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. Grand Jury street widening in Sligo town

   Wine Street · street · Sligo · 1849–1869

   The Grand Jury of County Sligo spent £10,000 in the twenty years prior to 1869 widening the streets of Sligo town, including Wine Street and Quay Street. The Sligo Improvement Bill of 1869 shifted responsibility for such works away from the Grand Jury.

   Read the passage

   Active operations were not commenced until the month of February, 1847. The cost of the bridge itself was £2017, and of the approaches to it £2226. This includes the sum of £1626 granted to the owners of nine houses which were built on or near the old bridge— making a total of £4243. The Victoria line, however, was not publicly opened until 26th June, 1852. It should be borne in mind that the expense of the Victoria Bridge and the approaches to it was defrayed by the Grand Jury of the County, as was likewise the cost of the widening of Wine-street, Quay-street, and other thoroughfares; and but for the passing of the " Sligo Improvement Bill " of 1869, an intercepting sewer would have been constructed (also by the Grand Jury) on each bank of the river. Mr. Noblett St. Leger (County Surveyor), stated in his evidence before a Committee of the House of Lords that the Grand Jury of the County had within the twenty years prior to 1869 spent £10,000 in widening the streets of the town.

   The bridges of Annagh, over the river Moy ; of Carrowcullen, on the road from the " Ladies' Brae " to Skreen ; of Aclare, Curry, and many others of less note, remain as monuments of Mr. St. Leger's skill as an engineer.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 101

   As the companion tells it

   Along here on Wine Street, you are passing through one of the streets the Grand Jury of County Sligo widened in the years before 1869. The County Surveyor, Mr. Noblett St. Leger, told a Committee of the House of Lords that the Grand Jury had spent £10,000 in the twenty years prior to 1869 widening the streets of the town, including Wine Street and Quay Street. The Grand Jury also paid for Victoria Bridge and its approaches, which were not publicly opened until the 26th of June, 1852. The bridge itself cost £2,017, the approaches £2,226, and that included £1,626 granted to the owners of nine houses built on or near the old bridge. After the Sligo Improvement Bill of 1869, responsibility for such works moved away from the Grand Jury. The bridges of Annagh over the river Moy, Carrowcullen on the road from the Ladies' Brae to Skreen, Aclare, Curry, and many others remain as monuments of Mr. St. Leger's skill as an engineer.

2. High illiteracy among North Sligo voters, 1885–1891

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1885–1891

   At the 1885 North Sligo election, 1070 out of 5988 voters declared themselves illiterate; by 1891, 1783 out of 5754 voters acknowledged they could neither read nor write, showing persistent literacy problems despite decades of national education.

   Read the passage

   The proportion per cent, of the population, 5 years old and upwards who could neither read nor write, was 68-7 in 1841 ; 63-3 in 1851; 53-2 in 1861; 50-6 in 1871; 38-9 in 1881. The foregoing information is from official census returns, but when tried by a practical standard, the result is far from being satisfactory. At the election of a member for North Sligo in 1885, 1070 persons out of a total poll of 5988 declared themselves to be illiterate; whilst in 1891, 1783 voters out of a poll of 5754, by their own acknowledgment, were unable either to read or write.

   In the year 1861 there were 3466 persons in the county who could speak only Irish ; there were 2326 in 1871, and but 472 in 1881. The number of those who can speak both Irish and English has been on the increase, but here it is thought that the statistics may be misleading. Probably a number of those who enter themselves in the census returns as Irish scholars would be totally unable to carry on, or even understand a conversation in that tongue ; 49,228 persons in the county were in 1851 acquainted with both Irish and English, 36,263 in the year 1861, 24,263 in 1871, and 31,458 in 1881.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 211

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, the town sits within a county where literacy was a stubborn problem. Census returns showed the share of people who could neither read nor write falling from 68.7 per cent in 1841 to 38.9 per cent in 1881. But the book says that when tried by a practical standard, the result is far from satisfactory. At the North Sligo election of 1885, 1070 voters out of a total poll of 5988 declared themselves illiterate. By 1891 the number had risen to 1783 out of 5754, by their own acknowledgment unable to read or write. Irish was fading too. In 1861, 3466 people in the county spoke only Irish; by 1881 that had fallen to 472. The number speaking both Irish and English shifted from 49,228 in 1851 to 31,458 in 1881, though the author thought some who claimed Irish scholarship could not understand a conversation in it.

3. Magnetic serpentine band at Lough Gill

   near Lough Gill · lake or lakes · Kerry

   A band of serpentine runs for nearly two miles along the shore of Bunowna Bay, Lough Gill, west of Slish Wood. The exposure is remarkable for containing the highest recorded percentage of magnetite, with some portions acting as natural magnets.

   Read the passage

   Dividing the band of gneiss at the shore of Bunowna Bay, Lough Gill (west of Slish Wood), and running south for nearly two miles, with an average width of 500 feet, is a band of serpentine, dark-colom^ed, hard, compact rock, showing planes of lamination in the mass, and a disposition to split up into beds of various thicknesses. Geologists recognize it as metamorphic, but are not agreed as to its exact mode of origin ; there is a probability of its having been produced by the metamorphism of magnesian limestone. This exposure of serpentine is remarkable for its extent, and for containing " the highest on record " percentage of magnetite (a mineral that attracts and repels the magnetic needle), so much so, that some portions of the rock possess all the characters of natural magnets. Nickel and garnets are also present.

   From a study of the old crystalline areas on the map, it will be seen that along little more than a third of their boundaries are they in contact with the succeeding formations, and exposures of the actual junctions are very rare, the older and newer rocks meeting, in most cases, along concealed lines of fault. Notwithstanding the prevalence of these dislocations, there is sufficient evidence to indicate a total discordance, and, consequently, the lapse of a long interval between the periods at which the old crystalline and the newer Carboniferous were formed. The absence of rocks deposited during this great interval goes far to prove the decided break in the geological series. It has been already noted that there was a floor or surface formed of crystalline rocks, worn into ridges and hollows like those of a land surface ; but

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 131

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up along Lough Gill, there's a band of serpentine rock that runs along the shore of Bunowna Bay, west of Slish Wood. It runs south for nearly two miles, with an average width of 500 feet. It's a dark-coloured, hard, compact rock, showing planes of lamination and a tendency to split into beds of various thicknesses. Geologists recognise it as metamorphic, but they're not agreed on its exact mode of origin. There's a probability it was produced by the metamorphism of magnesian limestone. What makes this exposure remarkable is its extent and the fact that it contains what the source calls "the highest on record" percentage of magnetite, a mineral that attracts and repels the magnetic needle. Some portions of the rock possess all the characters of natural magnets. Nickel and garnets are also present. The old crystalline rocks in this area are in contact with succeeding formations along little more than a third of their boundaries, and exposures of the actual junctions are very rare. The older and newer rocks meet along concealed lines of fault in most cases. Despite these dislocations, there's enough evidence to indicate a total discordance, and so a long interval between the periods at which the old crystalline and the newer Carboniferous rocks were formed. The absence of rocks deposited during this great interval goes far to prove a decided break in the geological series. There was a floor or surface of crystalline rocks, worn into ridges and hollows like a land surface.

4. Mass burials at Sligo Abbey grounds during cholera epidemic

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1832

   During the 1832 cholera epidemic, very many corpses were buried in the Abbey grounds at Sligo, where there was scarcely enough clay to cover the coffins. Contemporary observers believed more were interred there than at the hospital.

   Read the passage

   As the pestilence abated, people began to breathe more freely, and to inquire into the details of calamity throughout the town. It was long, however, before affairs resumed their wonted course, so many individuals had been removed, who were formerly found at the head of every movement in tlieir resj)ective walks of life. Business was partially resumed, and the streets began to wear once more an appearance of life; but a person who visited Sligo at a late period of the year (1832) stated that with respect to the air and atmosphere of the town, he was convinced, from personal sensation, that it was pestiferous and deadly, for when passing to the Courthouse from M'Bride's — now the Imperial — Hotel, a singularly disagreeable odour was perceptible, such as might be noticed in dirty anatomical dissecting rooms, or in confined places crowded with blacks in a state of perspiration ; it was no fancy, for whenever the above-mentioned locality was reached he became peculiarly sensible of it. Very many corpses had been buried in the Abbey-grounds, where there was scarcely clay enough to cover the coffins, whilst in the Churchyard of

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 36

   As the companion tells it

   Sligo is a town still marked by the cholera epidemic of 1832. When the pestilence finally abated, people began to breathe more freely and ask what had happened, but it was a long time before affairs resumed their wonted course, so many individuals had been removed who were once at the head of every movement in their respective walks of life. A visitor who came late in the year said the very air felt pestiferous and deadly. Passing from McBride's, now the Imperial Hotel, toward the Courthouse, he noticed a singularly disagreeable odour, such as might be found in dirty anatomical dissecting rooms, and he became peculiarly sensible of it whenever he reached that locality. Very many corpses had been buried in the Abbey grounds, where there was scarcely clay enough to cover the coffins. Contemporary observers believed more were interred there than at the hospital.

5. Municipal Reform Act Divides Sligo into Wards

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1842–1843

   Under the Municipal Reform Act of 1842, Sligo was divided into East, West, and North Wards. The first election on 25 October saw the Liberal party carry the East and West Wards. The reformed Corporation dismissed old officials and faced legal disputes over compensation for the Town Clerk.

   Read the passage

   By the Municipal Reform Act of 1842 the town of Sligo was divided into East, West, and North Wards, and on the 25th October the first election for the reformed Corporation took place, the Liberal party carrying the East and West Wards. The qualification for Councillorship at that time required a rated valuation of £25, or Declaration of being worth £1,000 over all just debts; two aldermen and six councillors were returned by each Ward.

