A law from 1865, the Dogs Regulation Ireland Act, later imposed a tax on dogs and greatly reduced the nuisance. The surplus from that tax went to the county and was applied in aid of the borough rates.

35. Dermod and Grania's bed monument in Carrickglass

    Carrickglass · townland · Sligo

    Rude stone monuments known as 'beds of Dermod and Grania' are found in several Sligo townlands. Local tradition holds they were erected by Dermod as shelters for his wife while fleeing Finn's wrath. One such monument stands in the townland of Carrickglass.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 191

36. Duel near Sligo between Counsellor Wynne and John Martin

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    Counsellor Wynne and Mr. John Martin met in the vicinity of Sligo town to settle a misunderstanding with pistols. After an exchange of harmless shots, the sheriff arrived and arrested all parties on the ground, preventing further hostilities.

    Read the passage

    In consequence of a misunderstanding that occurred between Counsellor Wynne and Mr. John Martin, these gentlemen met in the vicinity of the town. After an exchange of shots, which proved harmless, further hostilities were prevented by the arrival of the sheriff, who arrested all the parties on the ground.

    A meeting took place on Sunday morning, 23rd January, 1836, at Camphill, near Collooney, between H. Fawcett and

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 160

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this was the vicinity where Counsellor Wynne and Mr. John Martin met to settle a misunderstanding. They exchanged shots that harmed no one, and before anything further could happen the sheriff arrived and arrested all the parties on the ground.

37. Easky Discussion: public religious debate, 1824

    Easky · town · Sligo · 1824

    In late 1824 a public debate took place at Easky chapel between Protestant and Roman Catholic clergy, after the parish priest challenged two former Catholic Scripture-readers. The chapel was filled with a large crowd, and shorthand notes of the two-day discussion were published.

    Read the passage

    Dr. Urwick appears to have been an indefatigable worker, and he largely increased the number of his congregation. At the close of the year 1824 he took part in the "Easky Discussion." The priest of Easky had challenged to a public debate, in presence of his congregation, two Scripture-readers who had formerly been Eoman Catholics, and who were then travelling through his district. At an early hour the chapel was filled with a large concourse of people. The chairman sat before the altar ; reporters took down verbatim all that was said,

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 70

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Easky, in Sligo. In late 1824 this was the scene of a two-day public debate at the chapel, after the parish priest challenged two former Catholic Scripture-readers then travelling through his district. Dr. Urwick took part for the Protestant side. The chapel was filled with a large crowd, the chairman sat before the altar, and reporters took down verbatim all that was said. The shorthand notes were published afterwards.

38. Famine relief road from Buckley's Ford to Bayview

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1822

    477 labourers were employed on a new line of road from Buckley's Ford to Bayview as famine relief work. The idea of a Circular Road near the jail was ridiculed as serving no purpose beyond temporary employment and was soon abandoned.

    Read the passage

    Upwards of £1000 was collected from local sources, and up to the 29th June the number of persons relieved in the town amounted to 5911 ; 477 labourers were employed on a new line of road " from Buckley's Ford' to Bayview;" 295 females were employed spinning flax, whilst 237 distressed tradesmen pursued their respective occupations by means of loans of small sums of money on security, thus reducing considerably the number of claimants for gratuitous assistance. The idea of opening a line to be called "The Circular Eoad, "'• which could serve no use save the mere temporary employment of the poor, was greatly ridiculed at the time, and it was with much truth alleged that the money might have been laid out to much more advantage in various other ways. The following lines that appeared in the Sligo Journal of the period are an example of the criticism of the day: —

    " 'The Poor Committee ' in their zeal

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are near the line of a famine relief road built in 1822, running from Buckley's Ford to Bayview. Over £1000 was collected from local sources, and 477 labourers were employed building this new road while 295 women spun flax and 237 tradesmen received small loans to keep working. Up to the 29th of June, 5911 people in the town had received relief. A second scheme, a Circular Road near the jail, was ridiculed at the time for serving no purpose beyond temporary employment, and the money, critics said, could have been spent to far greater advantage in other ways. The scheme was soon abandoned, but the road from Buckley's Ford to Bayview was built.

39. Licensed beggars' badges in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    Beggars' badges made of metal were in general use in Sligo, conferring a right to beg. Without a badge, beggars were liable to whipping and enforced removal from the locality under statute law. The duty of regulating unlicensed beggars later fell to the Vestry of St. John's.

    Read the passage

    the lot of the Vestry of St. John's. Beggars'-badges were in general use in many towns during the last century, and they conferred a right to beg ; otherwise, under Statute Law, beggars were liable to whipping and enforced removal from the locality. The badges were made of metal, and were worn on the arm. la Scotland licensed beggars wore a distinctive costume, and were called '' Blue-gowns" {vide Sir Walter Scott's " Antiquary").

