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. Out-door relief in Sligo Union during and after the Famine

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1847–1850

   On 23 December there were 1,491 recipients of out-door relief in the Sligo Union, with numbers rising again by midsummer of the following year. By March 1850 no out-door relief was given, but it was gradually reintroduced and many guardians treated relief as a vested right for recipients.

   Read the passage

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

   The annexed statement shows the number of paupers in the Workhouse on the 1st September in each year, from the formation of the Union to 1855, together with the highest and lowest

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 81

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, this town saw hard times in the winter of 1849. On 23 December, 1,491 people here were receiving outdoor relief, and by midsummer the numbers rose again. But in March 1850, no outdoor relief was given at all. It was gradually reintroduced shortly afterwards and increased almost without interruption. Once a person was placed on the relief list, most of the Guardians appeared to consider they had what the source calls a "vested right" to it, paid with great regularity like an annuity.

2. Oyster Island lighthouses placed in 1837

   near Oyster Island · townland · Sligo · 1837

   Two lighthouses were placed on Oyster Island in 1837 to define the harbour channel running along the north side of the Blackrock reef. The Bungar Bank has since gradually extended, rendering the lighthouses practically of little use without an experienced pilot.

   Read the passage

   Owing to the obstruction of the Bungar Bank {i.e. narrow entrance), the lighting of the port remained very defective ; and, in 1837, two lighthouses were placed on Oyster Island for the purpose of defining the cliaunel, which runs close along the north side of the Blackrock reef, shoaling rapidly from thence to Lissadell, The Bungar Bank has been ever since gradually extending, so that the present lighthouses on Oyster Island are practically of little use. They had been originally placed so as to be kept in one by a vessel when making the port : owing, however, to the continual change taking place in the bank, even this precaution is almost useless without an experienced pilot.^

   1 Since tlie foregoing was written a sector light has heen erected at the extremity of the island, showing red when the vessel is out of her course, but this is not considered satisfactory by the pilots, and the matter is now under the consideration of the Irish Lights Board, with a view to still further improvements.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 112

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Oyster Island, two lighthouses were placed in 1837 to define the harbour channel, which runs along the north side of the Blackrock reef. They were originally placed so a vessel making the port could keep them in line. But the Bungar Bank has been gradually extending ever since, so that the lighthouses are now practically of little use. Even keeping them in line is almost useless without an experienced pilot.

3. Pestilence kills O'Conor in Sligo Castle, 1361–62

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1361–1362

   A terrible pestilence visited Sligo in 1361 and 1362, carrying off many persons of note including the celebrated Cathal Oge O'Conor, who died in the castle of Sligo.

   Read the passage

   CAEEFUL reader of the early Irish annals cannot fail to observe therein the mention made of visitations of pestilence and famine. Although accounts may be disregarded of the annihilation by pestilence of the early colonies planted in Erin, still evidence remains of ever-recurring scourges of later date ; for instance, in 1224, 1228 to 1230, in 1315, in 1318. In 1327 small-pox raged ; and in the following year an epidemic broke out which was called Slaodan. This, it is stated, signifies a cough or cold ; hence the disease may be supposed to have been what is now termed influenza. In 1349 a great plague devastated the district of Moylurg on the boundaries of Roscommon and Sligo. In 1361 and 1362 Sligo was visited by a terrible pestilence which, amongst other persons of note, carried off the celebrated Cathal Oge O'Conor, who died in the castle of Sligo. In 1383 and 1384 " an awful and very fatal plague raged," as also in 1398 and 1424. In 1438 "the abbot of Kilnamanagh and Nicholas O'Meeny, vicar of Castleconnor, died of the plague," which appears to have been equally virulent the following year, as " The Four Masters " narrate that "Donogh, the son of O'Dowd, i.e. Teige ; Conor, son of Donal, the son of Cormac MacDonogh ; his wife, the daughter of Teige MacDonogh ; the vicar of Imleach-Iseal ; Donogh, the son of Tomaltach O'Bolan — all died of the plague." In 1447 " a great plague raged in the summer and harvest," and in 1464 there was another outbreak. In 1478 " a great plague was imported by a ship which entered the port of Bally shannon." In 1488 the plague raged in Ros-

   64 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 31

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Sligo town, you're passing through a place that suffered a terrible pestilence in 1361 and 1362. Among the many who died was the celebrated Cathal Oge O'Conor, who died in the castle of Sligo. The early Irish annals record ever-recurring scourges of pestilence and famine across the centuries. A great plague had already devastated the district of Moylurg, on the boundaries of Roscommon and Sligo, in 1349. Smallpox raged in 1327, and the following year an epidemic broke out that was called Slaodan, which signifies a cough or cold, likely what is now termed influenza. But the visitation of 1361 and 1362 stands out for carrying off Cathal Oge O'Conor, a man the annals describe as celebrated. The plague returned again and again in the years that followed, in 1383 and 1384, and again in 1398 and 1424. In 1438 the abbot of Kilnamanagh and Nicholas O'Meeny, vicar of Castleconnor, died of the plague. The Four Masters record that the following year took Donogh the son of O'Dowd, Conor son of Donal, his wife, the vicar of Imleach-Iseal, and Donogh the son of Tomaltach O'Bolan, all to the plague. In 1447 a great plague raged in the summer and harvest, and another broke out in 1464. In 1478 a great plague was imported by a ship which entered the port of Ballyshannon.

4. Salt works at Drumcliff and Ballydrihed

   near Drumcliff · parish · Sligo

   Landlords established salt works at Drumcliff and Ballydrihed to create employment for the growing population. Skilled labour had to be imported from the North of Ireland to operate them.

   Read the passage

   About the time of the introduction of the linen industry into Sligo, the landlords seem to have specially exerted themselves in endeavouring to create occupation for the rapidly increasing population. Salt works were established in several localities, notably at Drumcliff and Ballydrihed, but in order to work them skilled labour had to be imported from the North of Ireland. A few smaller but now extinct industries existed in the town of Sligo ; most of these were finally annihilated by the railroad. " Carding " was formerly a very general industry, as was also " brogue " making. The ancient brogue was made of raw hide, rudely stretched, and the primitive pattern continued in use until recent times. Hundreds have been found in bogs, and good specimens of these, together with some of more elaborate finish, are preserved in the Science and Art Museum, Dublin. 1

   Clay smoking pipes were manufactured, also coarse pottery ; there were soap, snuff, tobacco, and candle manufacturers, also

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 123

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through the parish of Drumcliff, you are travelling ground where landlords once tried to provide work for a rapidly growing population. Around the time the linen industry was introduced to Sligo, they established salt works here and at Ballydrihed. But the local people lacked the skills to run them, so labour had to be brought in from the North of Ireland. These salt works were part of a wider push to create employment across the area, though many smaller industries in Sligo town itself were later wiped out by the coming of the railway.

5. Sidney's 1566 description of Sligo as a merchant town

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1566

   In 1566, Sir Henry Sidney stated that Sligo had been a great town full of merchants' houses, indicating its former commercial prosperity. The Annals of the Four Masters also record the O'Crean family as prominent merchant figures from the 14th to the 17th century.

   Read the passage

   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.*

   ^ " The yearly chardges of the new farmers of his Maj'^^ Customs, for the Kingdome of Ireland for the Officers Stipends settled by Mr. Cogan. And also for chardges of Custom-houses, and Store-houses. An" 1632, w"' ye names of such as have been formerly employed : —

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 114

   As the companion tells it

   You are coming through Sligo now. In 1566 Sir Henry Sidney wrote that Sligo "hath been a great town, full of merchants' houses." The Annals of the Four Masters record the O'Crean family, who from the 14th to the 17th century were the merchant princes of the place. What Sidney saw was a town that had already known richer days.

6. Skreen "family money" tithe claim rejected

   Skreen · parish · Sligo

   Rev. Leslie Battersby, Rector and Vicar of Skreen, claimed an unusual tithe called "family money." The case was tried in Sligo before a judge and special jury, who decided against the claim, sparking a pamphlet controversy with Sir Jonah Barrington.

   Read the passage

   In addition to the tithes proper, others of a very uncommon description were occasionally attempted to be levied, and a most interesting and amusing controversy on this subject — afterwards printed in pamphlet form — arose between Sir Jonah Barringtou and the Eev. Leslie Battersby, Eector and Vicar .of Skreen. Battersby claimed a due styled "family money." The oase was tried in Sligo before a judge and special jury, who decided against the claim.

   For a considerable period from the year 1813 the then Rector of Emlaghfad and one of his rich parishioners — who had several large farms in the parishes which composed the

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 164

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through the parish of Skreen, there was once a quarrel over a tithe called "family money." The Reverend Leslie Battersby, rector and vicar of Skreen, claimed this due, and Sir Jonah Barrington opposed him. The case went to trial in Sligo before a judge and a special jury, who decided against Battersby's claim. The controversy was unusual enough that it was afterwards printed in pamphlet form.

7. Sligo Corporation as a pocket borough, 1722

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1722

   The Borough of Sligo's Corporation, consisting of only twelve life-appointed burgesses, could be dominated by a single family or clique, turning it into a pocket-borough. A crisis occurred on 27 August 1722 when Sir Francis Lycester resigned as burgess and Samuel Burton was elected in his stead under Provost John De Butt.

   Read the passage

   A crisis in the fate of the borough occurred on the 27th August, 1722, when, John De Butt being Provost, Sir Francis Lycester sent in his resignation as burgess, was accordingly disfranchised, and Samuel Burton elected in his stead. In the books of the Corporation the entries with regard to this are as follows : —

   "BoEouGH OF Sligo,

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 22

   As the companion tells it

   Sligo town here was what they called a pocket borough. Its corporation had only twelve burgesses, all appointed for life, so a single family or clique could control it. On 27 August 1722, with John De Butt as Provost, Sir Francis Lycester resigned as burgess, was disfranchised, and Samuel Burton was elected in his place.

8. Sligo Free Library opened in Town Hall, 1880

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1880

   A Free Library was formally opened on July 30, 1880, in a large ground-floor room of the Town Hall. According to the librarian Mr. D. Saultry, it contained 1800 volumes with an average daily attendance of 100 and annual expenditure of £47.