   One of the first acts of the new body was to dismiss all the old ofiicials, because " they had not the confidence of the Council," who further refused to give the Town Clerk any compensation for the loss of his fees and emoluments as registrar of the Provost, and keeper of the Borough records, but the ease being brought before the Queen's Bench, it was directed that compensation should be awarded him.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 52

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town reshaped by the Municipal Reform Act of 1842. Sligo was divided into East, West, and North Wards, and the first election for the reformed Corporation was held on 25 October, with the Liberal party carrying the East and West Wards. A councillor needed a rated valuation of £25 or a declaration of being worth £1,000 over all debts. Each ward returned two aldermen and six councillors. The new body dismissed all the old officials, because they had not the confidence of the Council. They refused the Town Clerk compensation for his lost fees and emoluments, but the case reached the Queen's Bench, which directed that compensation be awarded.

6. O'Crean family as merchant princes of Sligo, 14th–17th century

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1300–1600

   The Four Masters record the deaths of several members of the O'Crean family, who from the 14th to the 17th century appear to have been the leading merchant figures of Sligo. Their prominence underscores the town's long history of commercial activity.

   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

   As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town with a long commercial history. In 1566 Sir Henry Sidney wrote that Sligo "hath been a great town, full of merchants' houses." The Four Masters record the deaths of several members of the O'Crean family, who from the 1300s into the 1600s appear to have been the merchant princes of Sligo. Their prominence across three centuries speaks to the town's role as a trading centre.

7. O'Dowd sea-roving expeditions in 12th-13th centuries

   Ballymote · town · Sligo · 1100–1300

   The O'Dowds appear to have had a predilection for sea-roving, and in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries several accounts in the Irish Annals describe expeditions undertaken by them, generally crowned with success. The Book of Ballymote contains a drawing of Noah's Ark apparently representing a fourteenth-century ship.

   Read the passage

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

   Grants of the port-dues, &c., occur in 1420 and in 1449. About 1498 Felim O'Connor, on condition of being set at liberty by Mac Dermot, gave him a fifth share of " Cuan- Sligigh." On this subject P. "W. Joyce remarks that " the most general word for harbour or haven is cucai ; and it is still employed everywhere round the coast. . . . The word cuan is also used, in an extended sense, to signify any curve or winding ; and whether in any particular case it is so used, or bears tho meaning of the harbour, is easily determined."

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 111

8. Opposition coach service on Sligo–Ballina line, 1873

   Ballina · townland · Mayo · 1873

   In July 1873 an opposition service was started on the 87-mile Sligo and Ballina line, driving passenger fares down to a nominal rate. The competition reflected the lingering vitality of road transport before railways fully curtailed car business.

   Read the passage

   and Castlebar," " The Enniskillen and Omagh," " The Strabane and Letterkenny " lines. Sliortly after the change in ownership some of these branches were considerably extended. In July, 1873, an opposition was started on the Sligo and Ballina line — a distance of 87 miles, and passengers were during that time carried for l.s. %d. Railways have, however, curtailed the amount of car-business so much, that the following lines alone are now continued by Mr. Walsh, i.e. "The Sligo and Ballyshannon," "The Sligo and Ballina," "The Ballina and Belmullet."

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 105

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, in July 1873, an opposition coach service was started on the Sligo and Ballina line, covering 87 miles. The competition drove passenger fares down to one shilling and eightpence. It was a last show of vitality for road transport, before railways curtailed the car business. Mr. Walsh kept the Sligo and Ballina line running, along with the Sligo and Ballyshannon and the Ballina and Belmullet.

9. Phantom coach at Seaview, Tireragh

   near Seaview · street · Sligo

   At Seaview in Tireragh, a phantom coach driven by a headless coachman and drawn by four headless black horses is said to be driven along the avenue at certain periods.

   Read the passage

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

   There are other residences in the county where the sound of carriages driving along the approach to the house is frequently heard, generally, however, when there is a high wind. There is also a phantom boat, rowed by a crew of dullaghans, which at certain seasons of the year traverses the river Garvogue, from the lake to the sea ; sometimes the crew are visible, but often the oars move without any apparent agency.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 192

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Seaview, people say a phantom coach is driven along the avenue leading to the residence at certain periods. The coachman has no head, and neither do the four black horses harnessed to the chariot. The old question is asked how a headless coachman sees to guide his team, or where he places the bits. As with others of his kind, the dullaghans, his head is thought to be under his arm. But the heads of the four horses are unaccounted for.

10. Ragged school in Sligo during the Famine

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1846–1850

    Before 1846 Rev. Noble Shepperd started a school in Sligo that was transformed during the Famine into a ragged school where children were supplied with food. After the period of distress ended it reverted to its original use but was closed when the Model School was established.

    Read the passage

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

    The plot on which the church and other buildings stand has been lately purchased, and is now the property of the congregation.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 71

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Sligo town. Before 1846 the Reverend Noble Shepperd started a school here that during the Famine became a ragged school, where children were supplied with food. When the period of distress was over it went back to its original use, but later closed when the Model School was established. Shepperd himself died in August 1875.

11. Rathcarrick fernery on Knocknarea slope

    Rathcarrick · townland · Sligo

    The Holly Fern (Aspidium lonchitis), though almost exterminated on Benbulben cliffs by fern dealers, grows freely in a fernery at Rathcarrick on the slope of Knocknarea, where it was planted several years previously.

    Read the passage

    " The most interesting plant discovered by Messrs. Barrington and Vowell was Ejdlohium alsinifolium, an alpine species, not previously found in Ireland." Neither AlchemiUa alpiiia, nor Lyco- 2)odiHm alpinum, reported as having been found by Mr. J. Wynne, were observed. Saxifraga nivalis, which grows nowhere else in Ireland, is confined to one spot, and is now reduced to about thirty plants. Saxifraga oppox.it if olia is not rare. Foa alpina is a grass found in Ireland only on Benbulben, and on Brandon Mountain in Kerry. Thalictnim alpinum is confined to one very limited area, and difficult to reach. Adiantum capillm-veneris is reduced to a few plants in Glencar; and though Aspidiuni lonchitis is still plentiful, the fern dealers are destroying it (this fern has grown freely in a fernery at Rathcarrick on the slope of Knocknarea, where it was planted several years since). ^^Arabis petrcea is confined to a quarter of a mile of cliff in Grlenade."

    Messrs. Barrington and Vowell's Paper is illustrated by an excellent map of the district, coloured and drawn on a scale of lialf an inch to the mile. As it affords reliable information with accurate references to localities it should be referred to by all who desire to study the Botany of Sligo. With it must be consulted a Paper prepared by A. Gr. More, f.l.s., m.r.i.a., " On the Heights attained by Plants on Benbulben," read before the Royal Irish Academy, December 10, 1883, which was drawn up from the incomplete notes and measurements left by Mr. Corry and his friend Mr. Dickson, whose death on Lough Gill has been mentioned. They explored Benbulben, Ben Weesken, and Knocknarea ; also Glencar and a mountain opposite Knocknarea, determining the elevation at which each species of plant was found.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 151

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Rathcarrick, there is a fernery on the slope of Knocknarea. The Holly Fern, Aspidium lonchitis, grows freely there. It was planted several years before the account was written. The same fern was still plentiful on the cliffs of Benbulben, but fern dealers were destroying it, pulling it from the rock for sale. The fernery here was a small refuge against that loss. The plant hunting in this district was carried out by Messrs. Barrington and Vowell. The most interesting plant they discovered was Epilobium alsinifolium, an alpine species not previously found in Ireland. Their paper was illustrated by a coloured map drawn at a scale of half an inch to the mile, with accurate references to localities. Other rarities were recorded across the range. Saxifraga nivalis grows nowhere else in Ireland and was reduced to about 30 plants in one spot. Poa alpina, a grass, was found only on Benbulben and on Brandon Mountain in Kerry. Adiantum capillus-veneris was down to a few plants in Glencar. Arabis petraea was confined to a quarter of a mile of cliff in Glenade. A further paper was prepared by A. G. More, read before the Royal Irish Academy on December 10, 1883, on the heights attained by plants on Benbulben. It was drawn up from incomplete notes left by Mr. Corry and his friend Mr. Dickson, whose death on Lough Gill has been mentioned. They had explored Benbulben, Ben Weesken, and Knocknarea, also Glencar and a mountain opposite Knocknarea, determining the elevation at which each species was found.

12. Relief ships arrive at Sligo port, 1746

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1746

    In June 1746 two ships arrived in Sligo port with barley and oatmeal, lowering the price of those commodities. Provisions then became plentiful and salmon sold for a penny a pound, indicating a period of recent scarcity.

    Read the passage

    in the year 1739 ; the crop in 1746 was again bad, for it is stated that between the 10th and 14th June two ships arrived in the port with barley and oatmeal, which lowered the price of those commodities ; provisions then became very plenty, and salmon sold for a penny a pound.

    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.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Sligo now. In 1746 the crop here was bad again, as it had been in 1739. Between the 10th and 14th of June that year, two ships arrived in the port carrying barley and oatmeal. Those cargoes lowered the price of both commodities. After the ships came in, provisions became very plentiful, and salmon sold for a penny a pound. That tells you something of what had gone before, that the arrival of two ships with grain should matter so much. The people of Sligo had been living through scarcity, and would face it again. In 1750, 1765, 1770, 1779, and 1784 the population suffered severely by placing their dependence on the potato crop. The worst pressure came 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. Towards the close of the century, soup shops were opened under Government to relieve the distress of the poor, and a medalet struck in brass was stamped with the words Sligo Soup Ticket.

13. Repeated canal projects linking Lough Gill to the sea

    near Lough Gill · lake or lakes · Kerry · 1825–1846

    In 1825 the gentry of Sligo petitioned the Lord Lieutenant for a canal connecting Lough Erne, Lough Allen, and Lough Gill to the sea. Merchants renewed the plea in 1839, and Acts of 1845–46 authorised the 'Sligo Ship Canal,' reviving a project surveyed at the century's start.