    In olden days the regulation of the town did not cost the ratepayers any exorbitant sum, whilst the ruling authorities had a very summary mode of abating nuisances : —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo used to issue beggars' badges made of metal, worn on the arm, and they gave you the right to beg. Without one, under statute law, a beggar was liable to whipping and forced removal from the locality. Later on, the duty of regulating unlicensed beggars fell to the Vestry of St. John's.

40. Major Hillas's fatal premonition before duel

    Pound Street · street · Clare

    Major Hillas slept at the Black Lion inn in Pound Street, Sligo, the night before a duel in which he was killed. He declared himself a doomed man, having dreamed of seeing his own funeral pass the inn with the county gentry and his relations in mourning.

    Read the passage

    In Sligo, the inns were probably neither better nor worse than the usual average of provincial towns. They, like most places of business, were distinguished by huge signboards, which competed with each other in gaudiness of colouring. In 1750 " Barrington's Hotel " was in existence ; it stood on or about the site of the present *' Lough Gill Brewery." "The Black Lion " was in Pound-street ; the signboard is still in existence (see fig. 46), but fast mouldering in the damp and wet; the jet black of the lord of the forest is now rusty brown, his gold collar has almost vanished ; in a few mouths the last of one of the oldest hostelries in the town will be but a memory. Here it was that most of the subscription balls were given, bowls and cockfighting were great attractions, and the last " main " advertised and fought in public took place in the backyard. In this inn Major Hillas slept the night before the duel in which he fell, and it is yet recounted how in the morning he declared that he was a doomed man, for he dreamed that he had seeu a large funeral passing the inn, and he recognized the gentry of the county, and. his own relations in mourning following the hearse. Close to this inn was situated the " Spinning Wheel," in Highstreet ; also the " York Hotel," the scene of many a race and regatta ball ; the " King's Arms " and " Rosses Hotel," in old

    z

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 170

    As the companion tells it

    Along here was the Black Lion inn, one of the oldest hostelries in Sligo, where Major Hillas slept the night before a duel. In the morning he declared himself a doomed man. He said he had dreamed of a large funeral passing the inn, and he recognized the gentry of the county and his own relations in mourning following the hearse. He went out and was killed in the duel that day. The inn was also known for subscription balls, cockfighting, and bowls, and the last main of cocks advertised and fought in public took place in its backyard. The signboard survived for some time, though the jet black lion had turned rusty brown and his gold collar had nearly vanished.

41. Mayor warns of contaminated pumps during cholera threat

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1866

    In August 1866, the Mayor of Sligo posted a notice identifying the worst water in town as that in old Pound Street, followed by the Lungy and Chapel-lane pump, and warning inhabitants to boil water before drinking due to epidemic disease threat.

    Read the passage

    In August, 1866, the following notice was posted up by order of the Mayor : — " It appears that the worst water in the town is that in old Pound-street ; next to that, the Lungy and Chapel-lane pump. The water in all the other pumps is comparatively pure, thougli hard ; the railway water and the Pathbra ghan water are bad In the present state of the public

    health, and when threatened with epidemic disease (cholera).

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 92

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, it's worth knowing that in August 1866 the Mayor posted a public notice about the town's water. He named the worst water as that in old Pound Street, followed by the Lungy and Chapel Lane pump, and warned that with cholera threatening, inhabitants should boil their water before drinking.

42. Pollnamaddow earliest settlement on Coney Island

    Pollnamaddy · promontory · Mayo

    Tradition identifies Pollnamaddow as the site of the earliest settlement on Coney Island in Sligo harbour. The settlement was later removed to a more central hollow called Shanbally before inhabitants migrated to the eastern shore about 150 years prior to the book's writing.

    Read the passage

    sive and magnificent prospect. Tradition points to the earliest settlement in the island having been at the locality styled Pollnamaddow. In comparatively recent times the " seat of empire " was removed to the centre of the island, to a sheltered hollow styled Shanbally {i.e. old village), where the plough still turns up quantities of charcoal, the pavements of " streets," or the foundations of houses. About 150 years ago the inhabitants, following as usual the channel of trade, emigrated to the eastern shore, where the village now exists. During the year of the famine a road, which was originally intended to go round the island, was commenced, but never completed.

    At low water, during spring tides, the rocky ledge from the lighthouse to the island is so far uncovered as to enable communication to be carried on dryshod between it and the land. It is probably somewhere in this locality that the galleon of the Spanish Armada was wrecked, after having been repaired in Sligo ; for it is stated that antique silver ornaments, «S;c., of sixteenth centuiy workmanship were to be seen in houses at Bosses Point and on Coney Island. Numerous wrecks also have occurred on the island.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 112

43. Provost's daily court in the Market, Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    The Provost of Sligo sat daily in a small house in the Market, serving as a courthouse to settle disputes. His jurisdiction extended to sums not exceeding three pounds six shillings and eightpence Irish, with a Court of Record handling larger amounts.