   Read the passage

   There was great delay in allocating a room for the Free Library, but on July 30, 1880, it was at last formally opened, a large room on the ground-floor being appropriated to this object. According to Mr. D. Saultry (the librarian) it contains 1800 volumes ; the average daily attendance is 100 ; it is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and from 2 to 7 p.m. on Sundays. The yearly expenditure is £47 per annum.

   The other rooms are used as: — 1, a Commercial Reading Eoom; 2, the Council Chamber; 3, the Young Men's Christian Association. The rooms in the upper floor are used for the office of the town-clerk ; the mayor's room ; the harbour-office ; also a large assembly room, &c., which can be let for public meetings, concerts, &c. ; the income derived from this source, in some years, amounts to a considerable sum; the Town Hall, however, is itself a dead loss of about £75 a-year.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 74

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town that opened a Free Library on July 30, 1880, in a large ground-floor room of the Town Hall. There had been great delay in allocating a room for it. The librarian, Mr. D. Saultry, said it contained 1800 volumes, with an average daily attendance of 100. It was open from 10 in the morning to 10 at night on weekdays, and from 2 to 7 on Sundays, all for a yearly expenditure of 47 pounds. The rest of the Town Hall housed a commercial reading room, the council chamber, the Young Men's Christian Association, the town-clerk's office, the mayor's room, the harbour office, and a large assembly room that could be let for public meetings and concerts. Despite that rental income, the Town Hall itself ran at a dead loss of about 75 pounds a year.

9. Sligo's direct trade with America

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1769–1771

   Sligo maintained direct trading communication with America in the late eighteenth century. The ship 'The Recovery' of Sligo sailed to Philadelphia in 1769, and the Pitt sailed to Baltimore, Maryland in 1771, carrying transported criminals and trade goods.

   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 in a town that once traded directly with America. Transportation was a common punishment, and it was carried on to the American plantations until the War of Independence. There are records of men sentenced to transportation at the general assizes and gaol-delivery held for the County of Sligo on the third day of April, 1724. Three men were made 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 pounds 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. Then 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.

10. Sligo Soup Ticket medalet for famine relief

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1780–1799

    A brass medalet stamped 'Sligo Soup Ticket' was reputedly struck towards the close of the eighteenth century, when soup-shops were opened under Government auspices to relieve prevalent distress among the poor.

    Read the passage

    In 1750, 1765, 1770, 1779, and 1784, the population suffered severely by placing their dependence on the potato crop ; the most intense pressure being felt in 1765, when the scarcity was so great that a Committee of the House of Commons was appointed to inquire into the best way of averting a famine. A medalet, struck in brass and stamped Sligo Soup Ticket — of which fig. 10 is a representation — is reputed to have been made towards the close of the century, when soup- obverse of Sligo shops were opened under Government to relieve Reverse — h\^n\i, the tlien prevalent distress of the poor. Other " Tickets " differing slightly in lettering have also come under notice.

    Again in 1802, 1812, 1816, 1817, and 1821, the tuber was either deficient or almost wholly destroyed. In 1822 there was a severe famine, and 40,000 persons were said to have been then in actual want. There were also several partial failures of the crop between the years 1823 and 1846,

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this town carries a memory of hard times in the late 1700s. The population suffered severely in 1779 and again in 1784 when the potato crop failed, as it had done repeatedly since 1750. A brass medalet stamped Sligo Soup Ticket is reputed to have been made towards the close of the century, when soup shops were opened under Government to relieve the then prevalent distress of the poor. Other tickets differing slightly in lettering have also come under notice. The little medalet is a quiet reminder of how people in this town got through years when the potato harvest failed them.

11. Sligo threatened by French approach: property and bleach-yards at risk

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1798

    When the French reached Collooney, the inhabitants of Sligo were in utmost consternation. Sligo contained property worth at least £200,000, several ships in harbour, and twelve well-furnished bleach-yards in its vicinity, defended by only six hundred effective men.

    Read the passage

    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

    1 Particulars are here given of the corps engaged in the battle of Collooney, as taken from The Sligo Journal of 14th Sept. : —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, in 1798 this town was in utmost consternation when the French reached Collooney. Sligo held property worth at least £200,000, had several ships in its harbour, and twelve well-furnished bleach-yards nearby, all defended by only six hundred effective men. Those troops were ordered to evacuate, but Colonel Vereker marched out with a detachment of the Limerick Militia and a few yeomen, not exceeding 286 men, with two curricle guns, and engaged the French and the rebels, giving them so severe a check.

12. Sligo town lamps ordered then rejected by Vestry in 1785

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1785

    In 1785 the Vestry of St. John's in Sligo ordered that lamps be erected at the directors' discretion, but a fresh public meeting was called with large attendance, and the order was rescinded with a resolution that no lamps were necessary. This reflected the generally poor standard of town lighting alongside the inadequate night watch.

    Read the passage

    The ligliting of the town was quite on a par with the watching ; in 1785 the Yestry of St. John's ordered that " lamps be erected in such places as the directors should think most convenient," but a fresh meeting was summoned at which large numbers attended, and the above order was rescinded, it being " resolved that no lamps were necessary."

    Prior to 1709 the names of few Burgesses can be traced, except those recited in the three charters of Sligo. The members forming the Corporation from circa 1692 to 1709 — the year when the records yet extant commence — appear to have been: — Sir Francis Lj'cester, Arthur Cooper, Benjamin Burton, Ralfe Gore, Percy Gethin, Philip Cox, William Ormsby, William Smith, Arthur Gore, Mitchelburn Knox, Eichard Gore, James Murray. A further list of Burgesses from 1709 to the Municipal Reform Act of 1842 — as far as could be ascertained — may be seen in Appendix (F). The oath of a Burgess on taking office was as follows: —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 51

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Sligo, this is a town that in 1785 could not agree on whether it needed light. The Vestry of St. John's ordered that "lamps be erected in such places as the directors should think most convenient." The lighting of the town was quite on a par with the watching, which is to say both were poor. But the order did not stand. A fresh meeting was summoned, and large numbers attended. The order was rescinded, and it was "resolved that no lamps were necessary." The town would stay dark.

13. Sligo waterworks completed and water turned on

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1881–1884

    After eighteen years of delays, tenders for reservoirs and piping were accepted in 1881. The first water-rate was struck in June 1882, and on 13 November 1884, water was formally turned on from the storage reservoir. The total outlay was under £18,000.

    Read the passage

    The powers of the Bill of 1869 were allowed to lapse, and in 1876, on a petition being presented to the Local Groverumeut Board, they gave the Corporation a provisional order, but discovering that it was ultra vires, they revoked it, and the Council were compelled to procure a short Act of Parliament to revive their powers. Finally, a tender for construction of the reservoirs, &c., for a sum of £14,000, together with another for iron piping, &c., amounting to about £4000, were accepted in 1881, and Mr. "William Cochrane, C.E., was appointed Eesident Engineer. The first water-rate of Is. in the £ was struck, June 28th, 1882 ; and on November 13th, 1884, the waters were formally turned on from the storage reservoir, after the lapse of eighteen years from the period of the first Parliamentary notice of the Borough Improvement Bill (see fig. 35).

    Fig. 35. — Plan of the Storage Eeservoir. By permission of Mr. Hassard, the

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 94

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, the town had to wait 18 years for a public water supply. A Bill of 1869 lapsed, a provisional order from the Local Government Board was revoked as ultra vires, and the Corporation had to get a short Act of Parliament to revive their powers. Tenders were finally accepted in 1881, about £14,000 for the reservoirs and around £4,000 for iron piping, with William Cochrane appointed resident engineer. The first water-rate of one shilling in the pound was struck on 28 June 1882. On 13 November 1884 the waters were formally turned on from the storage reservoir. The whole thing cost under £18,000.

14. Special Commission on Sligo corrupt practices at County Court-house

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1869

    A Special Commission appointed to investigate corrupt practices at Sligo's last three elections sat at the County Court-house in Sligo from October to December 1869. The Commission's report led to a bill to disfranchise the Borough and penalties against numerous scheduled individuals.

    Read the passage

    After a searching investigation, which lasted five days. Judge Keogh unseated Major Knox, declaring the election to be void by reason of bribery by his agents, acquitting him, however, personally of knowledge, but directing that he should pay the costs of the petition. Major Knox subsequently stated that tlie election and petition cost him nearly £8000.^ The Judge reported to the House of Commons that he had reason to believe that corrupt practices and bribery extensively prevailed at this and previous elections. The result of this report was the staying by the House of Commons of a new writ, and tlie ordering of a Special Commission to issue for the purpose of examining into the subject of corrupt practices existing at the three last elections, and appointing D. C. Heron, U.C, J. A. Byrne, and W. R. Bruce as Commissioners to make the inquiry, and report thereon. This Commission sat for the first time in the County Court-house, Sligo, on the 5th October, 1869, and finally closed in December. Upon a report and return to the House of Commons of these Commissioners," a bill was brought in to disfranchise the Borough of Sligo for the corrupt practices that were reported. The result was its disfranchisement by 33 & 34 Yict. c. 38 ; and a number of celebrities of the day. Queen's counsel, barristers, justices of the peace, gentlemen, merchants, and persons holding official appointments were, on their names being scheduled in the reports of the Judge

    ^ Major Knox died 24th January, 1873, aged 36 years.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 30

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Sligo town, where in 1869 a Special Commission sat at the County Court-house from October to December, investigating corrupt practices at the borough's last three elections. The inquiry followed Judge Keogh's unseating of Major Knox after a five-day investigation. Knox's agents had used bribery, though the Judge acquitted Knox personally of any knowledge of it, while directing him to pay the costs of the petition. Knox said the election and petition cost him nearly 8000 pounds. The Judge reported to the House of Commons that corrupt practices and bribery had extensively prevailed at this and previous elections. The House stayed the new writ and ordered a Special Commission, appointing D. C. Heron, J. A. Byrne, and W. R. Bruce as Commissioners. Their report led to a bill to disfranchise the Borough of Sligo, and the names of Queen's counsel, barristers, justices of the peace, gentlemen, merchants, and office holders were scheduled in the reports. Major Knox himself died on the 24th of January 1873, aged 36 years.

15. St. John's churchyard soil peculiarities and oldest tomb

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    The churchyard of St. John's in Sligo is said to have soil in which yews will not grow except in imported earth, worms do not burrow, and rats do not frequent. The oldest surviving tomb is that of Sir Roger Jones, and one inscription records a man who died aged 120 years.