    Read the passage

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

    p 2

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 106

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass near Lough Gill, it's worth knowing this lake was at the heart of repeated efforts to link Sligo's waters to the sea. In 1825 the gentry of Sligo petitioned the Lord Lieutenant for a canal connecting Lough Erne, Lough Allen, and Lough Gill to the sea. The merchants renewed the plea in 1839, petitioning the Lords of the Treasury for a canal from Lough Allen to Lough Gill and on to the coast. Acts of 1845 and 1846 authorised the Sligo Ship Canal, reviving a project that had first been surveyed at the start of the century. All of this came to nothing once the Midland Great Western Railway reached the town, which the source calls the most important event for Sligo within the century.

14. Rosses Point transformed into tourist resort

    Rosses Point · town · Sligo

    Within a decade Rosses Point went from having a single thatched cabin hotel to boasting half a dozen fairly good hotels catering to tourists and lodgers. The arrival of steamers and cars in summer greatly increased visitor numbers, and the Greenlands provided a public promenade.

    Read the passage

    The E/Osses Point' of to-day is a very different place from the Rosses Point of olden times. A decade has not passed since its sole hotel was a thatched cabin at the Sligo end of the village ;

    ' The Parochial District of Rosses Poiut owes its formation maiulj- to the exertions of the late Mrs. E. J. Cooper, of Markree Castle, who noticed the long-felt want of a place of worship for the many Protestant visitors to the seaside during the summer months.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 113

    As the companion tells it

    As you approach Rosses Point in Sligo, the change is striking. Not a decade has passed since its sole hotel was a thatched cabin at the Sligo end of the village. Now it boasts half a dozen fairly good hotels catering to tourists and lodgers. Summer steamers and cars have greatly increased visitor numbers, and the Greenlands provide a public promenade.

15. Sligo Borough governance and missing Corporation records

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1612–1842

    Sligo borough was administered by three distinct bodies: the Corporation, the Town Commissioners, and the Grand Jury, which together levied around £3600 to £3700 annually in rates. The Corporation's records from its creation in 1612 were unfortunately missing for nearly a century, though a list of Provosts from 1612 to 1842 was later compiled.

    Read the passage

    The records of the Corporation of Sligo from its creation in 1612 up to the year 1709 — that is to say during a period of nearly one hundred years — are unfortunately missing, and the names of but few Provosts, during that long interval have as yet been ascertained.

    Roger Jones was the first Provost; George Crofton, 1616, recommended as "fit to be inserted in the Commission of the Peace for the County Sligo" in that year; Robert Gamble, 1641-2; John Braxton, 1643; and during the reign of Charles II. there was a Captain Charles Collis. The remaining records of the election of CJiief Ofiicer of the Corporation commence in the year 1709, and are endorsed "A Booke of Record for the Burrough of Sligoe from y'' 21st of Ajml 1709." A list of Provosts as extracted from the above is given below^ From

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 49

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, the town was once run by three bodies: the Corporation, the Town Commissioners, and the Grand Jury, levying around £3600 to £3700 a year in rates. The Corporation was created in 1612, but its records for nearly a hundred years, up to 1709, are missing. Roger Jones was the first Provost, followed by George Crofton in 1616, Robert Gamble in 1641, and John Braxton in 1643. Under Charles II a Captain Charles Collis held the office. The surviving records begin in April 1709, endorsed "A Booke of Record for the Burrough of Sligoe." A list of Provosts from 1612 to 1842 was later compiled from what remained.

16. Sligo constituted a county by Sir Henry Sidney, 1568

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1568–1576

    Sir Henry Sidney, Lord Deputy of Ireland, constituted Sligo as a county in 1568 under statute authority, but no Justices of Assize were sent into the county. It was left dependent on the discretion of a Governor armed with all the power of the State, and no sheriff was appointed until 1576.

    Read the passage

    Sir Henry Sidney, Lord Deputy of Ireland, in 1568, hy virtue of the first of these Acts, constituted Sligo a county ; but no Justices of Assize were sent into the county, which xoas left dependent on the discretion of a Governor, armed loith all tlie poicer of the State. A sheriff does not appear to have been appointed until the year 1576, lohen Sir Henry Sidney, describing his proceedings with G' Conor Sligo, states that "■he desiered me to constitute a Sheriff %n his coimtrie, xoishinge rather a Forriner than any of the Soyles Bredc, which I graunted and sent one loith commission.'"

    1576

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 267

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Sligo now. In 1568, Sir Henry Sidney, Lord Deputy of Ireland, constituted Sligo as a county by statute, but no Justices of Assize were ever sent into it. The county was left dependent on the discretion of a Governor, armed with all the power of the State. A sheriff was not appointed until 1576, when Sidney described his dealings with O'Conor Sligo, who asked him to constitute a sheriff in his country, wishing rather a foreigner than any of the soil's breed. Sidney granted the request and sent one with commission.

17. Sligo constituted a free Borough by James I

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1613

    Under a royal charter passed on 30th March in the eleventh year of King James I's reign, Sligo was established as a free Borough. The charter created a corporate body of a Provost, twelve free Burgesses, and the Commonalty with powers to hold lands and elect parliamentary representatives.

    Read the passage

    By Royal Letters Patent passed SOtli March, in the eleventh year of liis reign, the king ordained that the town, with all appertaining to it, sliould be one entire and free Borough of itself, by the name of " tlie Borough of Sligo," and that witliiu this Borough there should be one body corporate and politic, consisting of "one Provost, twelve free Burgesses, and tlie Commonalty," with powers for all future time to purchase, receive, and possess lands, tenements, and other goods, as w('ll as to dispose of the same ; tliere was a sweeping clause enabling them " to do and execute all and singularother deeds and things," also that this body so constituted could sue at law and be sued, and that they should have power to elect " two discreet and fit men " to serve in every Parliament.

    The king nominated Roger Jones as first Provost of the Borough, and the following as the twelve free liuigesses: — Sir William TaalTe, Knight ; John St. Barbe,' Kdward Crofton,

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 45

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Sligo, this town was made a free Borough by royal charter in 1613. On the 30th of March, in the eleventh year of his reign, King James I passed Letters Patent ordaining that the town should be one entire and free Borough, by the name of "the Borough of Sligo." The charter created a body corporate and politic, consisting of one Provost, twelve free Burgesses, and the Commonalty. For all future time, this body could purchase, receive, and possess lands, tenements, and other goods, and dispose of the same. There was a sweeping clause enabling them "to do and execute all and singular other deeds and things." They could sue at law and be sued. They also had power to elect "two discreet and fit men" to serve in every Parliament. The king named Roger Jones as the first Provost of the Borough. The twelve free Burgesses included Sir William Taaffe, a knight; John St. Barbe; and Edward Crofton.

18. Sligo Corporation resolves market fraud in turf and hay, 1800

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1800

    In January 1800 the Sligo Corporation addressed frauds in turf and hay sold in the town market. Substandard loads were to be condemned and sent to prisoners in the gaol, House of Correction, or the Infirmary.

    Read the passage

    "That from and after the first day of February next all turf brought to the town for sale in baskets or high loads shall contain three-fourth parts of the present turf barrel or standard barrel or measure for the sale of turf, and tluit any high load or load of turf carried on the back or backs of horses to tlie town for sale that shall be found to contain less than three-fourth parts of said turf barrels shall be decm'd a fraud, and on proof made thereof on oath of one credible witness before the Provost or on his view, or by confession of the party, it shall and may be lawful and he is hereby authorized to condemn and send the same

    236 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 118

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town, coming up now. Back in January 1800 the Corporation here tackled a straightforward problem: fraud in the turf and hay sold at the town market. Sellers were bringing in loads that fell short of the standard measure. From the first of February that year, any load of turf found to contain less than three-fourth parts of the proper turf barrel was deemed a fraud. On the oath of one credible witness, or the Provost's own view, or the seller's confession, the substandard load would be condemned. And then it went to the prisoners, in the gaol, the House of Correction, or the Infirmary.

19. Sligo Improvement Bill defeated in Lords, 1868

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1868

    The Sligo Borough Improvement Bill was passed by the House of Commons in 1868 but thrown out by the House of Lords for financial reasons. In Sligo, 427 voters and petitioners opposed the measure across party lines, with more than half being Liberals.

    Read the passage

    was passed by the Commons, but thrown out by the Lords — for financial reasons. In Sligo, the Bill was not regarded as a party question ; of the 427 voters and persons who signed the petition against the measure, more than half were Liberals, the remainder Conservatives ; in the fight, all party ties were for the time dissolved, and every one " fought for liis own hand." Fortunately for the promoters, the Grand Jury of the County, after securing the interests of the ratepayers, did not oppose the Bill ; the points of difference were amicably arranged ; the Grand Jury waived their demand that population should be the basis of payment, and accepted instead the calculation based on valuation. This came to about one-twelfth of the valuation of the entire county ; though with regard to the inmates of Public Institutions such as the Gaol, Fever Hospital, Workhouse, &c., the proportion of numbers stood at 26, 30, and some as high as 60 or 70 per cent. The statement of the expenditure on the Borough during nine years by the Grand Jury of the County will demonstrate conclusively that the latter body, during this period, expended on the town a much larger annual sum than it was proportionately entitled to. It was presented to the committee of the House of Lords, by the County Surveyor, Noblett St. Leger, who was called as a witness by the promoters of the bill : —

    Year.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 53

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Sligo now, a town with a political story from 1868. That year the Sligo Borough Improvement Bill passed the House of Commons but was thrown out by the House of Lords for financial reasons. In Sligo it was not seen as a party question. Of the 427 voters and people who signed the petition against the measure, more than half were Liberals and the rest Conservatives, and as the source puts it, every one "fought for his own hand." The Grand Jury of the County, after securing the interests of the ratepayers, did not oppose the bill. The points of difference were amicably arranged. The Grand Jury waived their demand that population should be the basis of payment and accepted instead a calculation based on valuation, which came to about one-twelfth of the valuation of the entire county. The County Surveyor, Noblett St. Leger, was called as a witness by the promoters and presented a statement of expenditure on the borough during nine years to the committee of the House of Lords.