    Read the passage

    fees, and other profits and perquisites belonging to that office during the time of his (Ormsby's) absence." Every day, at a stated hour, the Provost sat in a small house — by courtesy styled a courthouse — in the Market, for the purpose of settling disputes. His jurisdiction there, only extended to sums not exceeding three pounds six shillings and eight pence, Irish ; but over a Court of Record, to a larger amount.

    The first legal step in an action before the Provost was " a complaint," which was entered in a book, the plaintiff alleging that there was a sum of money due to liim by a person residing in tlie borough ; for if the cause of action did not occur within those limits, the case could not be entertained. " The action was then issued," in the form of an order to attach the goods of the defendant, or as a " service action " or notice to the defendant to appear at the next Court ; and if necessary a jury was empannelled; they might try any number of cases, each, however, separately ; but no verdict was given until all the cases to be disposed of had been heard.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Sligo, there is a piece of its old legal life worth knowing. Every day at a stated hour, the Provost sat in a small house in the Market, a building called a courthouse by courtesy, to settle disputes. His jurisdiction there only extended to sums not exceeding three pounds six shillings and eightpence Irish, but a Court of Record handled larger amounts. The first step in an action was a complaint entered in a book, the plaintiff alleging that a sum of money was due from a person residing in the borough. The action was then issued, either as an order to attach the defendant's goods, or as a service action, a notice to appear at the next court. If necessary a jury was empanelled. They could try any number of cases, each separately, but no verdict was given until all the cases to be disposed of had been heard.

44. Rebels desecrate churches at Lackan, Easky, Killraghtige and Enniscrone

    near Inishcrone · town · Sligo · 1798

    Insurgents damaged several Protestant churches, removing carpenter work and tearing books. Enniscrone church suffered worst: flooring torn up, pews and communion table demolished, tombs rifled, and remains of the dead desecrated.

    Read the passage

    The Protestant clergy were also compelled to fly precipitately; the persecution levelled against them had not been confined to imprisonment of their persons and destruction of tlieir houses and property, but was even extended to the demolition of their churches, from which all carpenter work was. removed, and the books found in them wantonly torn. Amongst the churches most damaged were those of Lackan, Easky, Killraaeteige, and Enniscrone. Of the latter they tore up the flooring, demolished the pews and communion table, rifled the tombs, and desecrated the remains of the dead.

    In this work of destruction the Sligo insurgents were aided by those of Mayo. All the houses of the gentry were plundered ; some were even demolished. The principal sufferers were Mr. Nesbitt of Scurmore, Mr. Fenton of Easky, Mr. Brown of Fortland, Mr. Grove, rector of Kilmacslialgan, Mr. Charles and Mr. Robert Jones, the Messrs. Wood, and several others.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Inishcrone, you are near ground where the 1798 insurgents attacked several Protestant churches. They pulled the carpenter work from the churches at Lackan, Easky, Killraghtige, and Enniscrone, and tore the books they found. The Enniscrone church suffered worst. They tore up the flooring, demolished the pews and communion table, rifled the tombs, and desecrated the remains of the dead. The Sligo insurgents were aided by those of Mayo. All the houses of the gentry were plundered, and some demolished. The principal sufferers were Mr. Nesbitt of Scurmore, Mr. Fenton of Easky, Mr. Brown of Fortland, Mr. Grove rector of Kilmacshalgan, Mr. Charles and Mr. Robert Jones, the Messrs. Wood, and several others.

45. Shameful state of Sligo streets, 1872 report

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1872

    A committee appointed in 1872 to report on the state of Sligo's streets found them 'absolutely shameful,' with dirt left for days, water tables filled up, and grass growing along the flags, causing flooding of streets and houses in wet weather.

    Read the passage

    In 1869 the whole charge of the streets was handed over to the Corporation ; but the committee appointed in 1 872 to report on the state in which they were kept issued the following : — " We report that the state of the streets of the town (when we consider the increased sum paid by the Corporation for having them properly cleansed) is absolutely shameful ; dirt scraped from the centre to the sides, and allowed to remain there for days, the water tables filled up, and in some streets grass growing along the edge of the flags," the consequence being that in wet weather the streets, and sometimes even the houses, were flooded, and mud was everywhere in its several stages, of " stony, sticky, slodgy, slushy, and washy." The Town Council shortly afterwards took the repairing and cleansing into their own hands, but the result not being much better they again placed the arrangement in the hands of a contractor—

    " No wonder citizens would cry,

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 103

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this was a town that struggled with its own streets. The Corporation took full charge of them in 1869, but a committee appointed in 1872 to report on their condition found things, in their word, "absolutely shameful." Dirt was scraped from the centre to the sides and left there for days, the water tables were filled up, and grass was growing along the edge of the flags. In wet weather the streets flooded, and sometimes even the houses, with mud in every stage from stony to slushy. The Town Council took repairing and cleansing into their own hands shortly after, but the result was not much better, so they placed the arrangement back in the hands of a contractor.