    Read the passage

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

    " Tho' Boreas' blasts and Neptune's waves

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 67

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Sligo, there is the churchyard of St. John's. The soil there has a strange reputation. Yews will not grow in it except in freshly imported earth. Few if any worms burrow in the ground, and rats do not frequent the place. Like most churchyards in the country, few tombs of any antiquity remain. The oldest surviving tomb is that of Sir Roger Jones. One inscription records the death of a man who deceased being aged 120 years. Here and there the beholder is startled by the sight of the word executed in bold lettering, but it relates not to the manner of death of the occupant of the tomb, but to the self-advertising of the sculptor. A common eighteenth-century marine inscription may be seen on the slab over the last resting place of Captain James Hamilton, who died in 1766, somewhat similar to that in the churchyard at Ballysadare.

16. Strafford-era jury finds King's title to Sligo lands

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    Under the terror inspired by Strafford, a jury of named Sligo landholders found the King's title to the lands of the County of Sligo. The jurors included Roger Jones of Sligo, William Crofton of Templehouse, Charles O'Dowd of Cottlestown, Bryan McDonnoge of Coolaney, and others from various townlands across the county.

    Read the passage

    ^ The following are the names of the Jurors who found the King's title to the lands of the County of Sligo, under the terror inspired by Strafford. The list is extracted from the Patent ItoUs, Record Office, Dublin : —

    Roger Jones, of Sligo, Knt. ; William Crofton, of Templehouse, Esq. ; Thomas Crofton, of Longford, Esq. ; Piei'ce M'Dermott, of Ballymullanj-, Ksq. ; John Ridge, of Ballysummaghan, Esq. ; Andrew Crean, of Annagh, Esq.; Charles O'Dowd, of Cottlestown, Esq.; Teige O'Higgins, of Coulererngh, Esq.; Edward Ormsby, of Cloiiegad, Esq.; William Dodwell, of Runnelageta, Esq. ; Bryan M'Donnoge, of Coolaney, Gent.; Kean O'Harah, of Coolaney, Gent.; John M'Donnogh, of Ballindoon, Gent.; Henry Mac Donnogh, of Cloonegaseall, Gent. ; George Dodwell, of Rosscribe, Gent. ; Keadage O'Bennegean, of Cloonelor, Gent. ; Gerrott Baxter, of Learras, Gent.; William Parke, of Downally, Gent.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 156

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo town, you are travelling ground where a jury of local landholders once found the King's title to the lands of County Sligo, under the terror inspired by Strafford. The jurors, named in a patent preserved in the Record Office in Dublin, included Roger Jones of Sligo, William Crofton of Templehouse, Charles O'Dowd of Cottlestown, Bryan McDonnoge of Coolaney, and men from townlands across the county such as Ballysummaghan, Annagh, Ballindoon and Rosscribe. It was a finding made under fear, and the names of those who made it survive.

17. Sligo female school for the poor, 1814

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1814–1821

    A Sligo female school was founded in 1814 for the gratuitous education of poor girls. By the close of 1821 it had provided education for upwards of 700 poor girls, also instructing them in useful employments suited to their station.

    Read the passage

    for young ladies by Mrs. Huston. In 1814 a Sligo female school was founded for the gratuitous education of the poor ; up to the close of 1821 it had been the means of providing education for " upwards of 700 poor girls, and at the same time afforded them instruction in those useful employments suited to their situation in life." There were also a few schools scattered through the country, supported by " The Association for Discountenancing Vice," as also by the " London Hibernian Society." Hedge schools were fairly numerous, and were attended by very young children, who could be of little assistance to their parents at agricultural work ; when more advanced in years they were generally withdrawn from instruction to give help on the farm.

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 211

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this town was home to a female school founded in 1814 for the gratuitous education of poor girls. By the close of 1821 it had provided education for upwards of 700 poor girls and at the same time, in the words of the source, afforded them instruction in those useful employments suited to their situation in life. A few other schools were scattered through the country, supported by the Association for Discountenancing Vice and the London Hibernian Society. Hedge schools were fairly numerous too, attended by very young children who could be of little assistance to their parents at agricultural work. When more advanced in years they were generally withdrawn from instruction to give help on the farm. Later, the Endowed Schools Commission of 1855 gave an unfavourable report of how education was conducted, though Calry and Ballinorley schools were found satisfactory.

18. Brewery moved to Water Lane, Sligo

    Water Lane · street · Sligo · 1770

    Increasing business forced the surviving co-partners to relocate from Farm Hill to Water-lane, where more extensive buildings were obtained and a large trade carried on for many years. Lack of space later necessitated a further move across the river.

    Read the passage

    of these breweries originally consisted of ale and table-beer, porter and stout being then unknown in Connaught. The business was first started at Farm Hill, situated near the town, where a small brewery had been built about the year 1770. Increasing business, rendered these premises too small, and a move was made, by the survivors of the original co-partners, to Water-lane, where more extensive buildings were obtained, and a large trade was carried on for many years. Want of space, however, owing to increased business, again necessitated another move to a more eligible site on the opposite side of the river, where the firm secured the buildings that now form the Lough Gill Brewery, and which had been erected by Messrs. Cochrane & Davis upon the site of an old shambles and riding-ring. Around this spacious quadrangle the brewery was built, with its stores, malt-house, &c. ; and these premises were fitted with all the appliances then in vogue.

    The export provision trade in Sligo seems to have commenced about 1750. In January, 1748, " the slaughtering of beef for export, which on all former occasions ceased about Christmas, continued, in consequence of large orders from England for the purpose of ' victualling ' the fleets which, even at this season of the year, were obliged to be on channel service." Sligo, in 1800, was described as "a slaughtering exporting market." Cattle were slaughtered in the " Cadger's Field," on the site now occupied by the artisans' dwellings. There is still a considerable export trade in cattle to England and Scotland. A more curious traffic is that of donkeys, which are often shipped in large droves to England, and are sold in the large cities to costermongers, &c.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 122

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Water Lane is where a brewery once stood. The brewery's drinks were ale and table beer, porter and stout being unknown in Connaught at the time. The business was first started at Farm Hill, near the town, where a small brewery had been built about the year 1770. Increasing business rendered these premises too small, and a move was made by the survivors of the original co-partners to Water Lane, where more extensive buildings were obtained and a large trade was carried on for many years. Want of space, owing to increased business, again necessitated another move to a more eligible site on the opposite side of the river, where the firm secured the buildings that now form the Lough Gill Brewery, and which had been erected by Messrs. Cochrane and Davis upon the site of an old shambles and riding-ring. Around this spacious quadrangle the brewery was built, with its stores and malt-house, and these premises were fitted with all the appliances then in vogue. The passage also records that the export provision trade in Sligo seems to have commenced about 1750. In January 1748, the slaughtering of beef for export continued, in consequence of large orders from England for the purpose of victualling the fleets which, even at this season of the year, were obliged to be on channel service. Sligo in 1800 was described as "a slaughtering exporting market." Cattle were slaughtered in the Cadger's Field, on the site now occupied by the artisans' dwellings. There was still a considerable export trade in cattle to England and Scotland. A more curious traffic was that of donkeys, shipped in large droves to England and sold in the large cities to costermongers.

19. Christian Brethren purchased old Union Chapel in Back-lane, Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    The Christian Brethren, sometimes called 'Darbyites' after leader John Darby, purchased the old 'Union Chapel' in Back-lane, Sligo, and renamed it 'The Hall.' Their total numbers in the county were probably under one hundred.

    Read the passage

    The Christian Brethren are represented in Sligo. They have purchased the old " Union Chapel " in *' Backlane," and it is now designated "The Hall." This sect has numbered amongst its adherents some able men — notably, John Darby ; hence, they are sometimes styled " Darbyites." Most of the leaders of this movement have been Irish. Their numbers are not known, and the Census figures may be misleading ; but their total in this county is probably under one hundred. They do not take part in political elections or in municipal matters.

    150 history of sligo.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 72

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Sligo, the Christian Brethren are part of the town's story. They purchased the old Union Chapel in Back-lane and renamed it The Hall. They were sometimes called Darbyites after John Darby, one of their able adherents, and most of the movement's leaders were Irish. Their total numbers in the county were probably under 100, and they took no part in political elections or municipal matters.

20. Confinement of lunatics in Sligo Gaol

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1828–1832

    Dangerous lunatics in Sligo were confined in the county gaol, with thirty held there in February 1831 and twenty-eight the following year. Harmless individuals of unsound mind were left to wander and beg.

    Read the passage

    It is stated that even so late as 1828, the gaol afforded an asylum to lunatics ; in February, 1831, there were thirty thus confined, and twenty-eight in the year following ; in March, 1849, there were only fourteen. Prior to the erection of the present asylum, a few harmless lunatics were kept in a house, the ruins of which may still be seen about two miles from Sligo, on the road to Posses Point.

    According as the system of more modified restraint for the insane developed, in like manner did the need for supplying them with means of occupation become essential, therefore, a further portion of land was purchased, at a cost of £5500, and it is now utilized as a tillage-farm — tlms affording ample employment, or rather recreation to the inmates of the asylum. The farm is self-supporting, and supplies the requirements of the establishment in potatoes, vegetables, milk, &c. ; the net profit averages £550 per annum ; for 1888, it was nearly £740 ;

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 78

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Sligo, you pass a town where, even as late as 1828, the county gaol served as an asylum for lunatics. In February 1831, thirty people of unsound mind were confined there. The following year, twenty-eight. By March 1849, there were only fourteen. Harmless lunatics were left to wander and beg. A few had been kept in a house on the road to Posses Point, before the present asylum was built. The ruins of that house were still to be seen. As the system of more modified restraint for the insane developed, the need to supply them with means of occupation became essential. A further portion of land was purchased at a cost of £5500 and is now used as a tillage farm, affording employment and recreation to the asylum inmates. The farm is self-supporting, supplying the establishment with potatoes, vegetables, and milk. The net profit averages £550 per year. For 1888, it was nearly £740.

21. Cursing and healing stones on Inishmurray altars

    Inishmurray · townland · Sligo

    Numerous globular, curiously-wrought stones were found on the altars of Clocha-breacha, Altoir Beg, and the eastern altar within the cashel on Inishmurray island. Petrie noted that such stones were believed to possess miraculous healing properties and were used for swearing and as maledictory stones.