20. Sligo Lying-in Hospital and House of Refuge

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1804

    In 1804, the Grand Jury voted £30 for training a nurse, and in 1819, fifty poor married lying-in women were attended. The old Infirmary was utilized for a House of Refuge, both discontinued after the introduction of dispensaries.

    Read the passage

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

    In aid of the " House of Eefuge," various sums of money were bestowed by individuals, and the moiety of fines levied in the Borough was also given in support of the House : the old Infirmary would seem to have been utilized for this purpose. Both these institutions appear to have been discontinued on, or shortly after, the introduction of dispensaries.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 79

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, there was once a lying-in hospital and house of refuge here. In 1804, the Grand Jury voted £30 for training a nurse, and in 1819, fifty poor married lying-in women were attended by the accoucheur. The old Infirmary was used for the House of Refuge, supported by private donations and half the fines levied in the Borough. Both institutions were discontinued after the introduction of dispensaries.

21. Sligo Militia disembodied at Limerick, 1814

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1814

    After nineteen years of embodied service, the County of Sligo Militia received orders at Limerick in October 1814 to march back to Sligo for disembodiment at the conclusion of the European War. Colonel Armstrong issued a district order praising the officers and men for their discipline, steadiness, and intelligence.

    Read the passage

    " The County of Sligo Militia having received Routes to march towards that county for the purpose of being disembodied. Colonel Armstrong cannot permit a corps that has so many claims on his attention and esteem to quit this District without endeavouring to express the high sense which he entertains of the ardent zeal and distinguished ability with which the Military duties of the Regiment have been uniformly conducted. To the Field Officers and Captains the greatest praise is due ; their excellent conduct and example as

    D

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 16

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is where the County of Sligo Militia stood in October 1814, after nineteen years of embodied service during the European War. They received orders here to march back to Sligo for disembodiment. Colonel Armstrong would not let them leave the district without telling them what he thought of them. He praised their discipline, steadiness, and intelligence, and gave greatest credit to the field officers and captains for their conduct and example.

22. Sligo Militia rations and pay at Cahir

    Caher · town · Tipperary · 1808

    While the Sligo Militia was quartered at Cahir in 1808, the weekly rations and pay for each private were detailed, including 5 lbs of meat, 4 stones of potatoes, and a shilling per diem. The men also paid for their own lodgings.

    Read the passage

    Again, in the year 1812, this entry occurs — "To am', of Militia money pd. Cap'. Tyler, £112 I2s. Sd." The pay of privates was a shilling per diem, and a penny for beer money ; they were obliged to pay for 5 lbs. of meat a week ; some eat bread, some " stirabout," and some potatoes, the quantity used of the last being four stone per week. The following was the scale per week for each private at the time the Regiment was quartered at Cahir, in the year 1808 : —

    " 5 lbs. of meat at 4d. ; 4 stones of potatoes at l^d. ; washing 4d., barrack cook 1^. ; total 2s. Id. Any other food depended on the individual taste of the men ; some of them drank beer. One suit of clothes per annum was supplied by the Colonel at a cost of £2 10s. ; the men provided their own lodgings, received 4d. per diem as marching money or if sent on escort duty."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is the town of Caher. In 1808 the Sligo Militia was quartered here, and the records set out exactly what each private lived on. A private's pay was a shilling a day, and a penny for beer money. The weekly scale for each man was 5 lbs of meat at 4d., 4 stones of potatoes at 1d., washing at 4d., and a barrack cook at 1d., coming to 2s. 1d. in total. Some ate bread, some ate what the source calls stirabout, and some ate potatoes, the last being four stone a week per man. Any other food depended on individual taste. Some of them drank beer. The Colonel supplied one suit of clothes a year at a cost of 2 pounds and 10 shillings. The men provided their own lodgings. They received 4d. a day as marching money, or if sent on escort duty. A later entry from 1812 records militia money paid to Captain Tyler, 112 pounds, 12 shillings and 6d.

23. Sligo Mills on the river Garvogue

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    Flour and corn mills on the river Garvogue in Sligo, driven by three undershot wheels, were in existence before the accession of Queen Elizabeth. By the 1890s they were devoted entirely to grinding maize, supplemented by a newer turbine-driven mill.

    Read the passage

    Sligo Mills, on the river Garvogue, consist of a flour and a corn mill, driven by three undershot wheels, and have eiglit runs of 4| burrs, five of which are for flour and three for maize, but wheat has not been ground in the mill for some years, the entire machinery being now devoted to grinding maize. There is also an additional mill, recently erected, with eight pairs of 4^ feet burrs, driven by a Liffel turbine, and, in case of shortness of water, with a steam-engine. The firm has large storage accommodation near the quays, and also numerous kilns for drying oats. They are largely engaged in the direct importation of maize for their own and other millers' requirements in the district.

    At Collooney, as at Sligo, the present mills occupy the site of much older concerns. The Sligo Mills were in existence before the accession of Queen Elizabeth, as were those of Rathbraghan and Ballincar.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 121

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, the river Garvogue here has powered mills since before Queen Elizabeth came to the throne. These flour and corn mills ran on three undershot wheels with eight runs of four-foot burrs, but by the 1890s wheat had not been ground for some years and the machinery was devoted entirely to grinding maize. A newer mill had recently been added, driven by a Liffel turbine, with a steam-engine for when the water ran short. The firm also kept large storage near the quays and kilns for drying oats, importing maize directly for their own use and for other millers in the district.

24. Sligo Port deep-water berth improvements

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1882–1889

    Around 1882, Sligo Harbour Commissioners obtained a loan to construct deep-water berths but ran out of funds. Despite never receiving a free government grant, Sligo's port revenue grew by 60% over 25 years, contrasting with the decline of other western Irish seaports.

    Read the passage

    If the proposed improvement be carried out it will result in an increase of revenue to the port, and also add to the prosperity of the district. The saving of lighterage alone would enable merchants to extend their district 20 or 30 miles further, and thus increase the imports in a corresponding ratio ; and taking into account that Sligo has steadily progressed, whilst other western seaports in Ireland have declined, there is every prospect tliat the advance will be repaid : during the last 25 years the import dues alone have increased about 60 per cent. The total revenue from this source in 1864- was £3019, in 1889 £4890. Sligo has never received a free grant of any description from Government for improvement of the port, but it was hoped that the Eoyal Commission which visited Sligo a few years ago would have recommended a grant for the purpose, so as to enable the fisheries to be developed ; they reported, however, tliat the interest of the port " might be left in the hands of its energetic inhabitants."

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 117

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Sligo town now. Around 1882 the Harbour Commissioners took out a loan to build deep-water berths at the port, but the money ran out before the work was done. What happened anyway is the striking part. Over 25 years the import dues alone rose about 60 per cent. The revenue from that source was 3019 pounds in 1864 and 4890 pounds in 1889. Sligo progressed steadily while other western seaports in Ireland declined. Sligo never received a free grant of any kind from Government for improving the port. A Royal Commission visited a few years before and there was hope it would recommend a grant to help develop the fisheries. They reported instead that the interest of the port "might be left in the hands of its energetic inhabitants." Before the famine of 1847, exports of oats and oatmeal from here were very considerable, going principally to London, Liverpool, and Glasgow. The importation of wheat and Indian corn from the Black Sea, the Levant, and Liverpool only began about 1845. The proposed improvements, if finished, would save merchants lighterage costs and let them extend their district 20 or 30 miles further.

25. Sligo wool trade emporium between Connaught and North

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1802

    Writing in 1802, M'Parlan noted that Sligo was the wool trade emporium between Connaught and the North, with buyers coming to meet Connaught sellers and buying large quantities. The wool's value was artificially boosted by Farming Society premiums for Irish wool cloth.

    Read the passage

    The trade was but trifling, although the county possessed every facility for this industry. M'Parlan, writing in 1802, states that " in the wool trade Sligo is the emporium between Connaught and the North, from whence numbers come to meet the Connaught sellers, and buy up large quantities of that article." The prices quoted in old newspapers appear, even in the present day, very high, but the value of the wool was fictitiously affected by the premiums offered by the Farming Society for the best piece of cloth manufactured with Irish wool.

    This employment amongst the peasantry now no longer exists, but in 1886, one of the extensive mills at Collooney was, at considerable expense, converted into a woollen factory, fitted up with the newest and most approved machinery for converting home-shorn wool into fabrics of all descriptions.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 122

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you're travelling through what was once the wool trade emporium between Connaught and the North. In 1802, M'Parlan wrote that numbers came to meet the Connaught sellers and buy up large quantities of that article. The wool's value was artificially boosted by premiums offered by the Farming Society for the best piece of cloth manufactured with Irish wool. That trade among the peasantry no longer existed by the time this history was written, though in 1886 one of the extensive mills at Collooney was converted into a woollen factory with new machinery for turning home-shorn wool into fabrics of all descriptions.

26. St. Anne's Church built by private subscription, 1843

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1840–1843

    A picturesque little church called St. Anne's was completed in 1843 after funds were collected from 1840 onwards by Messrs. Phibbs, Walker, and Wood. The Latin inscription over the entrance door records that it was dedicated in honour of St. Anne and built by private contributions. A glebe-house was not erected until 1877.