46. Sligo coast fishery extent and declining employment

    Mullaghmore · town · Sligo · 1850–1888

    The Sligo coast fishery extended from Ballina Bridge to Mullaghmore. In 1850 it employed 575 registered vessels with 3263 men and boys, but by 1888 only 209 boats and 889 men remained along an even longer stretch of coast.

    Read the passage

    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.

    At Inniscrone the fishermen use nets, lines, lobster-pots, and trawl-nets ; and nearly every description of fish is taken. At Pollacheeny, Derkmore, &c., cod, pollock, haddock, whiting, herrings, mackerel, plaice, &c., are taken.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 128

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Mullaghmore now, the town sits at the northern end of the Sligo coast fishery, which ran from Ballina Bridge to here. In 1850 this stretch of coast kept 575 registered vessels busy, crewed by 3263 men and boys. Within three years the fleet had fallen to 216 boats and 1269 men, and by 1888 the fishery had been extended another 20 miles, all the way to Donegal Abbey, yet only 209 boats and 889 men remained. So a longer coast employed far fewer people. The decline was steep and steady across those decades. Whales still appeared off this coast, following the herrings into the bays, and basking sharks were once numerous in the summer months. Two of those sharks, each nearly 30 feet long, were captured in 1884, and their combined value did not exceed £30, a fraction of what foreign competition had driven down. Ordinary sun-fish and seals were common sights along the water here. At Inniscrone the fishermen used nets, lines, lobster-pots, and trawl-nets, taking nearly every description of fish. At Pollacheeny and Derkmore they caught cod, pollock, haddock, whiting, herrings, mackerel, and plaice.

47. Sligo Corporation commissioners became a close borough, 1803-1833

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1803–1833

    Under the Sligo Acts of 1800 and 1803, commissioners were established to govern the town and harbour, but they soon became as exclusive a body as the former corporation. By 1833, Mr. Wynne used his large property and influence to fill vacancies among the elected commissioners, securing a preponderating influence over local governance.

    Read the passage

    These Commissioners soon became as close a borough as had been the former governing body ; the process was thus described in 1833: — The entire number of Commissioners was 40. Mr. Wynne (represented by the Provost) and his 12 Burgesses made up 13 of these ; the member for the borough and the two county members — of the latter one was his son-in-law, the other being a freeman — increased his number to 15 ; the inhabitants of the town elected 24 by ballot. In course of time, however, many of the original Commissioners having died or resigned, Mr. Wynne, from his large property and influence, succeeded in filling several of those vacancies ; thus the Corporators obtained a majority out of the 24 members elected under the Sligo Act, though if Mr. Wynne had induced only five of them to join those already enumerated, it would have sufficed to give him a preponderating influence.

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 47

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Sligo, a town whose local governance was reshaped in these years. Under the Sligo Acts of 1800 and 1803, commissioners were set up to govern the town and harbour, but they soon became as close a borough as the old corporation they replaced. There were 40 commissioners in all. Mr. Wynne, through his provost and 12 burgesses, held 13 of those seats. The borough member and two county members, one his son-in-law, brought his number to 15. The townspeople elected the remaining 24 by ballot. Over time, as commissioners died or resigned, Wynne used his large property and influence to fill vacancies, until the corporators held a majority even among the elected 24. Five sympathisers would have sufficed to give him a preponderating influence over the whole body. The Reform Bill of 1832 opened the borough's parliamentary representation to a wider electorate. Until then, from 1723, the head of the Wynne family had represented the corporation and the electors of Sligo in his own person, for both parliamentary and local purposes. In 1833, following reports on abuses in corporate towns across the United Kingdom, the Crown issued Royal Commissions in response to addresses from both Houses of Parliament.

48. Sligo exhibition at Town Hall, April 1889, drew nearly 6000 visitors

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1889

    In 1889 the Sligo Young Men's Christian Association organized an exhibition in the Town Hall, with exhibits sent by the Science and Art Department of South Kensington. It remained open for eight days and nearly 6,000 people attended.

    Read the passage

    The Sligo United Young Men's Christian Association was formed in 1868, principally through the exertions of the Rev. John Dowden, who was then incumbent of Calry parish. In the beginning, the Association held its meetings in a small room near the "Victoria Bridge," but its progress being very rapid larger accommodation had to be procured, and on May 5th, 1880, an apartment in the Town Hall was hired. About 1884, the Primitive Methodists offered for sale their meeting house in Stephen-street ; it was purchased by a few gentlemen, was fitted up, and styled " The Sligo Protestant Hall." Rooms for their accommodation were then offered to the S. U. Y. M. C. A., at a much lower rent than those occupied by them in the Town Hall. In March, 1885, a branch of the Association transferred their property from the Town Hall to the Protestant Hall. At present there are about 150 members ; the reading-room is well supplied with periodicals, and the leading daily and weekly newspapers ; the library contains nearly 500 volumes. The dissentients to the removal of the Association from the Town Hall started a new society styled "The Sligo Young Men's Christian Association." In 1889 they entertained the idea of holding an Exhibition in the town ; the authorities of the Science and Art Department, South Kensington, consented to send a selection of exhibits, and from that time forward the Exhibition advanced considerably beyond the proportions originally contemplated. Promises of loans from local sources poured in, and the greater part of the Town Hall, where the Exhibition was to be held, was beautifully decorated. The opening day was fixed for April 8th ; the Exhibition remained open for eight days, and during that time nearly 6000 people passed through the doors.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 72