    Read the passage

    On the altar of Clocha-hreachn, on that of Altoir beg, as also on the Eastern aifoir within the cashel on the island of Inismurray, are numerous globular and curiously- wrought stones. Petrie remarked that stones of this class were believed to be possessed of miraculous properties for healing sicknesses, and were used for swearing on, and also as maledictory stones. On this subject W. F. Wakeman writes : — " We know that

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 181

22. Emigration by steamer from Sligo quay

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    Emigration set in again in full force, with one steamer alone carrying off upwards of 100 persons from the quay bound for the far West. The author attributes the great diminution of County Sligo's population primarily to emigration rather than to death by famine, fever, or pestilence.

    Read the passage

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

    88

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 40

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are near the quay where emigration set in again in full force. One steamer alone carried off upwards of 100 persons bound for, in the source's words, "the far West." The author argues that the great diminution of County Sligo's population must be traced to emigration rather than to death by famine, fever, or pestilence. The Census of 1659 recorded the county's population at 6877, with the barony of Carbury containing 1398 souls, Tireragh 1495, Tirerrill 1389, Corran 1107, Leyny 1181, and the half barony of Coolavin 307. Even from that scant 18th-century population there was a slight but steady exodus. Arthur Young noted in 1778 that there were some emigrations to America, though not considerable.

23. Fatal coach accidents on Sligo routes, 1831–1836

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1831–1836

    The Sligo coach was upset on August 3, 1831, slightly injuring Mr. Peter O'Connor, and again in February 1836 when several lives were lost, with another similar casualty in April. These recurring accidents underscored the peril of coach travel.

    Read the passage

    In those days, travelling by coach appears to have been attended with greater risk than by rail in the present, as demonstrated by a few extracts from newspapers : — *' On Tuesday evening (January 8, 1828), the Sligo mail-coach was upset." On 1st January of the following year, " in consequence of the flooded state of the road between Sligo and Boyle (in some places to the depth of five feet), notice was given that the Dublin mail would start every morning at 11 o'clock to make up for the time lost in taking a circuitous route." In the newspaper issue of February 4, 1831, when making excuse for the paucity of news from the Metropolis, it was stated that owing to the heavy falls of snow four mails remained due up to the hour of going to press. On August 3rd, 1831, the coach was upset; amongst others, "Mr. Peter O'Connor slightly hurt." In February, 1836, the coach was again upset, and several lives lost, whilst in April a similar casualty occurred, &c. &c. In the year 1833 it was announced that the fare to Dublin was reduced to thirty shillings !

    In 1849, Mr. Biauconi purchased up the interests of the other proprietors, and became sole possessor of the vehicular traffic to Sligo. In 1832 he had commenced running a car from Longford to Sligo, in connexion with the canal boat. In 1852 he put cars on the Strabane, Enniskillen, and Westport lines from Sligo, with branch-cars to several small towns in the north and west. In March, 1867, Mr. John Walsh, of Sligo, purchased from him "The Sligo and Enniskillen," " The Sligo and Ballyshannon," " The Sligo and Westport," " The Ballina

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 105

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up on Sligo, the town the road passes through. In the 1830s, travel by coach through here carried real danger. One Tuesday evening the Sligo mail-coach was upset. On the 1st of January of the following year, the road between Sligo and Boyle was flooded in places to a depth of five feet, and notice was given that the Dublin mail would start every morning at 11 o'clock to make up for time lost taking a circuitous route. On February 4, 1831, heavy falls of snow meant four mails remained due at the hour of going to press. On August 3, 1831, the coach was upset again, and Mr. Peter O'Connor was slightly hurt. In February 1836 the coach was upset once more, and several lives were lost. In April a similar casualty occurred. In 1833 the fare to Dublin was reduced to thirty shillings. In 1832 Mr. Bianconi commenced running a car from Longford to Sligo, in connexion with the canal boat. In 1849 he purchased the interests of the other proprietors and became sole possessor of the vehicular traffic to Sligo. In 1852 he put cars on the Strabane, Enniskillen, and Westport lines from Sligo, with branch-cars to several small towns in the north and west. In March 1867, Mr. John Walsh of Sligo purchased from him the Sligo and Enniskillen, the Sligo and Ballyshannon, the Sligo and Westport, and the Ballina lines.

24. Flowerhill name preserves leper hospital tradition

    Flowerhill · street · Sligo

    Flowerhill in the parish of Cloonoghill, Sligo, derives its name from the Irish 'Cnoc ' lohhair,' meaning hill of the leper. P. W. Joyce noted this transformation hides the original meaning and suggests a leper hospital may have existed there.

    Read the passage

    In the early ages leprosy was by no means a rare disease in Ireland ; it is stated that on more than one occasion it broke out as a regular epidemic, and leper hospitals were established in various localities. " There is a place in the parish of Cloonoghill in Sligo " remarks P. W. Joyce, " called Flowerhill, which is a strange transformation of the proper Irish name Cnoc «' lohhair, hill of the leper. This change, which was made by translating cnoc to hill, and by turning lohhair (lour) to floiver, totally hides the meaning. It is to be observed that the fact of lohhair being singular in a name does not exclude the supposition of a leper hospital."

    It was in the year 1433 that occurred the season designated " the summer of the slight acquaintance," for no one would recognize either friend or acquaintance on account of the soreness of the famiue. There was scarcity of food in 1497, so that great numbers died, and the survivors had but the vilest of garbage on which to support life ; whilst in 1545 " sixpence of the old money was paid for the loaf in Connaught ;" and in 1 682 there was another season of dearth.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 31

25. French abandon cannon near Collooney and Dromahair

    Dromahair · town · Leitrim · 1798

    Hard pressed by pursuing light dragoons, the French left two pieces of cannon on the road about a mile from Collooney and threw five more into the river at Dromahair. Dead and dying men were found along the road.

    Read the passage

    Numbers of dead or dying men were found along the road, having been killed by the corps of light dragoons, who formed the reconnoitering party ; and the French had been so hard pressed in the pursuit that, about a mile from Collooney, they left on the road two pieces of cannon, and threw five more into the river at Drumahaire. On the night of the 7th of September, General Lake encamped at Ballintogher, between Drumahaire and Collooney, and on the 8th the surrender of the French at Ballynamuck^ ended the actual warfare.

    General Lake received in Collooney some curious particulars relative to the French troops, it being stated that their officers declared themselves to have been grossly deceived : " they had expected to be joined by the whole power of the country, i. e. by an organized and disciplined army, who only required to be put in motion to ensure success. Instead of this, they found only a barbarous undisciplined mob, the refuse of the country, unfit for action, and incapable of order ; ferocious towards their allies, and discordant amongst themselves."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 11

26. Gentlemen besieged in their residences, Sligo, 1792

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1792

    In 1792, according to the evidence of Colonel Irwin, several gentlemen in County Sligo were actually besieged in their own residences until they were relieved by the military. This agitation culminated in the rebellion of 1798.

    Read the passage

    In 1792 several gentlemen — according to the evidence of Colonel Irwin — were actually besieged in their residences until relieved by the military. This agitation culminated in the rebellion of 1798.

    A gentleman, writing on the 17th May, 1797, to a friend in England, says : —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 162

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this is a town touched by the unrest that built toward the rebellion of 1798. Colonel Irwin gave evidence that in 1792 several gentlemen were besieged in their own residences here until the military came to relieve them.

27. James Wood's livestock requisition claim, Sligo 1799

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1799

    In November 1799, James Wood of Leekheld claimed compensation for eight fat cows he drove from Mr. Browne's park under orders from General Lake, using some for the army while others were taken by the army. He withdrew part of the claim after Mr. Scott, the owner, filed his own claim for the cows (£72).

    Read the passage

    " Sligo, Thursday, Nov"', the 28th, 1799. Read, the claim of James Wood, Esq., of Leekheld, and E.v^'. him on oath. Swears he claimed for eight fatt cowes, which he drove from off a park of Mr. Browne, in pursuance of an order from (jeiieral Lake : he made use of some for the army, and the others were taken by the army. He claimed because the owner, Mr. Scott, threatened to sue him for them. Mr. Scott has been all'', in his claim for these cows (£72), so he dont now claim for them."

    428 APPENDIX.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 214

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this town carries a quiet record from November 1799. James Wood of Leekheld swore he had driven eight fat cows off a park of Mr. Browne under orders from General Lake. He used some for the army, and the rest were taken by the army. He filed a claim because the owner, Mr. Scott, threatened to sue him. Scott then filed his own claim for the cows at 72 pounds, so Wood withdrew that part of his claim.

28. Latin inscription at Longford House linking Croftons and Irwins

    Longford · town · Longford

    A Latin inscription over the entrance of the old house of Longford describes it as 'the safe retreat of John Henry (Crofton) and his yellow-haired Fox,' likely referring to a marriage between the Crofton and Irwin families who were close neighbours.

    Read the passage

    ' This sobriquet of "The Fox" may perhaps throw light on the Latin inscription over the entrance of the old house of Longford {vide ante, Book L p. 116), to the effect that it was " the safe retreat of .John Henry (Crofton) and his yellow-haired Fox"; and as the Croftons and the Irwins resided in close neighbourhood, what more likely than that the Crofton above alluded to had married a Miss Irwin.

    The following statement of the doctrine of image- worship may be observed in the quaint little chapel, situated in the grounds of Longford,

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Longford, there is an old house whose entrance bears a Latin inscription. It calls the place 'the safe retreat of John Henry Crofton and his yellow-haired Fox.' The Croftons and the Irwins lived as close neighbours here, and the inscription likely marks a marriage between the families, with the Fox being a Miss Irwin.

29. New horse, pig and poultry fairs established in Sligo, 1890

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1890

    In May 1890 a yearly horse fair was established in Sligo, and in September the Corporation instituted a weekly pig fair every Thursday and a pork and fowl market every Friday for the first time.

    Read the passage

    In May, 1890, a yearly horse fair was established in Sligo, and in September of the same year the Corporation for the first time instituted a weekly pig fair on every Thursday, and a pork and fowl market on every Friday.