    Read the passage

    effected until 1840, when the project was taken up by Messrs. Phibbs, Walker, and "Wood. Funds were collected for the building, and also for permanent endowment of the new parish, but it was three years before the picturesque little church (St. Anne's) was completed, as shown by the inscription over the entrance-door : — In Honorem B. Ann^ Deo. 0. M. dedicata CERA PRivATORUM coLLATO CEDiFiCATA, A.D. 1843. The interior is striking, the general appearance being enhanced by several windows of stained glass ; the glebe-house, however, was not erected until 1877. Although under the control of the Synod of the Church of Ireland, yet the appointment to the parish is vested in trustees. The income is small, about £140 a year, derived from a lay rent-charge, payable out of the parish of Kilshalvey, union of Boyle, and from other sources. The incumbents were ; Eev. James Gully, 1842; Rev. John W. Chambers, 1861: Eev. Charles Hans Hamilton, 1864 ; Rev. William A. Day, 1867; Rev. Isaac Coulter, 1877; Rev. F. T. Hamilton, 1882 ; Rev. John Galbraith, 1884 — present incumbent.

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 69

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo town, St. Anne's Church was completed in 1843 after three years of fundraising by Messrs. Phibbs, Walker, and Wood. The Latin inscription over the entrance door records that it was dedicated in honour of St. Anne and built by private contributions. The interior is striking, enhanced by several stained glass windows, though the glebe-house was not erected until 1877. The parish income is small, about £140 a year, derived from a lay rent-charge out of Kilshalvey parish, and although under the Church of Ireland Synod, the appointment to the parish is vested in trustees. The first incumbent was the Rev. James Gully in 1842, followed by several others through to the Rev. John Galbraith in 1884.

27. Stirabout road to Kilcumin Abbey ruins

    Achonry · townland · Sligo

    The road leading from the main line to the ruins of Kilcumin Abbey in the parish of Achonry was called 'Stirabout road,' likely because it was made or repaired to provide employment for the poor. This name predated the famine of 1846.

    Read the passage

    ^ The road leading from the main line to the ruins of the Abbey of Kilcumin (parish of Achonry) is called " Stirabout road," probably in allusion to its having been made, remodelled, or repaired, for the purpose of affording employment for the poor. It was so named, however, long prior to the famine of 1846.

    liOADS, STREETS, AND COMMUNICATTOXS. (00

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 100

28. Tyreril True Blues meet at Collooney

    Collooney · townland · Sligo · 1782

    The first Tyreril True Blues, a Volunteer corps, met at Collooney on 1 April 1782 under the chairmanship of Rev. John Little. They added a resolution expressing devotion to a union with Britain and a willingness to share her fate.

    Read the passage

    Yery similar resolutions were passed at a meeting of " The Ballina and Ardnaree Volunteers," held 28th March, Lt. Robert Jones in the chair ; likewise at a meeting of " The first Tyreril True Blues," held at Collooney, April 1, 1782, the Rev. John Little in the chair, to which the following was added : — " The chief wish of our hearts is to clasp our sister nation to our bosom and cement an indissoluble union between us, attached to her by every tie of affection and interest that can unite nations ; surrounded as she is by an host of enemies we are resolved to share her liberty and share her fate." Owing, however, to the conduct of the affairs of the Volunteers throughout the kingdom having fallen unto revolutionary hands, their old leaders abandoned them.

    To prevent disturbances, and with the approbation of most of the supporters of the constitution of 1782, the regular army was largely increased, and the militia embodied. The Government finally ordered that all meetings of the Volunteers should be, if necessary, dispersed by force.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 5

29. Victoria Bridge in Sligo Town

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    The Victoria Bridge in Sligo town, a five-arched ashlar masonry structure, is described as the finest of recently built bridges in the county. It replaced a narrow, tortuous eight-arched bridge formerly located a little below the present structure.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 100

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Sligo, you will cross the Victoria Bridge, the finest of the bridges built in the county in recent years. It is a five-arched structure of ashlar masonry, each arch 21 ft in span. It replaced an older eight-arched bridge that stood a little below this one, whose entrances were narrow and tortuous, so that two vehicles were only just able to pass each other. That old bridge appears on the seal of the Town and Harbour Commissioners.

30. William Ormsby of Willowbrook dropped as Borough MP (1776)

    Willowbrook · townland · Sligo · 1757–1776

    Wynne declined to nominate William Ormsby of Willowbrook, who had sat as one of the members for the Borough of Sligo from 1757 to 1776. Ormsby and Sir B. Gore then contested the County, were unsuccessful, and petitioned alleging bribery, corruption, treating, and other undue influences.

    Read the passage

    In 1695 Arthur Cooper, of Markree, a defeated candidate, petitioned against the return of Wingfield and Morgan, alleging that he was duly elected instead of Morgan. In 1703 William Ormsby petitioned against the return made by the Sheriff who had declared the above two gentlemen again duly elected. In 1719 Joshua Cooper claimed a seat instead of Francis Ormsby as returned by the Sheriff. In 1776 Mr, Wynne declined to nominate' William Ormsby, of Willowbrook,

    ^ Nominees of patrons of Boroughs were expected to vote as the patron directed ; but some members of the old Irish Parliament were not exempt from political inconsistency. Curran, a great stickler for purity, offered a good example. " He first entered the House of Commons in Dublin as the nominee of Mr. Longfield, who was subsequently Lord Longueville. Curran sat for Kilbeggan ; but he stipulated that his action should be entirely unshackled, and that the patron of the Borough should not presume to influence his vote. Mr. Longfield, looking upon the stipulation as a formality for the ease of Curran's conscience, consented. A time came, however, when the nominee's vote highly displeased the patron, and a quarrel ensued. Curran could not resign his seat, for Irish members had not then the opportunity which the stewardsliip of the Chiltern Hundreds affords to legislators desirous of withdrawing from the responsibility of making laws; the honourable member for Kilbeggan, nevertheless, had a remedy for the difficulty. The independent Irish patriot offered to purchase a borough and a representative for it who should 7iever vote but in accordance loith Mr. Longjield's directions !^^

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 18

31. Inhabitants desert Easky after cholera deaths

    Easky · town · Sligo · 1834

    In 1834 a slight return of cholera attacked country villages. In Easky, after five deaths occurred in a single day, the inhabitants deserted the village at the beginning of October.

    Read the passage

    The village of Ballysodare suffered very severely, and from tlie first outbreak of the cholera in that locality to its final disappearance, it is estimated that nearly one hundred deaths took place in the village and its immediate vicinity : the scenes in Sligo were here reproduced in a minor degree; tlie country j)eople drew a cordon round the devoted hamlet and prevented all egress, but the neighbouring village of Collooney escaped both in the year 1832, and also upon the reappearance of the malady in 1849. In 1834 there was a slight return of cholera, which, however, appears to have attacked only the country villages ; and in Easky five deaths having occurred in one day the inhabitants deserted it in the commencement of October.

    "Nowhere in Ireland," writes Inglis, "did cholera rage with such deadly violence as in Sligo ; and I found, in the year 1834, in the town when I visited it, the greatest dread of its reappearance, a few cases having appeared at Ballina and in some of the neighbouring villages."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 39

    As the companion tells it

    The road is passing through Easky in Sligo now. In 1834 a slight return of cholera attacked the country villages. Five deaths occurred in one day, and at the beginning of October the inhabitants deserted the place. The wider county had already suffered. In Ballysodare nearly one hundred deaths took place from the first outbreak to the final disappearance, and the country people drew a cordon round the hamlet and prevented all egress. Collooney escaped both in 1832 and when the malady reappeared in 1849. Inglis visited Sligo town in 1834 and found the greatest dread of cholera's return. He wrote, "Nowhere in Ireland did cholera rage with such deadly violence as in Sligo." A few cases had appeared at Ballina and some neighbouring villages. For Easky, five deaths in a single day were enough to empty the town.

32. St. John's vestry votes £200 for sanitary measures

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1831

    On 22nd November 1831, the vestry of St. John's voted £200 for sanitary purposes and appointed officers of health. Sligo was poorly prepared for an epidemic, with few sewers discharging into the river used for drinking water by inhabitants.

    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 pass through Sligo, this is a town that feared cholera in 1831. On the 22nd of November that year, the vestry of St. John's voted £200 for sanitary purposes and appointed officers of health. Quarantine was already being enforced at the port against ships from foreign parts. Sligo was poorly prepared for an epidemic. There were only a few short sewers in the town, and they all discharged into the river, the same water the inhabitants used for drinking and cooking.

33. Wages and cottier conditions near Sligo town

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1800

    At the beginning of the nineteenth century, labourers near Sligo town earned tenpence to one shilling per day without food. Cottiers generally received sixpence for a long day and fivepence for a short day, and for three pounds could rent an acre of grass for a cow, a cabin, and turbary rights.

    Read the passage

    Near the town the price for labour was at the beginning of this century tenpence or one shilliug per diem, without food except perhaps at harvest time ; cottiers in general were allowed sixpence the long day, and fivepence the short day, the wages, from 1776, having risen but 1^/. per diem. According to the quahty of the land, they paid for it different prices. For three pounds they generally received an acre of land, grass for a cow, together with a cabin and right of turbary. Those who were not cottiers, and were only occasionally employed, as in harvest time, or times of extreme pressure, got eightpence with breakfast and dinner, and in winter sixpence per day. In public works, such as making roads, &c., or labour on the quays, the common hire was Is. Id. per day.

    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.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 171

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this was a town where, around 1800, a labourer earned tenpence to one shilling a day, with no food provided except perhaps at harvest. Cottiers did worse, generally sixpence for a long day and fivepence for a short one, and wages had risen only a penny a day since 1776. For three pounds a year a cottier could rent an acre of grass for a cow, a cabin, and the right to cut turf. Men hired only at busy times got eightpence with breakfast and dinner, or sixpence a day in winter. Public works like road building or work on the quays paid one shilling and a penny, the best rate going. Then came the crash. After the Continental war ended, prices fell by more than half. Barley that sold for one shilling and eightpence a stone in 1815 dropped to eightpence the next year. A contemporary observer in County Sligo said the "golden age" ceased with the war, and peace, which elsewhere was counted a blessing, came to be seen as the greatest evil that could befall the people. Stock of all kinds fell at least a third in price, pigs by half, and potatoes, oats, and oatmeal lost much the same proportion, the very articles on which rent and family support depended.