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this is a town that once hosted an exhibition people came to in their thousands. The story begins with the Sligo United Young Men's Christian Association, formed in 1868, principally through the exertions of the Reverend John Dowden, then incumbent of Calry parish. At first the Association held its meetings in a small room near Victoria Bridge, but its progress was very rapid and larger accommodation had to be procured. On May 5th, 1880, an apartment in the Town Hall was hired. Around 1884, the Primitive Methodists offered for sale their meeting house in Stephen Street. A few gentlemen purchased it, had it fitted up, and called it the Sligo Protestant Hall. Rooms there were offered to the Association at a much lower rent than the Town Hall, and in March 1885 a branch transferred their property to the Protestant Hall. At that point the Association had about 150 members, a reading-room well supplied with periodicals and the leading daily and weekly newspapers, and a library of nearly 500 volumes. The dissentients to that removal started a new society, the Sligo Young Men's Christian Association. In 1889 they entertained the idea of holding an exhibition in the town. The authorities of the Science and Art Department at South Kensington consented to send a selection of exhibits, and from that time the exhibition advanced considerably beyond the proportions originally contemplated. Promises of loans from local sources poured in, and the greater part of the Town Hall was beautifully decorated. The opening day was fixed for April 8th. The exhibition remained open for eight days, and during that time nearly 6000 people passed through the doors.

49. Sligo Harbour pilots and the Metal Man landmark

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    Sligo Harbour pilots were divided into 'inside' and 'outside' classes, with duties split at the 'Metal Man' landmark. Formerly no proper superintendence existed, resulting in four casualties within six months due to pilots with bad sight or colour-blindness, though lately incapacitated pilots have been superannuated.

    Read the passage

    The pilots of the Harbour of Sligo are divided into two classes, i.e. the "inside" and "outside." The duties of the former extended from the " Metal Man " to the quays, and of the latter from the sea to the " Metal Man." Formerly no proper superintendence or inspection of these men was ever undertaken, so that some had bad sight and others were colourblind ; the consequence being that, within the short space of six months, there occurred four several casualties occasioned by the Harbour Commissioners electing men as pilots who wei'e not capable of properly filling the position. Fortunately, no really serious accident happened ; and lately all pilots labouring under physical infirmity, incapacitating them from their work, have been superannuated.

    The old inhabitants of Sligo do not (at any rate in historic times) appear to have been much addicted to a maritime life. The O'Dowds seem, however, at one period, to have had a predilection for sea-roving ; and in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries several accounts are given in the Irish Annals of expeditions undertaken by them, and generally crowned with success. In the " Book of Ballymote " there is a drawing of Noah's Ark, apparently a representation of a ship of the fourteenth century (fig. 40).

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 111

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, the harbour here was once looked after by two classes of pilots, inside and outside, whose duties were split at a landmark called the Metal Man. The inside pilots worked from the Metal Man to the quays, and the outside pilots from the sea to the Metal Man. For a long time there was no proper inspection of these men, and some had bad sight while others were colour blind. The result was four casualties within six months, caused by the Harbour Commissioners electing men who were not capable of doing the job. No really serious accident happened, and all pilots labouring under physical infirmity have since been superannuated. The old inhabitants of Sligo do not appear to have been much addicted to a maritime life in historic times, though the O'Dowds at one period had a predilection for sea-roving, and in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries the Irish Annals give several accounts of their expeditions, generally crowned with success.

50. Sligo magistrates condemn rebel outrages

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1798

    A meeting of magistrates and principal gentlemen of County Sligo, convened by High Sheriff T. Ormsby, resolved to view with abhorrence the savage outrages in the Northern Counties and lamented that similar proceedings were creeping into the previously peaceable county.

    Read the passage

    This state of affairs did not mend, for, " at a meeting of the magistrates and principal gentlemen of the County of Sligo oonvenedby public notice, T. Ormsby, Esq., High Sheriff, in the chair, it was Resolved — That we view with the utmost abhorrence the savage outrages that have disgraced most of the Northern Counties, and some other parts of the kingdom, and are truly sorry to find that proceedings, similar thereto are creeping into this hitherto peaceable county."