    In olden days mills were erected on almost every property, and tenants were compelled to bring their corn to be ground there. Tlie first mention to be found of a mill in the county occurs in 1463, when Muilenn-Adam or Adam's mill is mentioned, as also in 1551 ; but mills in Ireland were long antece-

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 120

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, the town's market history is worth noting. In May 1890 a yearly horse fair was established here, and that September the Corporation instituted a weekly pig fair every Thursday and a pork and fowl market every Friday, both for the first time.

30. Patron day at St. Attracta's well, Kilturra, abolished

    Kilturra · townland · Sligo

    An annual 'patron' was held on August 11th at St. Attracta's well in Kilturra, drawing attendees from Mayo and Roscommon. It was abolished around 1776 after a faction fight resulted in a man's death near the priest's residence.

    Read the passage

    The " patron " held on the 11th of August at the well was abolished about the year 1776. Being on the borders of the county it was largely attended by Mayo and Roscommon people. At the close of one of these " patrons " a faction fight occurred ; a man was killed quite close to tlie priest's residence, and by him the annual gathering was then interdicted.

    Fig. 59.— Cross at Kilturra.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 187

31. Post-war agricultural distress in County Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1815–1816

    After the Continental war ended, prices for agricultural produce in County Sligo fell by more than half, causing great distress among the agricultural population. Barley dropped from 1s. 8d. per stone in 1815 to 8d. the following year, and stock, pigs, potatoes, oats, and oatmeal all lost significant value.

    Read the passage

    Immediately after the Continental war, prices fell more than one-half, which occasioned great distress amongst the agricultural population. For instance, barley, which in 1815 sold for l.s, 8d. per stone, fell to 8f^. in the following year. A contemporaneous observer in the County Sligo, alluding to this period of depression, stated that the "golden age" ceased with the war, and peace, which at other times and in other countries was esteemed one of the greatest blessings, came to be considered by the people the greatest evil that could befal them, and it made them wish for another fierce and protracted contest. Stock of all kinds fell one-third at least in price, and pigs one-half ; potatoes and oats lost about the same proportion of their value, as well as oatmeal, on which articles depended the payment of their rents and the support of their families.

    The early marriages of the lower class of the inhabitants caused great increase of their numbers. The young women were generally married between the ages of fifteen and twenty, and the men from twenty and upwards. The portion usually given with girls was from £10 to £50, the young men having generally small holdings of laud to begiu tho world

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 171

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town sits along this road, and the land around it tells a hard story from after the Continental war. When peace came in 1815, prices for farm produce across County Sligo fell by more than half, bringing great distress to the agricultural population. Barley that had sold for 1 shilling and 8 pence per stone in 1815 dropped to 8 pence the very next year. Stock of all kinds lost at least a third of their price, and pigs lost half. Potatoes, oats, and oatmeal fell by roughly the same proportion, and these were the very articles on which families depended to pay their rents and feed themselves. A writer of the time said the golden age ceased with the war, and peace, which other countries counted a blessing, was considered by the people here the greatest evil that could befall them. It even made them wish for another fierce and protracted contest. Early marriages among the lower classes had swollen their numbers, with young women generally married between 15 and 20 and men from 20 upwards. A girl's portion was usually between £10 and £50, and the young men generally had small holdings of land to begin the world.

32. Quarantine enforced at Sligo port against cholera

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1831

    In autumn 1831, quarantine regulations were enforced at the port of Sligo against ships from foreign parts, as authorities grew alarmed by the slow but sure advance of Asiatic cholera toward Ireland.

    Read the passage

    In the autumn of that year quarantine regulations were enforced in the port against ships from foreign parts, and alarmed by the accounts of the slow but sure advance of the Asiatic cholera, the vestry of St. John's, on the 22nd November, voted the sum of £200 to be expended for sanitary purposes, and officers of health were appointed. Sligo was indeed ripe for an attack of the epidemic. There were but a few short sewers in the town, and they all discharged into the river, the water of which was used by the inhabitants for drinking and culinary

    PESTILENCE, FAMINE, E^NIIGRATION, AND POrill.ATION. 73

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Sligo, this is a town that braced itself for cholera in the autumn of 1831. Quarantine regulations were enforced at the port against ships from foreign parts as the Asiatic cholera advanced slowly but surely toward Ireland. On the 22nd of November the vestry of St. John's voted £200 for sanitary purposes and appointed officers of health. Sligo was ripe for an epidemic. There were only a few short sewers in the town, all discharging into the river, and the inhabitants used that same water for drinking and cooking.

33. Shanbally old village site on Coney Island

    Shanbally · townland · Clare

    Shanbally, meaning old village, is a sheltered hollow in the centre of Coney Island where archaeological traces survive. The plough still turns up charcoal, pavement fragments of streets, and house foundations from the former settlement.

    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

34. Shipwreck off the Tireragh coast provoking a fatal quarrel

    Tireragh · barony · Sligo

    The immediate cause of the 1815 Fenton–Hillas duel was a disagreement over the circumstances of a vessel wrecked off the Tireragh coast. Remarks made by Major Hillas about the wreck gave offence to Mr. Fenton, leading to the fatal encounter.

    Read the passage

    shots without any effect, and were afterwards reconciled." In short all classes appeared to be devoted to tliis mode of settling differences. Gentlemen who had been intimate acquaintances often so met without any sufficient cause but on what then seemed to be a point that touched their honour ; whilst amongst the peasantry there was nothing so thoroughly appreciated as a public duel ; and in 1815 the memorable meeting between Mr. Fenton and Major Hillas took place in presence of an assembled mob. The quarrel was aggravated by political antipathies, but its immediate cause arose from a dissension with regard to the circumstances of the wreck of a vessel off the Tireragh coast, when some remarks made by Major Hillas gave offence to Mr. Fenton.

    Major Hillas went to the ground — Kilmacowen — in a full suit of mourning, and he was morally brave enough to say to the assembled crowd, " I am sorry that the mistaken laws of honour oblige me to come here and defend myself ; and I declare to God I have no animosity to man or woman on the face of the earth." Hillas fell dead at the first fire. Mr. Fenton was put on his trial at the next assizes in Sligo, and acquitted. In fact in those duelling days such a trial was a mere matter of form, provided that judge and jury were of opinion everything had been conducted according to the proscribed rules in such cases.'

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 159

35. Sligo appoints sweeper and scavenger, 1727

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1727

    In December 1727 the Provost and Burgesses of Sligo borough found that a sweeper ('Ballower') and scavenger were much wanting and ordered six pounds sterling for each to be levied off the borough. The term 'Ballower' is derived from the French word 'balayeur'.

    Read the passage

    " "We the Provost and Burgesses of the said Borough assembled together do find that there is a Ballower [this term is evidently derived from the rreiich word balayeiir, i. e. a sweeper] and scavenger much wanting in the said Borough. "We do therefore order and present the sum, six pounds sterling for each, be applotted and levied off the said Borough at large, to furnish the said Borough with a Ballower and scavenger," &c.

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 103

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Sligo now. Back in December 1727, the Provost and Burgesses of the borough found that a sweeper and scavenger were, in their words, "much wanting in the said Borough." They ordered six pounds sterling for each to be levied off the borough at large. The sweeper was called a Ballower, a term taken from the French word balayeur. Ten years later, on the 14th of November 1737, they re-enacted the order, telling householders to sweep the streets to the middle of the crown causeway opposite their houses and to remove any manure put out at once. Anyone who failed was liable to a fine not exceeding two shillings and sixpence for each offence.

36. Sligo mail-coach upset, January 1828

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1828

    The Sligo mail-coach was upset on Tuesday evening, January 8, 1828, illustrating the dangers of coach travel in the era before railways. Such accidents were recurrent on the Sligo routes.

    Read the passage

    In those days, travelling by coach appears to have been attended with greater risk than by rail in the present, as demonstrated by a few extracts from newspapers : — *' On Tuesday evening (January 8, 1828), the Sligo mail-coach was upset." On 1st January of the following year, " in consequence of the flooded state of the road between Sligo and Boyle (in some places to the depth of five feet), notice was given that the Dublin mail would start every morning at 11 o'clock to make up for the time lost in taking a circuitous route." In the newspaper issue of February 4, 1831, when making excuse for the paucity of news from the Metropolis, it was stated that owing to the heavy falls of snow four mails remained due up to the hour of going to press. On August 3rd, 1831, the coach was upset; amongst others, "Mr. Peter O'Connor slightly hurt." In February, 1836, the coach was again upset, and several lives lost, whilst in April a similar casualty occurred, &c. &c. In the year 1833 it was announced that the fare to Dublin was reduced to thirty shillings !

    In 1849, Mr. Biauconi purchased up the interests of the other proprietors, and became sole possessor of the vehicular traffic to Sligo. In 1832 he had commenced running a car from Longford to Sligo, in connexion with the canal boat. In 1852 he put cars on the Strabane, Enniskillen, and Westport lines from Sligo, with branch-cars to several small towns in the north and west. In March, 1867, Mr. John Walsh, of Sligo, purchased from him "The Sligo and Enniskillen," " The Sligo and Ballyshannon," " The Sligo and Westport," " The Ballina

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 105

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Sligo, this was a town where the mail-coaches had a hard time of it. On Tuesday evening, January 8, 1828, the Sligo mail-coach was upset, one of those accidents that made coach travel riskier than the railway journeys that came later. The roads gave trouble again and again. On January 1 of the following year, flooding between Sligo and Boyle reached five feet in places, and the Dublin mail had to start at 11 o'clock each morning to allow for a circuitous route. In February 1836 the coach upset again and several lives were lost, and in April another similar casualty followed. In August 1831 the coach upset and Mr. Peter O'Connor was slightly hurt. Heavy snow in February 1831 left four mails due from the Metropolis at the time of going to press. In 1833 the fare to Dublin was reduced to thirty shillings. In 1849 Mr. Bianconi bought out the other proprietors and became sole possessor of vehicular traffic to Sligo, having started a car from Longford to Sligo in 1832 in connection with the canal boat.