34. Gentry houses plundered across Sligo barony

    Scurmore · townland · Sligo · 1798

    Sligo and Mayo insurgents plundered and in some cases demolished all the houses of the gentry. Principal sufferers included Mr. Nesbitt of Scurmore, Mr. Fenton of Easky, Mr. Brown of Fortland, and Mr. Grove, rector of Kilmacshalgan.

    Read the passage

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

    James Crofton of Longford was absent from his residence, but his father, an aged but very resolute man, refused to leave, even after being informed that the rebels purposed to visit the house. The old man, who was bedridden, caused his couch to be placed across the front door, and informed his assailants that if they entered it should be across his body. They replied that

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Scurmore, in 1798, Sligo insurgents joined by those from Mayo plundered all the houses of the gentry, and some were even demolished. The principal sufferers included Mr. Nesbitt of Scurmore, along with Mr. Fenton of Easky, Mr. Brown of Fortland, and Mr. Grove, rector of Kilmacshalgan. At James Crofton of Longford's residence, his aged but resolute father refused to leave, even after being told the rebels were coming. The old bedridden man had his couch placed across the front door and told his assailants that if they entered it should be across his body.

35. Sligo loyalists claim £15,769 for 1798 rebellion losses

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1798

    The 'Suffering Loyalists' of County Sligo claimed £15,769 14s. 2d. for losses sustained in the 1798 rebellion, with claims adjudicated by a committee of Sligo magistrates and presented to parliamentary commissioners.

    Read the passage

    £15,769 14s. 2d. was claimed by the "Suffering Loyalists" of the County Sligo for their losses sustained in the rebellion of 1798, and which amount was laid before the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for compensating them. The total foi all Ireland was £823,517 Qs. 4d.

    It is difficult to make out with any exactness the total sum allowed by the Commissioners in the County Sligo for these claims, for although there are printed lists, which appear to have been presented to Parliament, still amongst the papers on this subject preserved in the Record Office, supplemental grants seem to have been frequently made. The proceedings have in almost every instance been recorded, and will, for any person interested in the subject, repay perusal. [See Appendix B.)

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo town, you are in a place marked by the aftermath of the 1798 rebellion. The "Suffering Loyalists" of County Sligo claimed £15,769 14s. 2d. for losses sustained during the rebellion. This amount was laid before commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for compensating them, part of a total of £823,517 claimed across all Ireland. It is difficult to make out the exact sum allowed in County Sligo, as supplemental grants were frequently made beyond the printed lists presented to Parliament.

36. Alderman Draper's charity school bequest

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1719–1808

    Alderman Draper's will of 1719 bequeathed £50 to the "charity Black-boys of the town of Sligo" for a charity school. By the close of the century, foundlings were sent to Dublin due to the nuisance of providing for them locally.

    Read the passage

    So early as the commencement of the eighteenth centurythere was a charity-school in the town of Sligo. Alderman Draper, in his will, dated 1719, bequeathed "to the charity Black-boys of the town of Sligo, the sum of fifty pounds sterling— which is now in the hands of Thomas Jennings, of Sligo, merchant, at interest, to be paid as my executors shall appoint and direct for the support of said charity-school." Towards the close of the century the manner of providing for foundlings and exposed children grew to be such an intolerable nuisance that the Vestry of the Union of St. John's refused to sanction any outlay, so that these waifs would appear to have been thenceforward sent to Dublin. The following are the numbers of admissions from the'county Sligo, into the " Foundling Hospital" in that city, during nine years and a-half up to the 31st December, 1808 :-1800, 3 ; 1801, 6 ; 1802, 4; 1803, 6 ; 1804, 8 ; 1805, 13 ; 1806, 23 ; 1807, 19, half-year 9 ; 1808, 13 ; total, 104.

    The Protestant Orphan Society — which may be viewed as but a continuation of the Cholera Orphan Society of 1832 — owes its origin to the " Friendly Brothers' Club," which used to meet in Sligo on March 17th in each year, and to make a collection from the members then present in aid of some charitable object. In the year 1837 — mainly through the influence of the Eev. William Armstrong, incumbent of Calry — it was considered that no better application of their annual collection could be made than devoting it to the support of the orphans of deceased Protestants, who had lived and died in their own county, leaving no adequate provision for their widows and children. Accordingly, in 1839, the society was formed, about the time that the " Dublin Protestant Orphan Society " also came into existence. A committee was named : —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 79

    As the companion tells it

    There was a charity school in Sligo as early as the start of the eighteenth century. Alderman Draper's will, dated 1719, bequeathed fifty pounds sterling, in his words, "to the charity Black-boys of the town of Sligo." The money sat in the hands of Thomas Jennings, a Sligo merchant, at interest, to be paid as his executors should appoint and direct for the support of that school. Towards the close of the century, providing for foundlings and exposed children grew into such an intolerable nuisance that the Vestry of the Union of St. John's refused to sanction any outlay. From then on, those waifs would appear to have been sent to Dublin. The numbers from County Sligo into the Foundling Hospital in that city tell the story over nine and a half years up to the 31st of December 1808. Three admitted in 1800, six in 1801, four in 1802, six in 1803, eight in 1804, thirteen in 1805, twenty-three in 1806, nineteen plus a half-year of nine in 1807, and thirteen in 1808. A total of 104 children. Years later, the Protestant Orphan Society owed its beginning to the Friendly Brothers' Club, which used to meet in Sligo on March 17th each year and make a collection from the members then present in aid of some charitable object. In 1837, mainly through the influence of the Reverend William Armstrong, incumbent of Calry, it was considered that no better application of their annual collection could be made than devoting it to the support of orphans of deceased Protestants who had lived and died in their own county, leaving no adequate provision for their widows and children. In 1839 the society was formed, about the time the Dublin Protestant Orphan Society also came into existence.

37. Ballysadare seized by rebels in 1798

    Ballysadare · townland · Sligo · 1798

    During the 1798 rebellion, Ballysadare fell into the hands of insurgents, and the bridge of Ballydrihed was being broken down, forcing Mrs. Jones and her party to escape by water rather than road.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ballysadare, in 1798, this place fell into the hands of the rebels. Mrs. Jones wrote a letter describing her escape from here with her four children and other refugees, after all the servants had joined the rebels. She made her way to Fortland, the residence of her uncle, Mr. Brown, who had just abandoned the house. She then left for Tanregoe, the seat of her brother, Colonel Irwin, who was at that time in Wexford with the Sligo Militia. There she learned that the bridge of Ballydrihed was being broken down and that Ballysadare was in possession of the rebels. The only way of escape was by water. After tacking to and fro, with the water dashing over them in the boat, they were at last landed at the sand-banks, from which they proceeded on foot to Ballydrihed. That place was then in possession of Captain James Wood's corps of yeomanry, and from there they continued their course to Sligo.

38. Camphill Mills at Collooney

    Collooney · townland · Sligo

    The Camphill Mills in Collooney comprised a flour mill, a corn mill and a saw mill, driven by two overshot wheels each 25 feet in diameter and 5 feet wide, plus a small turbine. They occupied the site of much older mills.

    Read the passage

    The Camphill Mills, situated in Collooney, consist of a flour, a corn, and a saw mill. They are driven by two oversliot wheels, each 25 feet in diameter, and 5 feet wide : there is also a small turbine. There are a few other mills scattered through the county.

    Some time between the years 1810 and 1820 Mr. Martin built, at the riverside, a distillery, over which Mr. Jameson acted as manager. On his departure to Dublin another manager was appointed in his stead ; but the work was not continued for any very lengthened period. After several years of idleness the distillery (in other hands) resumed work in 1836 ; but in 1845 was finally closed, and the premises allowed to go to utter ruin.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 121

39. Convictions and reparations after Sligo riot

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1886

    Eleven persons were brought to justice for the 1886 Sligo riot; most pleaded guilty and received prison sentences. Roman Catholic subscribers raised funds to repair the damage inflicted by the mob on Protestant householders.

    Read the passage

    The damage inflicted by the mob on Protestant householders was made good to them by means of subscriptions raised by the Roman Catholics of the town. Since that period both county and borough have been models of peace and quiet. At the summer assizes (1890) the Lord Chief Justice O'Brien, in addressing the Grand Jury, said : — " The criminal statistics of your county — or rather, I should say, the absence of criminal statistics in your county, because there is no subject-matter of that description to deal with — enables me to congratulate you upon its very satisfactory condition. Boycotting is practically non-existent in this county, and the constabulary return is most satisfactory. I trust that this favourable and happy state of things will continue."

    and agree amongst themselves, maliciously to commit, and did commit damage to certain real property, that is to say, to the piers of the wall of the Courtyard of the Cathedral at Sligo, and to the piers of the gate leading to the House called the Presbytery at Sligo, and to the wall separating Catherine Tighe's house from the high-road, by knocking down aud displacing the stones, with which same were built, &c."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 165

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this is the town where, in 1886, a mob attacked the Cathedral courtyard wall, the gate piers of the Presbytery, and the wall separating Catherine Tighe's house from the high road, knocking down and displacing the stones. Eleven people were brought to justice for it, most pleading guilty and sentenced to imprisonment. The damage done to Protestant householders was made good by subscriptions raised by the Roman Catholics of the town. After that, both county and borough became, as the record puts it, models of peace and quiet. By the summer assizes of 1890, the Lord Chief Justice O'Brien told the Grand Jury there was no criminal statistics to deal with, that boycotting was practically non-existent, and the constabulary return was most satisfactory.

40. Development of Sligo Harbour Quays

    Sligo Harbour · harbour · Sligo · 1822

    The original quay of Sligo Port was located directly beneath the walls of Sligo Castle. Over the 19th century, various quays were built or acquired, including the Fish Quay in 1822 and the Ballast Quay, giving nearly a mile and a quarter of quayage.