    The gentlemen and landholders of Sligo had prided themselves on the peaceable demeanour and respect for the laws which the people continued to evince, when most other parts of the kingdom were disturbed by the " United Irishmen"; the mass of the people, however, were universally infected with their doctrines, although they had not yet broken out into acts of open outrage. In the beginning of 1798, a number of fugitive Roman Catholic families from the North of Ireland arrived in Sligo seeking protection, as they alleged, and from their appearance of decency and industry, and their knowledge of the linen manufacture, they readily obtained an asylum from the gentlemen of the county. Many of these families spread themselves over the country, particularly near the sea-coast, and for some time they demeaned themselves in a peaceable and industrious manner. They brought with them, however, a number of prophecies (which they asserted had been delivered by the ancient Irish bards) foretelling the wars and calamities which were shortly to take place in the country. These prophecies had a great effect on the minds of the lower class of people, who were persuaded that the events predicted must necessarily come to pass.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo town, you are moving through a place that in 1798 saw its own magistrates confront the shadow of rebellion. The High Sheriff, T. Ormsby, called the magistrates and principal gentlemen of the county together, and they resolved that they viewed with the utmost abhorrence the savage outrages that had disgraced most of the Northern Counties, and were truly sorry to find similar proceedings creeping into what they called this hitherto peaceable county. The gentlemen and landholders of Sligo had prided themselves on the respect for the laws the people showed, when most of the kingdom was disturbed by the United Irishmen. Yet the mass of the people were infected with those doctrines, even if they had not yet broken into open outrage. At the beginning of 1798, fugitive Roman Catholic families from the North arrived in Sligo seeking protection. They seemed decent and industrious, and they knew the linen manufacture, so the gentlemen of the county gave them asylum. Many spread near the sea-coast and lived peaceably for a time. But they brought with them prophecies they said came from the ancient Irish bards, foretelling wars and calamities shortly to come. Those prophecies worked powerfully on the minds of the lower class of people, who believed the predicted events must necessarily come to pass.

51. Sligo Militia at the Battle of Vinegar Hill

    near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

    In June 1798, the Sligo Militia, then designated the 22nd Light Infantry, formed part of the first line at the engagement at Vinegar Hill, County Wexford, carrying the position at the point of the bayonet. They suffered many men killed and wounded and three officers disabled.

    Read the passage

    On the 1st April, Roger Dodwell, was Gazetted first lieutenant, vice Fury, resigned, and on 20th June, Owen Wynne was appointed " First Captain " of " The Sligo Loyal Infantry." A letter, dated Jan. 2nd, states that " the inhahitants of Sligo had formed themselves into a military association to replace the regulars, should their absence be found necessary, and to act in any other manner that might be deemed expedient." During the spring of 1798 the Sligo Militia, then designated the 22nd Light Infantry, were quartered in the South of Ireland, and in June, distinguished themselves in the engagement at Vinegar Hill, County Wexford, forming portion of the first line which carried the position at the point of the bayonet, having many men killed and wounded, and three officers dis-

    [To face page 14.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming up on Vinegar Hill, the rising ground near Enniscorthy in County Wexford. In June 1798, the Sligo Militia, then designated the 22nd Light Infantry, formed part of the first line at the battle here. They carried the position at the point of the bayonet, but suffered many men killed and wounded, and three officers disabled.

52. Sligo port butter exports decline sharply

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1800–1838

    Butter exports from Sligo port were very considerable at the start of the century, exceeding £200,000 in 1800. Some 150,000 casks left the quay in 1832–1833, but this fell to 50,000 by 1838.

    Read the passage

    At the commencement of this century the export of butter from the port was very considerable, amounting in 1800 to upwards of £200,000. 150,000 casks of butter left the quay in 1832-1833, but this fell in 1838 to 50,000 ; and according to evidence given before a Committee of the House of Commons,

    238

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 119

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, its port once shipped enormous quantities of butter. In 1800 the export was worth upwards of 200,000 pounds. Some 150,000 casks left the quay in 1832 to 1833, but by 1838 that had fallen to 50,000.

53. Sligo Mendicity paupers employed sweeping streets

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1826–1845

    From 1826, the Sligo Town and Harbour Commissioners paid the Mendicity committee to use paupers for sweeping and cleaning the streets, with the grant increasing from £35 to £70. The arrangement ended in August 1834 due to defective scavenging, and the Mendicity site was sold by the grand jury for £280 in 1845.

    Read the passage

    On January 23rd, 1826, the Town and Harbour Commissioners gave the contract for sweeping and cleaning the streets to the committee of the Mendicity, for which a sum of £35, afterwards increased to £70, was allowed. The paupers appear to have been thus utilized until August, 1834, when, owing to the defective manner in which the scavenging was performed, the grant was discontinued. In 1845 the site of the Mendicity was sold by the grand jury for £280.

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 81

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this town once had its streets swept by paupers. In 1826 the Town and Harbour Commissioners gave the cleaning contract to the Mendicity committee for £35, later raised to £70. Paupers did the work until August 1834, when the scavenging was judged defective and the grant stopped. In 1845 the grand jury sold the Mendicity site for £280.