37. Sligo wells analyzed and condemned for hardness and pollution

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    Mr. Bamber's analysis for the House of Commons found Albert-street and Lungy pumps unfit, Pound-street pump recommended for immediate closure, and George's-street pump equally bad. Kilsellagh and Doonally water was pronounced very good as a new supply.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 93

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town had a water problem. Mr. Bamber analysed the wells here for the House of Commons and found most of them unfit. The Albert-street and Lungy pumps were pronounced unfit for use, from hardness and organic matter. The Pound-street pump was recommended to be immediately closed, and George's-street pump was as bad. Three samples from other wells were not even analyzed, as their appearance, in the words of the report, self-condemned them. Only Kilsellagh and Doonally water was stated to be very good, offered as a new supply. In 1869 the Sligo Borough Improvement Bill authorized the Corporation to borrow 25,000 pounds for constructing waterworks, and on September 1st of that year the first steps were taken toward raising the money. The effort collapsed. A general meeting of the ratepayers decided against proceeding, and the matter was set aside, though from time to time it came up again.

38. Tireragh barony hounds and the sporting clergyman

    Tireragh · barony · Sligo · 1700–1892

    The hounds of the Barony of Tireragh were well known to the sporting community and were kept by various individuals, including a clergyman with a peculiar aptitude for training horses and dogs. An amusing anecdote tells of the Bishop mistaking the clergyman's hunting dogs for property he could disapprove of.

    Read the passage

    The hounds in the Barony of Tireragh were long well-known to the sporting community ; they were kept by various individuals— at one time by a clergyman who took extreme pleasure in field-sports, and possessed a peculiar aptitude for training and attaching to himself horses and dogs. Some amusing anecdotes have been told about him.

    The Bishop, when visiting the parishes in his diocese, amongst other places, arrived at the residence of this clergyman, where he was hospitably entertained. The Bishop asked his host if there was a " terrier" at the glebe : it may be well to explain that " terrier " is the legal and technical term applied

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 196

39. Tireragh ditches with apple trees

    Tireragh · barony · Sligo

    Old field boundaries in the barony of Tireragh were noted for their gigantic ditches with double or triple rows of whitethorns interspersed with ash, alder, oak, and uniquely, apple trees, a distinctive local feature of the agricultural landscape.

    Read the passage

    In the last century the fields were in general small, those in the occupation of gentlemen being of larger size and fenced according to the locality, either with stone walls or ditches ; stone walls might be said to predominate, as they served the double purpose of clearing the land and of enclosing it Some of the old ditches were of gigantic size, having, very generally a double, sometimes even a triple, row of whitethorns, with which were interspersed plants of ash, alder, oak, and (in Tireragh) apple-trees.

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 147

40. Trial and conviction of Sligo election officials for conspiracy (1858)

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1858

    At the Spring Assizes of 1858, all officials implicated in the Sligo election malpractices were tried for conspiracy to procure the return of Somers by unlawful means. They were found guilty and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment, with a heavy fine in one case; the sentences were confirmed on appeal.

    Read the passage

    At tbe Spring Assizes of 1858, all tbe ofiieials implicated in tbe election malpractices were tried on a charge of conspiracy to procure by unlawful means the return of John Patrick Somers, and after a most careful investigation they were found guilty,

    58 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 28

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this town was the scene of a notable trial. At the Spring Assizes of 1858, all the officials implicated in election malpractices were tried on a charge of conspiracy to procure by unlawful means the return of John Patrick Somers. After a most careful investigation, they were found guilty.

41. Weeping spectre on Knocknarea

    near Knocknarea · mountain or mountain range · Sligo

    A legend attached to Knocknarea involves an officer who, caught in a dense fog on the summit of the Misgaun, encountered a weeping female figure wringing her hands in distress.

    Read the passage

    The legend attached to Knocknarea can be best explained by relating the adventure, if it may so be termed, which more than half a century ago befel an oflicer then quartered in Sligo. Desirous of ascending the mountain he started on a day which promised to be favourable, but scarcely had he reached the summit of the Misgaun, when a fog set in so rapidly, and of a nature so dense, that the greatest caution was needful in attempting the descent. Whilst wandering downward with slow and cautious steps, he observed through the mist a female figure weeping and wringing her hands as if in great distress. Under the impression that it was a lady who had (like himself) lost her way in the fog, he advanced towards her to offer aid, but at his approach, she

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 192

    As the companion tells it

    Knocknarea rises ahead of you near Sligo, and the mountain carries a legend told in the History of Sligo. More than half a century before that book was written, an officer stationed in Sligo set out to climb the mountain on a day that seemed fair. He had barely reached the summit of the Misgaun when a fog closed in so thick and so fast that he had to pick his way down with great care. As he went, he saw through the mist a female figure weeping and wringing her hands as if in distress. Thinking it was a lady who, like himself, had lost her way, he moved towards her to offer help, but at his approach she… and the record leaves off there, so what she did, or what she was, the book does not finish telling. The summit kept whatever happened to itself.

42. Wesley's fourteenth and last visit to Sligo, May 1789

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1789

    On 20 May 1789 John Wesley paid his fourteenth and last visit to Sligo, and was entertained in the barracks by the Quartermaster of the 1st Dragoons. Around this time Gideon Ouseley settled in the town.

    Read the passage

    In May, 1758, Wesley paid his first visit to Sligo, riding from Drumsna through Ballymote, Collooney, and Ballysadare. The prospect was so encouraging that arrangements were made for regular visits by the minister stationed in Castlehar. On May 16th, 1760, Wesley again visited the town and found the congregation so much increased in number that he saw the need of providing a comfortable place wherein to hold the services ; accordingly a large and commodious apartment was procured. In 1775 the first Methodist Chapel was erected in "Bridge-street ;" it was small, and had an exceedingly low, thatched roof. By this time, however, the town had become the head of a Circuit, provided with two ministers. On May 20th, 1789, Wesley paid his fourteenth and last visit to Sligo, and was entertained in the barracks by the then Quartermaster of the 1st Dragoons.

    About this time Gideon Ouseley — " Ireland's most successful evangelist " — settled in the town, and opened a school in the little chapel in " Bridge-street," which was largely attended. He, with other ministers, preached in the open air, more especially on market-days, and as they addressed the people in their native Irish tongue, crowds gathered around, listening eagerly and respectfully. In 1797 Ouseley settled in Ballymote and delivered many outdoor addresses.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 71

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming into Sligo now. On 20 May 1789, John Wesley paid his fourteenth and last visit to this town, and was entertained in the barracks by the Quartermaster of the 1st Dragoons. His first visit had been back in May 1758, when he rode from Drumsna through Ballymote, Collooney, and Ballysadare. By 1760 the congregation had grown enough that he saw the need for a proper place to hold services, and a large commodious apartment was procured. The first Methodist Chapel went up in Bridge Street in 1775, small, with what the record calls an exceedingly low thatched roof. By then Sligo was the head of a Circuit with two ministers. About the time of that last visit in 1789, Gideon Ouseley, described as Ireland's most successful evangelist, settled in the town. He opened a school in the little chapel in Bridge Street, which was largely attended. He and other ministers preached in the open air, especially on market days, and as they addressed the people in their native Irish tongue, crowds gathered around, listening eagerly and respectfully. In 1797 Ouseley moved on to Ballymote and delivered many outdoor addresses there.

43. Wynne family controlled Sligo borough representation, 1723-1832

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1723–1832

    From 1723 until the Reform Bill of 1832, the head of the Wynne family personally represented the Corporation and electors of Sligo for both Parliamentary and local purposes. The Reform Bill threw open the Parliamentary representation of the borough to a considerable electorate, ending this monopoly.

    Read the passage

    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

    Coming up through Sligo now. For over a century this town's representation was a family affair. From 1723 right through to the Reform Bill of 1832, the head of the Wynne family represented the Corporation and the electors of Sligo in his own person, for both Parliamentary and local purposes. That meant one man, the head of the family, held the borough seat generation after generation. The Reform Bill of 1832 changed that, throwing the Parliamentary representation open to a considerable electorate and ending the Wynne monopoly. The Crown followed up in 1833 with Royal Commissions to address abuses in the government of corporate towns across the United Kingdom.

44. French fleet sighted off Sligo coast, panic in town

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1798

    On 27 October 1798, four French frigates and a man-of-war appeared off the Sligo coast. The Fox cutter escaped under heavy fire that was distinctly heard in the streets of Sligo, putting a stop to all trade on market day.

    Read the passage

    The next morning', i.e. the 2'3rd September, Balllna was occupied by Captain O'Hara's, Captain Wynne's, and Captain Crofton's corps of yeomanry, which formed portion of the force under command of Major General Trench ; these, together with the two Tireragh corps, assisted in the recapture of Killala. Towards the close of the year (October 27) four French frigates and a man-of-war made their appearance off the Sligo Coast. This news was brouglit in by the Fox cutter, which escaped under a heavy fire distinctly heard in the streets of Sligo, and the excitement " put a stop to all trade for this market day. Colonel Gough, commanding the garrison, ordered the troops to be in readiness to march at a moment's notice." These vessels were probably connected with the abortive descent of Napper Tandy on the Rosses in Donegal.

    The following were the committee of Sligo magistrates appointed by Government to inquire into losses sustained owing to the excesses of the insurgents, and to decide on the claims of each applicant : — Arthur Irwin, W. Harloe Phibbs, E,ev. Messrs. Duke, Cullen, and West.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town lies ahead on the road. On the 27th of October 1798, four French frigates and a man-of-war appeared off the Sligo coast. The Fox cutter brought the news in, having escaped under heavy fire. That fire was distinctly heard in the streets of Sligo. The excitement, as the record says, "put a stop to all trade for this market day." Colonel Gough, commanding the garrison, ordered the troops to be in readiness to march at a moment's notice. These vessels were probably connected with the abortive descent of Napper Tandy on the Rosses in Donegal. It was a late echo of the trouble that had shaken the county through the summer. Earlier that September, Ballina had been occupied by the yeomanry corps of Captain O'Hara, Captain Wynne, and Captain Crofton, part of the force under Major General Trench. Together with two Tireragh corps, they assisted in the recapture of Killala. By October, Sligo was still a garrison town, and the sight of French sails on the horizon was enough to stop a market day cold.

45. Protestant inhabitants flee barony toward Sligo for safety

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1798

    Protestant inhabitants of the barony dreaded both the French approach and rebel cruelty, and with no troops between Ballina and Sligo, they fled to Sligo for protection, driving cattle and conveying families and goods on carts.

    Read the passage

    The Protestant inhabitants of the barony dreaded not only the approach of the French, but likewise the cruelty of the rebels ; and aware also of there being no troops of any kind on the line from Ballina to Sligo, they fled to the latter place for protection. Many Protestant farmers were seen retreating on foot, driving their cattle and sheep before them, and conveying on carts their wives and children and such of their goods as they could conveniently remove.