    Read the passage

    The primitive quay of the Port was immediately under the walls of the Castle and just below the mills, for, according to an old document of the 18th century, it is stated that "the Fort is upon the river, which is navigable to the Fort and no further." The Fish Quay was built in 1822 ; the entire length is but 200 feet. The old quay and slip is 250 feet in length ; next comes Cochrane's Quay, 200 feet — a private undertaking, which was purchased by the Harbour Commissioners from the then proprietor — as a connecting link between the town and the 'Custom House Quay (;300 feet) ; Lynn's Dock has been filled in, and the Quay for 580 feet runs along its former entrance ; the Ballast Quay (1430 feet) was constructed after the passing of 9 Vict. c. 24 ; from it springs the Extension Quay to the deep-water berths, 2700 feet — giving a total length of quayage of nearly a mile and a quarter.

    During the past fifty years Sligo has witnessed many changes in maritime trade and commerce. Tlie introduction of steam revolutionized here, as elsewhere, the system by which

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 116

41. Felim O'Connor cedes share of Cuan-Sligigh, 1498

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1498

    Around 1498, Felim O'Connor, on condition of being set at liberty by MacDermot, gave him a fifth share of 'Cuan-Sligigh' (the harbour of Sligo). The word 'cuan' is noted as the most general Irish term for harbour or haven, still employed everywhere round the coast.

    Read the passage

    Grants of the port-dues, &c., occur in 1420 and in 1449. About 1498 Felim O'Connor, on condition of being set at liberty by Mac Dermot, gave him a fifth share of " Cuan- Sligigh." On this subject P. "W. Joyce remarks that " the most general word for harbour or haven is cucai ; and it is still employed everywhere round the coast. . . . The word cuan is also used, in an extended sense, to signify any curve or winding ; and whether in any particular case it is so used, or bears tho meaning of the harbour, is easily determined."

    222

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 111

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are travelling by a harbour whose dues were granted out in 1420 and again in 1449. Around 1498, Felim O'Connor, on condition of being set at liberty by MacDermot, gave him a fifth share of Cuan-Sligigh, the harbour of Sligo. The word cuan is the most general Irish term for harbour or haven, and Joyce notes it is still employed everywhere round the coast. It can also mean any curve or winding, but which sense applies is easily determined.

42. Flooded road between Sligo and Boyle, January 1829

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1829

    In January 1829 the road between Sligo and Boyle was flooded to a depth of five feet in places, forcing the Dublin mail to take a circuitous route and depart earlier at 11 o'clock each morning. The disruption highlighted the vulnerability of overland communications in winter.

    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 pass through Sligo, you are on a road that in January 1829 was flooded to a depth of five feet in places between here and Boyle. The water was so deep that the Dublin mail had to take a circuitous route and start every morning at 11 o'clock to make up for the time lost. It was a stark reminder of how vulnerable overland travel was in winter, when a road could simply disappear under water and force the mail to find another way.

43. Friendly Brothers Knot established in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    The Friendly Brothers association, instituted by disbanded officers of William III's army, established 'Knots' in several Irish towns including Sligo. These were originally formed for mutual support against Jacobites who provoked quarrels and duels.

    Read the passage

    An association styled " The Friendly Brothers " was instituted by disbanded officers of William III.'s army; "Knots," many of which exist to the present day, were founded in several cities and towns — as in London, Bath, Cork, Waterford, Dublin, Mallow, Sligo, &c. The " Knots" are alleged to have been originally formed for mutual support and aid against the Jacobites, who endeavoured to provoke personal quarrels and duels. The President was always known as " Sir Friendly . . . . " instead of by his Christian name. There was also an inner circle, known as " The Select," who were entitled to wear special badges.

    The association had a pew in St. Patrick's Cathedral, where service was attended on the 17th of March by the Brethren, wearing their decorations. In the club books in Dublin, the names are given of many members who acquired celebrity : Dean Swift (for a time at least) is reputed to have belonged to this order. In the club rooms, Dublin, Schomberg's sword is still preserved. The medal worn by the ordinary members is described in Dr. Frazer's Medalists of Ireland. This society was prominent in benevolent schemes, and frequently discharged the debts of poor prisoners confined in gaol.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 206

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this town once held a Knot of the Friendly Brothers, an association instituted by disbanded officers of William the Third's army. Knots were founded in several cities and towns, London, Bath, Cork, Waterford, Dublin, Mallow, and Sligo among them. They were originally formed for mutual support and aid against the Jacobites, who endeavoured to provoke personal quarrels and duels. The president was always known as Sir Friendly, instead of by his Christian name, and there was an inner circle called The Select who wore special badges. The association had a pew in St. Patrick's Cathedral, where the brethren attended service on the 17th of March wearing their decorations. Dean Swift is reputed to have belonged to the order for a time. In the Dublin club rooms Schomberg's sword was preserved. The society was prominent in benevolent schemes and frequently discharged the debts of poor prisoners confined in gaol.

44. Half of Achonry district on rations during famine

    Achonry · townland · Sligo · 1846–1847

    In the district of Achonry, containing 20,000 souls, one half were receiving rations by the month of June during the famine years.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 39

45. Holy wells of Ahamlish parish

    Ahamlish · parish · Sligo

    The parish of Ahamlish contains St. Bridget's and St. Molaise's wells, among the numerous holy wells of County Sligo. Though many such wells have lost their sacred character, they remain notable features of the religious landscape.

    Read the passage

    The holy wells in the county (although many of them in a greater or less degree have now lost their sacred character) are still numerous. In the parish of Ahamlish, St. Bridget's and St. Molaise's wells, and those in the island of Inismurray, have been already described, but it may be interesting to quote a reference made by Beranger at the close of the last century, to Tobernacoragh, or " The well of assistance." He states that the inhabitants of Inismui-ray, "all Eoman Catholicks, seem very innocent, good natured, and devout, but at the same time very

    1 Calliagh-a- Veragh is the denuded cist of a earn. Cams on the summits of mountains were erected by the people at the time of the flood, to try and escape the rise of the waters ; such is their origin, according to the ideas of some of the peasantry.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 179

46. Infirmary surgeons lost to cholera and fever epidemics

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1832–1849

    Surgeon William Bell, in office at the Sligo County Infirmary since 1813, died of cholera in 1832. His successor Dr. Thomas Little also succumbed to a similar epidemic in 1849. Both deaths highlight the deadly infectious disease outbreaks that struck Sligo in the nineteenth century.

    Read the passage

    century. Surgeon William Bell was in office in 1813, died of cholera in 1832, when Dr. Thomas Little was appointed. In 1849 he succumbed to a similar epidemic, and was succeeded by Dr. W. S. Little. In 1877 the present surgeon, E. Mac Dowal, was appointed.

    In the year 1813 a medal in connexion with the " County Sligo Infirmary " was struck by William Stephen Mossop, a well-known artist, having on it a view of the building. The medal is mentioned by W. Frazer, M.D., in his essay " On the Medallists of Ireland and their Work.''

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 77

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town saw two of its infirmary surgeons lost to epidemics within a generation. Surgeon William Bell, in office at the County Infirmary since 1813, died of cholera in 1832. Dr. Thomas Little was appointed in his place, but in 1849 he too succumbed to a similar epidemic. He was succeeded by Dr. W. S. Little, and in 1877 the surgeon appointed was E. Mac Dowal. A medal connected with the County Sligo Infirmary was struck in 1813 by William Stephen Mossop, a well-known artist, bearing a view of the building.

47. Kelp shipped from Mullaghmore to Glasgow

    Mullaghmore · town · Sligo · 1770–1883

    The small remaining kelp manufacture from around Easky (Eaughly) was shipped from Mullaghmore to Glasgow. This trade was part of the broader coastal kelp industry that had once doubled the coast population of Sligo.

    Read the passage

    practically dead in Sligo. The little that is yet made in Tireragh is shijoped from Sligo, and from about Eaughly it is shipped from Mullaghmore to Glasgow. This manufacture has thus been carried on in the district with varying success, so much depending on the weather : when the season is favourable for drying the Avraek, even when prices are low, it still yields a fair return for the labour expended, but in bad weather great trouble and time are expended for A^ery trifling remuneration. The coast line of Sligo is more thickly populated than parts remote from the sea, and this may fairly be accounted for by the fact that it was at all times largely inhabited by fishermen. When kelp-burning was established, the inhabitants of the neighbouring districts flocked to the littoral, and the profits of this industry were so great that fishing was practically abandoned ; the coast population was doubled, but the fisheries were no longer worked.

    Young, in his Tour in Ireland, stated that about 1777 vast quantities of kelp^ were burned along the Tireragh littoral, but it was then made only during the summer season, for in winter or spring the farmers used the wrack as manure. The shore was very fruitful in seaweed, and a rent was paid for it by the ton of what was obtained. In Wakefield's Ireland it is observed that kelp was used by the Irish bleachers, and was made along the coast of Sligo.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 125

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Mullaghmore, a town on the Sligo coast. In the late 1700s and 1800s, kelp was burned here in great quantities along the Tireragh shore, and what was made around Easky was shipped from this harbour to Glasgow. The trade depended heavily on the weather. When the season was good for drying the wrack, even low prices still gave a fair return for the labour, but bad weather meant great trouble and time spent for very trifling pay. The shore was rich in seaweed, and a rent was paid by the ton for what was taken. In 1777, Young wrote in his Tour in Ireland that vast quantities of kelp were burned along the Tireragh coast, but only in summer, because in winter and spring the farmers used the wrack as manure. When kelp-burning was established, people from the neighbouring districts flocked to the coast, and the profits were so great that fishing was practically abandoned. The coast population of Sligo was doubled, but the fisheries were no longer worked. Kelp was also used by the Irish bleachers, made along the coast of Sligo.

48. Limited Mail from Sligo to Dublin commences 1885

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1885

    After repeated petitions about serious delays in letter delivery, an accelerated mail service to and from Dublin was granted. The 'Limited Mail' commenced running on 12 October 1885, completing the journey in only four hours.