54. Summer sea-bathing migration to Coney Island and seaside villages

    Inishmulclohy or Coney Island · townland · Sligo

    Each summer large numbers of people, called 'sea-pikes,' migrated from inland parts of County Sligo to seaside villages for bathing. On Coney Island bathers sometimes numbered 400, while Mullaghmore, Rosses Point, and Enniscrone were frequented by the better classes.

    Read the passage

    In the summer season there is an invasion of bathers — commonly termed " sea-pikes " — from the inland parts of the county and neighbouring districts, to the seaside villages. On Coney Island they sometimes amount, it is stated, to 400 in number. By the better classes, Mullaghmore, Rosses Point, and Enniscrone are greatly frequented. In his " Journey throughout Ireland," in 1834, Inglis thus alludes to the custom of summer-migration : — " I was surprised to meet every few hundred j^ards on the road (t. e. from Boyle to Sligo) carts heavily laden with country-people, many of them of the lowest order, and with different articles of furniture piled up, or

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 207

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Inishmulclohy or Coney Island, the summer brought what people called sea-pikes, crowds of bathers who came down from the inland parts of the county. Coney Island alone sometimes drew 400 of them. The better classes tended to go instead to Mullaghmore, Rosses Point, or Enniscrone. In 1834 a traveller named Inglis wrote that on the road from Boyle to Sligo he met carts every few hundred yards, heavily loaded with country people and their furniture, moving toward the coast.

55. Act of Union reduces Sligo Borough's parliamentary representation

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1800–1801

    Under the Act of Union, the Borough of Sligo's parliamentary representation was reduced from two members to one. The patron of the borough, Mr. Wynne, received pecuniary compensation for the loss of representation.

    Read the passage

    By the Act of Union the (representation of the Borough of Sligo was reduced to one member. All patrons of boroughs, however, received pecuniary recompense for their loss.^

    Thus, prior to the Eeform Bill of 1832, the Members for the Borough of Sligo were, from the year 1722, returned by the Wynne family. The old government of the Provost and twelve burgesses having been swept away by the Eeform Bill, the number of voters on the new and reformed register is stated to have been 418,^^ as compared with 695 on the county

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 24

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town, which the road passes through, lost half its voice in Parliament around 1800. Under the Act of Union, the Borough of Sligo's representation was reduced from two members to one. The Wynne family, who had returned the members since 1722, received pecuniary recompense for the loss.

56. Ballina salmon fishery let at heavy rent in 1778

    Ballina · townland · Mayo · 1778–1815

    The Ballina salmon fishery, described as the most important in the district, was let in 1778 for the heavy rent of £520 per year. The general yield was 70 to 80 tons of fish sold salted, besides fresh sales, though by 1815 no fish were salted for export and all were sent to the Dublin market.

    Read the passage

    The Ballina salmon fishery is the most important in the district ; in the year 1778 it was let for the then heavy rent of £520 a-year ; the general yield being from 70 to 80 tons of fish sold salted, besides what was sold fresh. But in 1815 there was none salted for exportation, and all those caught during the months in which they would bear to be carried were sent to the Dublin market.

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 129

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is the Ballina salmon fishery, described as the most important in the district. In 1778 it was let for the heavy rent of £520 a year. The general yield was 70 to 80 tons of fish sold salted, besides what was sold fresh. By 1815, though, none were salted for export, and all the fish caught during the months they would bear to be carried were sent to the Dublin market.

57. Early travel routes across sandy inlets at Drumcliff

    near Drumcliff · parish · Sligo

    In the early 18th century, travel tracks ran directly across sandy inlets of the ocean at low water, including at Drumcliff, Streamstown, and Tanrago. Journeys were typically made on horseback along these rough routes.

    Read the passage

    "Wesley, in his Journal, describes his journeys by land, as well as passages made to Ireland in the Holyhead packetboats. He speaks of days sometimes occupied by the voyage, or passed in enforced idleness waiting the decision of the captain to put to sea. In the early part of the last century journeys were usually made on horseback, for the tracks not only led in a bee-line up and down hills, but ran across sandy inlets of the ocean when uncovered at low water, as for instance at Drumcliff, Streamstown, and Tanrago.

    For farm work the country people had some curious vehicles, which they also employed for conveying themselves to market.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 104

    As the companion tells it

    You are passing through Drumcliff parish in Sligo. In the early part of the 18th century, journeys here were usually made on horseback, and the tracks ran straight across sandy inlets of the ocean when the tide was out. Drumcliff was one such crossing, along with Streamstown and Tanrago. Travellers rode directly over the uncovered sands at low water, taking the shortest line rather than following the shore.

58. Fine race at Lough Gill regatta (1827)

    near Lough Gill · lake or lakes · Kerry · 1827

    At the August 1827 regatta on Lough Gill, the Lady Sarah won the Ladies' Cup by half a length over the Shamrock, both boats sailing 18 miles at 8 knots under three-reefed mainsails in hard northern winds.