    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.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Sligo, you are in the town where frightened people sought refuge in 1798. The Protestant inhabitants of the barony dreaded both the French approach and the cruelty of the rebels, and with no troops stationed between Ballina and Sligo, they fled here for protection. Protestant farmers were seen retreating on foot, driving their cattle and sheep before them, and conveying on carts their wives and children and whatever goods they could carry. The Protestant clergy were also forced to flee. The persecution went beyond imprisoning people and destroying their houses; it extended to demolishing churches, tearing out the carpentry, and wantonly tearing the books found in them. Among the churches most damaged were those of Lackan, Easky, Killrateige, and Enniscrone. At Enniscrone they tore up the flooring, demolished the pews and communion table, rifled the tombs, and desecrated the remains of the dead.

46. Celebrated pipers of Sligo and the blind piper

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    The pipers of Sligo were numerous and celebrated in tradition. The then-current piper of Sligo was an aged and blind man who had followed his vocation for nearly fifty years.

    Read the passage

    The present " piper of Sligo " is an aged and blind man, who for nearly fifty years has been following his now unremunerative vocation.

    One who possessed the talents of an improvisatore, and of a musician, was Carolan, who spent a great portion of his life in the counties of Roscommon and Sligo, where he was a j^ersond grata to several families, to whom are dedicated many pleasing productions of his muse. The country people accounted for Carolan's great skill in composition by alleging that he slept out at night on a rath, and on awakening used instantly to recite the fairy songs and melodies he had heard in his dreams.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 200

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you're in a town long celebrated for its pipers. The town's piper at the time this was written was an aged and blind man who had followed his vocation for nearly 50 years. The place also had a connection to Carolan, the musician and improviser who spent much of his life in Roscommon and this county, welcomed by several families to whom he dedicated many pleasing compositions. The country people said Carolan slept out at night on a rath, and on waking would recite the fairy songs and melodies he had heard in his dreams.

47. Ballina and Ardnaree Loyal Volunteers raised, 1779

    Ballina · townland · Mayo · 1779

    The Right Hon. Henry King, one of twelve 'Generals' elected by the Volunteers and a delegate at Dungannon in 1782, raised and commanded the Ballina and Ardnaree Loyal Volunteers. The corps was associated on 1st July 1779.

    Read the passage

    " The Sligo Volunteers " were commanded by Mr. Wynne. The Eight Hon. Henry King was one of the twelve "Generals " elected by the Volunteers, and was one of the delegates who met at Dungannon, 15th February, 1782. He also raised and commanded " The Ballina and Ardnaree Loyal Volunteers," associated (^. e. raised) 1st July, 1779. " The Liney Volunteers " were associated in 1778 ; their uniform was scarlet faced with blue. They were commanded by Major George Dodwell. Lt- Col. Ormsby was in command of the " Sligo Loyal Volunteers " raised May 25th, 1779, the uniform scarlet, faced white. Provincial reviews were held by the Volunteers, the various corps being fully provided with all necessary camp equipment.

    One of the largest of these reviews was held near Sligo in 1781, and the order in which the various corps were drawn up is here given. The details of the manoeuvres — which occupy sixteen pages of the pamphlet' — are omitted, but some items are curious; for instance, officers still carried "fusils," and when saluting the inspecting general, "the officers wearing hats (except those on horseback) will take off their hats; the capofficers will put their hands to their caps."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ballina, in 1779, the Right Hon. Henry King raised and commanded the Ballina and Ardnaree Loyal Volunteers. The corps was associated on the 1st of July that year. King was one of the twelve generals elected by the Volunteers, and he was among the delegates who met at Dungannon on the 15th of February 1782. The Volunteers across the region held provincial reviews, the various corps fully provided with all necessary camp equipment. One of the largest of these reviews was held near Sligo in 1781, and the order in which the various corps were drawn up was recorded. The manoeuvres filled sixteen pages of a pamphlet. Officers still carried fusils. When saluting the inspecting general, officers wearing hats, except those on horseback, were to take off their hats, while cap officers would put their hands to their caps.

48. Buckley's Ford named from 1691 killing at Green Fort

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1691

    Buckley's Ford in Sligo derived its name from an officer killed at the pass in 1691 by a cannon ball fired from the Green Fort of Sligo, then held by Sir Teigue O'Regan.

    Read the passage

    1 Buckley's Ford is said to have derived its name from an oflB^cer who, in lf)91, was killed at this pass by a cannon ball tired from the Green Fort of Sligo, which was then in possession of Sir Teigue 0' Regan.

    3 It was also designated "The English Road," as it was made with British money.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are near Buckley's Ford, a pass that took its name from an officer killed here in 1691 by a cannon ball fired from the Green Fort, which Sir Teigue O'Regan held at the time. It was also called the English Road, having been made with British money.

49. Captain M'Dermott's petition for garrison expenses at Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1688–1691

    Captain Hugh M'Dermott petitioned for reimbursement after subsisting his company for five weeks in the Garrison of Sligo, having purchased coats, hats, shoes, and stockings for sixty-eight soldiers at his own expense, borrowing money from several persons.

    Read the passage

    " Sheweth that yo' petio' uppon yo'" Honno" encourdagm* and pmise of reimburssinge yo"" petio' did subsist his company for five weekes in the Garizon of Sligo, and bought for y^ s** Company sixty eight coates, sixty eight hatts, sixty eight paire of shooes, and sixty eight paire of stokens, that yo"^ petio' to serve his mat'* and please yo' Honno" was fforced to borrow from severall psons ye most p' of ye monys layd out by him for ye uses affors** and is duly duned for y* s** mony to yo' petio" great discredit and disaduantage if not soone reluied by yo"" Honnor'.

    "May it therefore please yo' Honnor' tenderly to consider y* pmisses and yo' one ffaithfull pmisse to ord' some course whereby yo' petio' may be reimburssed and payd of his mony, w'''' amounts to one hundred and three pounds str^ as by the accompt underneath more at lardge may appear — and yo' petio' shall ever pray, &"=.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town was a garrison in the years after 1688, and one officer here left a record of what it cost him. Captain Hugh M'Dermott petitioned for reimbursement after subsisting his company for five weeks in the garrison. He had bought coats, hats, shoes, and stockings for 68 soldiers at his own expense, and was forced to borrow from several persons to do it. He was being dunned for the money, he said, to his great discredit, and the whole amounted to 103 pounds.

50. Captain O'Dowd's mountain road improvement near Banada

    Banada · townland · Sligo · 1800–1816

    Near Banada, a road branched off to Ballina through 'The Gap' by Lough Talt. Captain O'Dowd, who owned thousands of acres of uninhabited mountain, had the road improved through formerly impassable terrain of rocks, steep hills and deep caverns.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 99

51. Cattle fed on fish and seaweed during coastal scarcity

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    On parts of the Sligo sea coast, cattle were reportedly fed on fish and seaweed in times of scarcity. The author notes the practice seemed strange but had parallels on the Norwegian coast and at Malabar.

    Read the passage

    It has been asserted that on some parts of the sea coast the cattle were, in times of scarcity, sometimes fed on fish and seaweed ; yet strange as the statement seems, there may be truth in it, as that kind of food was formerly given to cattle on parts of tlie Norwegian coast, and travellers from the east recount the same custom as being prevalent at Malabar. The ordinary cattle^ of the county were nearly the same as those of Leitrim — small in consequence of the continual exposure to the open air on the mountains ; some of the gentlemen, however, possessed cattle of the long-horned kind for fattening purposes. At the close of the last century cattle buyers from Ulster frequented the Sligo markets ; for small mountain cattle fattened on the lowlands were in general demand in the northern counties.

    There were no dairies in Sligo in 1770, but in 1800 they were fairly numerous. The export of butter from the town was considerable. The sudden and vast increase in the quantity and

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 142

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Sligo town, there's an old account of the sea coast here where cattle were fed on fish and seaweed in times of scarcity. The writer admitted it sounded strange but pointed out the same practice was once common on parts of the Norwegian coast, and travellers reported it at Malabar as well. The ordinary cattle of the county were small, kept out on the mountains in the open air, though some gentlemen kept long-horned cattle for fattening. At the close of the 1700s, buyers from Ulster came to the Sligo markets, because small mountain cattle fattened on the lowlands were in demand across the northern counties. There were no dairies in Sligo in 1770, but by 1800 they were fairly numerous, and the export of butter from the town was considerable.

52. Collapse of the Sligo herring fishery after 1783

    near Sligo Bay · bay · Sligo · 1783

    The herring fishery was of great importance in Sligo and along the north-west coast until 1783, after which it failed almost entirely. During the summer, only a few herrings were caught, scarcely worth notice.

    Read the passage

    In Sligo, and also on the whole of the north-west coast, the herring fishery was of great importance until the year 1783 ; after that time it failed almost entirely. During the summer season a few herrings were caught, but the quantity was so small as scarcely to be worth notice.

    M'Parlan, in his Siirvei/ of Sligo (1802), remarks that many people looked upon sprats as young herrings, and so very many of them having been taken, it was supposed the herrings had decreased in number, and that the survivors were frightened from the coast. It has been also stated that the noise of artillery and the firing of small arms must tend to frighten away fish accustomed to swim near the surface of the water. The migratory

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 127

53. Dermod and Grania's retreat in Tireragh barony

    Tireragh · barony · Sligo

    During their flight from Finn, Dermod and Grania took refuge in the barony of Tireragh, among other places. The epic describes their hair-breadth escapes across various locations.

    Read the passage

    The Pursuit of Dcrmod and Grania is too long to be given in its entirety. They resided at Rath-Grrania, near Colloony ; and the death of Dermod takes place on Benbulben. Of this epic at least two translations have been made, one by Standish H. O'Grady, and another by Dr. Joyce, in Old Celtic Romances. Grania, daughter of King Cormac Mac Art, was affianced to Finn the son of Cumal, commander-in-chief of the Feni, or warriors of the kingdom. The king gave a great banquet at Tara in honour of the betrothal, where the bride fell in love with Dermod O'Dyna ; she had drugs placed in all the wine cups except that of Dermod, and when the company were in a state of stupor she eloped with her lover. A long account is given of the pursuit of the runaway couple by the naturally irate Finn, of the diiferent places in which they took refuge, of their hair-breadth escapes, of their retreat in the barony of Tireragh. Finn, worsted in every attempt against the life of Dermod, grew weary of the quarrel, and peace was made.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 190

54. Dilapidated state of Sligo Fever Hospital

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    The Sligo Fever Hospital was for a time in a very dilapidated condition with doors and window-sashes needing repair and totally inadequate accommodation for the fever-stricken. This arose from periodical opposition by distant magistrates to presentments for the institution's support, as they believed a central hospital was unnecessary.

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    The Fever Hospital was, in the last century, situated in a then completely isolated position on the green headland westward of the present Victoria approach to the town. Here it remained for a lengthened period until the new edifice, now in use, was erected. It bears over the door the inscription : — Erected at the joint expense of the County and Edward Synge Cooper, Esq., M.P., 1822. On the 29th May of that year it was announced that the new Fever Hospital had been occupied, and contained no less than thirty-eight patients, and from the distress of the poor, the fever cases were daily increasing. Just before the outbreak of the cholera — ten years subsequently — it was almost empty of patients, as demonstrated by the returns of the sick which were published weekly in the columns of the local newspaper. This hospital was not long ago in a very dilapidated condition ; the doors and window- sashes needed repair, and the accommodation for the fever- stricken was totally inadequate, according to modern and humane ideas. This state of affairs is said to have arisen from the almost periodical opposition made to the presentments at sessions for support of the institution — by magistrates living in distant parts of the county, who were of opinion that a central hospital was not required. The oldest records of the hospital have disappeared, so that a complete list of physicians is at present not procurable. The medical men in charge of the Fever Hospital since 1822, were Drs. Irwin, Coyne, Knott, Homan, Lynn, and Murray.

    The Lunatic Asylum is a noble structure in the Eliza-

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 77

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this is where the Fever Hospital once stood. It sat in what was, in the last century, a completely isolated position on the green headland west of the present Victoria approach to the town. It stayed there for a long time until a new building replaced it. That new building still carries an inscription over the door. It says it was erected at the joint expense of the County and Edward Synge Cooper, Member of Parliament, in 1822. On the 29th of May that year, the new Fever Hospital was announced as occupied, with no less than 38 patients inside. The distress of the poor meant fever cases were daily increasing. Ten years later, just before the cholera outbreak, the hospital was almost empty. The returns of the sick, published weekly in the local newspaper, showed it. But the hospital was not long ago in a very dilapidated condition. The doors and window sashes needed repair. The accommodation for the fever-stricken was totally inadequate, by modern and humane ideas. This state of affairs is said to have arisen from the almost periodical opposition made to the presentments at sessions for the support of the institution. Magistrates living in distant parts of the county objected, because they were of the opinion that a central hospital was not required. The oldest records of the hospital have disappeared, so a complete list of physicians is not procurable. The medical men in charge since 1822 were Drs. Irwin, Coyne, Knott, Homan, Lynn, and Murray.

55. Duelling code settled at Clonmel Assizes, 1777

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1777

    A code regulating the practice of duelling and points of honour was settled at Clonmel Summer Assizes in 1777 by delegates from Tipperary, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, and Roscommon, and prescribed for general adoption throughout Ireland.

    Read the passage

    " Sligo then furnished some of the finest young fellows, i. e. fire-eaters," remarks the above writer ; " their spirit and decorum were equally admirable, and their honour and liberality conspicuous on all occasions." A few of these earnest spirits fashioned a series of pandects which may be said to have regulated the practice of duelling till its final extinction ; or, again, to quote the foregoing authority, " Sligo had many professors, and a high reputation in the leaden branch of the pastime." The code was entitled, Tlte practice of dnelUng and •points of honour settled at Clomnell Summer Assizes, 1777, b// the gentlemot delegates of Tijyperary, Gahcay, Mayo, Sligo, and Roscommon, and prescribed for general adoption throughout Ireland.

    A sarcastic writer observed that sometimes " painful dis-

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 157

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are travelling through a town once famous for its duellists. Before the Act of Union, Sligo produced some of the finest young fighters, known as fire-eaters, whose spirit and decorum were said to be admirable. A few of them helped draft a formal duelling code at the Clonmel Summer Assizes in 1777, alongside delegates from Tipperary, Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon. This code prescribed rules for general adoption throughout Ireland and regulated the practice until its final extinction. One writer of the time noted that Sligo had many professors and a high reputation in what he called the leaden branch of the pastime.

56. Elsinore, Cooper family property, hosted seaside worship

    Elsinore · street · Limerick

    Before the Rosses Point church was built, Protestant visitors to the seaside were invited to attend services at Elsinore, then the property of the Cooper family. Occasional clergy lodging at the Point also held services wherever congregations could be gathered.

    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

    Along here is Elsinore, which was the property of the Cooper family. Before the church at Rosses Point was built, Protestant visitors who came to the seaside during the bathing season were invited to attend divine worship here. The arrangements were makeshift in those days. Services were held in farmhouse rooms, and clergymen staying at the Point would minister wherever a congregation could be brought together. As the number of visitors grew year by year, the irregularity of it all was keenly felt, and eventually a parochial district was severed from the mother parish of Drumcliff under the Peel Act. The first stone of the new church at the entrance to Rosses Point was laid on the 14th of August, 1854, and over £500 went into the building and its fittings. After that, the need for services here at Elsinore passed.

57. English relief contributions distributed in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    William Urwick served as honorary secretary for the distribution of English contributions in Sligo town and county, with £50,000 disbursed on works of public utility. A remaining £40,000 from the London Fund was divided among ten western counties for linen, woollen, and fishery industries.

    Read the passage

    In the Life of William Urwicl;, D.D., it is stated that he had been appointed honorary secretary to the relief committee for distribution of English contributions in the town and county ; £50,000 is said to have been disbursed in Sligo on works of supposed public utility. When the managers of the London Fund closed the accounts, they had a balance of £40,000 in hand, and this sum was divided amongst the ten Western Counties of Ireland ; each local committee was allocated its share, to give money out on loan to assist the linen, woollen, and fishery industries.

    A scarcity of provisions in Sligo became very apparent at the commencement of the year 1830, and the peasantry were compelled to travel from remote quarters of the country, ten, fifteen, or twenty miles, in order to purchase a stone of meal in the town ; there was, in short, a recurrence of a period of scarcity almost as great as in the year 1822. The price of potatoes rose to nearly 3s. a peck of 4 stone ; oatmeal stood at 20.s. per ewt. ; fuel of every description attained an unprecedented high price ; coals rose to 22s. a ton, and in May, 1831, potatoes had to be imported into Sligo.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town that was a centre for famine relief in the 1830s. William Urwick served as honorary secretary to the committee distributing English contributions across the town and county, and £50,000 was disbursed here on works of public utility. When the London Fund closed its accounts, a remaining £40,000 was divided among the ten western counties of Ireland, each local committee to lend money for the linen, woollen, and fishery industries. Scarcity of provisions became apparent at the start of 1830, and people travelled ten, fifteen, or twenty miles from remote quarters to buy a stone of meal in the town. It was a recurrence of hardship almost as great as 1822. Potatoes rose to nearly 3 shillings a peck of 4 stone, oatmeal reached 20 shillings per hundredweight, and coal rose to 22 shillings a ton. By May 1831, potatoes had to be imported into Sligo.

58. First Lough Gill yacht regatta, 1821

    near Lough Gill · lake or lakes · Kerry · 1821

    Yacht-racing was regularly established on Lough Gill in 1821, when the ladies of the county presented a cup to the racing community. At the September 27th regatta, Captain William Rochfort RN, acting as judge, recommended plain sails for safety on the squally lake.

    Read the passage

    In 1821 yacht-racing seems first to have been regularly established. In that year a cup was presented by the ladies of the county to the racing community of Lough Gill. At the regatta held on September 27th of that year. Captain William Rochfort, R. N. (who was judge), stated that as the boat-race was intended for amusement, as well as to try the rate of sailing under equal canvas, he strongly recommended plain sails — " flying kites or fancy sails rendering it extremely dangerous in a squally lake." Captain Rochfort's suggestion was adopted

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 196

    As the companion tells it

    This lake, Lough Gill, saw its first proper yacht regatta in 1821, when the ladies of the county gave a cup to the racing community. At the regatta on September 27th that year, Captain William Rochfort of the Royal Navy, acting as judge, told the sailors he strongly recommended plain sails, saying that "flying kites or fancy sails" made racing "extremely dangerous in a squally lake." His suggestion was adopted.

59. Friars move from abbey to High Street, Sligo

    High Street · street · Sligo · 1760–1783

    In 1760 Father Laurence Connellan, formerly Regius Primarius of studies at the Irish Dominican College of Louvain, returned to Sligo and saw the need to leave the crumbling abbey. In 1783 he obtained a lease on the upper floor of a house on the east side of High Street, to which the friars removed.

    Read the passage

    It was in 1760 that the before-mentioned Father Laurence Connellan, who had been for some time Regiits Primarhis of studies in the Irish Dominican College of Louvain, returned to Sligo, and saw the necessity of vacating the crumbling abbey and securing a more suitable situation ; in 1783 he obtained a lease from Mr. James Hart of " all that and those the upper floor of a house on the east side of High-street," to which place he removed.

    The Friary of the Order of St. Dominic was built in 1803 by Father Thomas Brennan, and was placed under the superintendence of a prior and two clergymen.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 63

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on High Street, the Dominican friars found a new home after centuries at the old abbey. Father Laurence Connellan, who had been Regius Primarius of studies at the Irish Dominican College of Louvain, returned to Sligo in 1760 and saw the necessity of vacating the crumbling abbey. In 1783 he obtained a lease from Mr. James Hart of what the document calls "the upper floor of a house on the east side of High-street," to which place he removed. The friary of the Order of St. Dominic was later built in 1803 by Father Thomas Brennan, under the superintendence of a prior and two clergymen.

60. Glacial boulders forming Carrowmore monuments

    Carrowmore · townland · Sligo

    The stone circles and cromlechs at Carrowmore are constructed from travelled blocks of granite or schist deposited by glacial ice movement from the Ox range. Similar glacial boulders are also found near the summit of Knocknarea.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 134