    Read the passage

    "Thursday, 16th: it blew hard from the North. The 'Lady Sarah' and the 'Shamrock' started for the 'Ladies' Cup.' So fine a race was probably never seen, and the greatest skill was displayed. The ' Lady Sarah ' won by half a length — the boats having sailed the course of 18 miles at the rate of 8 knots an hour, under three-reefed mainsails, notwithstanding their having gone considerably out of the direct line by each endeavouring to keep the weather-gauge."

    Three of the competing boats which took first prizes at this regatta are still at Hazlewood, i. e. the "Lady Sarah," winner of the " Ladies' Cup " ; also the " Thames " and " Mayflower," which won the prizes for rowing-boats of four and two oars, respectively.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 197

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass near Lough Gill, that is the lake where a famous regatta was held in August 1827. On the 16th it blew hard from the north, and two boats, the Lady Sarah and the Shamrock, raced for the Ladies' Cup over a course of 18 miles at 8 knots, both under three-reefed mainsails. The Lady Sarah won by half a length, and the book records that "so fine a race was probably never seen." Three boats that took first prizes that day, including the Lady Sarah, were afterward kept at Hazlewood.

59. First Sligo port improvement and Ballast-Master appointment, c.1720–1730

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1720–1730

    Around 1720, the first attempt at improving the Port of Sligo was undertaken, leading to the 1730 appointment of Laurence Vernon as Ballast-Master under statute 3 George II. The Ballast-Master was empowered to repair the quay, cleanse the river, and erect navigation perches from tonnage duties.

    Read the passage

    been presented to the Crown by Lord Palmerston in 1814. Tlie Custom House Quay is now leased by the Honourable Commissioners of Customs to the Sligo Harbour Commissioners. The first attempt at improving the Port was undertaken eiird 1720 ; and the first Act relating to it appears to have been the 3 George II., c. 2, which enacted that the Corporation should be conservators of the Port, and should maintain a ballast-office lor improving and preserving it. It was at once acted on : —

    " Borough of Slicjo. — " We the Provost, burgesses, and freemen of the said borough having this day assembled, pui'suant to the Statute of the third of King George the Second, for erecting a Ballast-office in the port of Sligo, do hereby unanimously appoint Mr. Laurence Vernon to be Ballast -Master of the said port, and do hereby authorise and empower him, the said Laurence A\'rnon, to do all and everything, and to execute all powers to a Ballast-Master belonging, pursuant to the said Statute. And we do also authorise and empower him out of tlie first money arising for furnishing a Ballast for tonnage of all ships and vessels, and also duty on all boats, gabbards,' and lighters Avhich shall come into his hands as Master of the Ballast-office of the port of Sligo, to put tlie quay in repair and to cleanse the river, and to put up perches when necessary. And we do also allow the said Laurence Vernon a salary for the pains and trouble he shall be at in executing the office of Ballast-Master, six shillings and eight pence in the pound sterling, of the produce payable to the said Ballast-office. Witness our hands, the 28 day of July, 1730.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 115

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you're in a town whose port was first improved around 1720. The first act for the port was the statute 3 George II, which made the corporation conservators of the port and required them to maintain a ballast-office. It was put into action right away. On the 28th of July, 1730, the provost, burgesses, and freemen of the borough of Sligo assembled and appointed Mr. Laurence Vernon as Ballast-Master of the port. They empowered him to take the first money arising from ballast tonnage duties on all ships and vessels, and duty on all boats, gabbards, and lighters, and to use it to put the quay in repair, cleanse the river, and put up navigation perches when necessary. They also allowed Vernon a salary of six shillings and eight pence in the pound sterling of the produce payable to the ballast-office, for the pains and trouble of executing the office.

60. Old Ballysadare bridge remains found beneath modern crossing

    Ballysadare · townland · Sligo · 1360–1586

    Remains of an old bridge at Ballysadare — perhaps erected in 1360 or 1586 — were discovered when workmen sank foundations for an eel-house just above the river's last fall before the tide; the modern bridge stands much higher upstream.

    Read the passage

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

    In recent years many handsome and substantial bridges have been built in the County ; of these the finest is the Victoria Bridge in the town of Sligo. It consists of five arches, each 21 ft. in span, and is entirely of ashlar masonry. It replaced the eight-arched bridge which formerly spanned the river a little below the present structure. The entrances to the old bridge were narrow and tortuous, and two vehicles were only just able to pass each other. A representation of it is given on the seal of tlie "Towti and Harbour Commissioners " (see p. 124).

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 100

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Ballysadare, the modern bridge stands much higher up the stream than the one that came before it. Remains of that old bridge were found when workmen were sinking foundations for an eel-house, which sits just over the last fall the river makes before its waters meet the tide. The old bridge may have been erected in 1360 or in 1586, though which date is the true one is not certain.