    Read the passage

    On January 25th, 1858, the Postmaster- Greneral was petitioned to have the Sligo mail conveyed between Mullingar and Longford by rail, instead of by car. He granted the request, and it continued to be so carried till the completion of the line at the close of 1862. Then, and long subsequently, the postal arrangements seem to have been very defective. In June, 1882, the Postmaster-General was petitioned in regard to the serious delay in delivery of the letters from England and elsewhere, whilst again, December 22nd, 1884, his attention was drawn to the requirements of Sligo in relation to an accelerated mail service to and from Dublin. This was granted, and the " Limited Mail " to Dublin commenced to run on October 12th, 1885, the time occupied being only four hours. The journey from London to Sligo can be now accomplished in little over fifteen hours, including an hour's break in Dublin. The Government subsidy for this train amounts to about £12,000 per annum.

    The actual revenue derived from the postal system of the town has been increasing steadily and rapidly, as the following return of the Sligo post office and district demonstrates : —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 108

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Sligo, this was a town that fought for years to get its letters delivered on time. People petitioned in 1858 to carry the mail by rail between Mullingar and Longford instead of by car, but postal arrangements stayed defective long after. In 1882, the Postmaster-General was petitioned again about serious delays in delivery of letters from England and elsewhere, and on December 22, 1884, attention was drawn to the need for an accelerated mail service to and from Dublin. The "Limited Mail" commenced running on October 12, 1885, completing the journey to Dublin in only four hours, with the full London to Sligo trip taking little over fifteen hours including an hour's break in Dublin. The Government subsidy for this train ran to about £12,000 per annum.

49. Mirages observed off the Tireragh coast

    Tireragh · barony · Sligo

    A correspondent described seeing a remarkable mirage off the Tireragh coast over half a century earlier, resembling a large city with trees, houses, spires, and castellated buildings. Such mirages were said to be not uncommon along this coast.

    Read the passage

    Mirages are not uncommon. A correspondent writes — " I myself, upwards of half a century ago, saw a wonderful mirage, resembling that lately described as having been visible off our Tireragh coast, and had I been looking on the bay for the first time, nothing could have persuaded me but that I was gazing at a veritable city — a large and handsome one, too — trees, houses, spires, castellated buildings, &c."

    The enchanted Island of Hy Brazil ^ was seen off the coast in the year 1885 ; this vision forebodes — so it is alleged — national trouble.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 194

50. New Sligo Fever Hospital opened 1822 amid rising fever

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1822–1832

    The new Fever Hospital in Sligo, erected at the joint expense of the county and Edward Synge Cooper, M.P., was occupied by 29 May 1822 with no fewer than thirty-eight patients. Fever cases were daily increasing due to the distress of the poor. A decade later, just before the cholera outbreak, the hospital was nearly empty.

    Read the passage

    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, the old Fever Hospital once stood in a completely isolated position on a green headland west of the present Victoria approach to the town. The new edifice was erected in 1822 at the joint expense of the county and Edward Synge Cooper, Member of Parliament. Over the door, the inscription records that it was erected at the joint expense of the County and Edward Synge Cooper, Esquire, Member of Parliament, in 1822. On 29 May of that year it was announced that the new Fever Hospital had been occupied, containing no less than 38 patients, and from the distress of the poor, fever cases were daily increasing. Ten years later, just before the outbreak of the cholera, the hospital was almost empty of patients, as shown by the returns of the sick published weekly in the columns of the local newspaper. The 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 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 of the Fever Hospital since 1822 were Doctors Irwin, Coyne, Knott, Homan, Lynn, and Murray.

51. Observer appalled by Sligo burial grounds

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    A visitor to the north-west of Ireland was horrified by the condition of the burying grounds in Sligo, particularly at the Abbey and St. John's Churchyard. The visitor recommended prohibiting further burials there, excavating and removing remains to a new cemetery, and converting the neglected, pestilence-spreading graveyards into ornamental grounds.

    Read the passage

    A stranger lately visiting tlie north-west of Ireland was horrified at the state of the burying grounds in Sligo, and made many observations and suggestions much to the following effect : — Burials, both in the Abbey and in St. John's Churchyard, should be prohibited and inter-mural interment prevented by public opinion, supported, if necessary, by legislative enactment. The Abbey grounds should be excavated, levelled, and the bones, skulls, and other fragmentary remains conveyed to the new cemetery, decently interred, and a monument erected over them to denote the fact, as has been done in other localities. The monuments and tombstones in the Abbey should be removed to the side walls, and the entire area converted into an ornamental garden. The removal of a few houses along the river side would open up and improve the place, convert a neglected and pestilence-spreading grave-yard into ornamental and healthgiving grounds. The Abbey proper might be guarded with iron gates ; a similar arrangement has been made in other places so transformed.

    In olden days Sunday — as a time devoted to repose or religion— terminated after mass, the residue of the day being occupied by ball-playing, cake-dancing, and other entertainments.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 201

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Sligo now. A stranger visiting the north-west of Ireland was horrified at the state of the burying grounds here, and made observations and suggestions to this effect. Burials both in the Abbey and in St. John's Churchyard should be prohibited, and inter-mural interment prevented by public opinion, supported if necessary by legislative enactment. The Abbey grounds should be excavated and levelled, the bones, skulls, and other fragmentary remains conveyed to the new cemetery, decently interred, and a monument erected over them to denote the fact, as has been done in other localities. The monuments and tombstones in the Abbey should be removed to the side walls, and the entire area converted into an ornamental garden. The removal of a few houses along the river side would open up and improve the place, and convert a neglected and pestilence-spreading graveyard into ornamental and health-giving grounds. The Abbey proper might be guarded with iron gates, as a similar arrangement has been made in other places so transformed.

52. Peter O'Connor's bell gift to Sligo Cathedral

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1877

    In March 1877, Peter O'Connor of Sligo presented a peal of nine bells to the Cathedral, the largest weighing twenty-six cwt. The self-acting carillon machine could play forty-five tunes across seven barrels.

    Read the passage

    It is computed that the cathedral holds 4000 people seated, and that it cost upwards of £50,000. In March, 1877, a peal of nine bells, the largest of which weighs twenty-six cwt., was presented by Peter O'Connor, of Sligo, and hung in the tower. The carillon machine, which is self-acting, is barrel-shaped, and by its workings no less than forty-five tunes can be played. There are seven barrels, of which three are for sacred, and four for secular music.

    The vestry adjoining the cathedral is built in corresponding style. Members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society here hold their weekly conference ; their labours are of benefit to the deserving poor of the town.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 64

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Sligo now. The cathedral here cost upwards of £50,000 and holds 4000 people seated. In March 1877, Peter O'Connor of Sligo presented a peal of nine bells to the cathedral, the largest weighing 26 cwt, and they were hung in the tower. The carillon machine is self-acting and barrel-shaped, and by its workings no fewer than 45 tunes can be played. There are seven barrels, three for sacred music and four for secular.

53. Priest fee agitation and riots at Skreen and Achonry

    Skreen · parish · Sligo · 1843

    In 1843, agitation against priest fees spread from Mayo to Sligo. Roman Catholic parishioners of Skreen and Achonry adopted the "new rules," but after several meetings and many riots, the majority of parishes decided to resist the movement.

    Read the passage

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

    328 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 164

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the parish of Skreen, this was one of the places caught up in the agitation against priest fees in 1843. The movement began in Mayo and spread into Sligo. Catholic parishioners here and in Achonry adopted what were called the new rules. Most parishes resisted after several meetings, but there were many riots before things quieted down.

54. Sligo–Boyle mountain road and the Cloverhill bypass

    Knocknashammer or Cloverhill · townland · Sligo · 1700–1800

    The old mountain road to Boyle was too steep for wheeled vehicles, so a new road was made from Sligo to Ballydrihed by Cloverhill, passing through Ballysadare, Collooney, Knockbeg old village, Heathfield and Earlsfield to Ballymote, then over the Curlews to Boyle. Primitive milestones survive on similar old lines.

    Read the passage

    When carriages or wheeled vehicles came to be more generally employed, the road to Boyle over the mountains was found to be too steep, and the road from Sligo to Ballydrihed by Cloverhill was made. It would seem to have passed thence through Bally sadare, Colloouey, and Knockbeg old village ; by Heathfield and Earlsfield to Ballymote ; from this it most likely took the old direction by Battlefield over the Curlews to Boyle. Sign-boards bearing peculiar inscriptions invited the wayfarer within the precincts of roadside inns ; one of these, situated in the village of Ballinafad, at the foot of the Curlew Mountains, bore the invitation : —

    ** Friends, slip in and take a gill, 'Twill serve to help j-ou up the hill."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 99

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Knocknashammer or Cloverhill, the old mountain road to Boyle once ran, but it was too steep once wheeled vehicles and carriages came into wider use. So a new road was made from Sligo to Ballydrihed by Cloverhill, running through Ballysadare, Collooney and Knockbeg old village, then by Heathfield and Earlsfield to Ballymote, and most likely on over the Curlews to Boyle. Roadside inns along these old lines put up sign-boards with peculiar inscriptions to draw the traveller in.

55. Sligo granted charter of the Staple for wool trade

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1621

    About eight years after the initial borough charter, King James I granted Sligo a charter of the Staple, giving the Corporation the right to hold a public mart. This allowed merchants to export manufactured wool articles from the port of Sligo without duty to encourage local industry.

    Read the passage

    the raw material had been exported to foreign parts and in foreign vessels, to the serious prejudice of the sale and retail of the trade of the kingdom, and to the great impoverishment of all concerned. Full licence was therefore granted to export various manufactured articles from the port of Sligo, without duty, and Rogi^r Jones, Esq., Edward Carpenter, Andrew Crean, Edraond Braxton, Richard Robbins, John Hopkins, John Woodward, John O'Fewley, Robuck Crean, William Crean, James French, and John French, Merchants, were constituted a body corporate to have a perpetual succession, by the name of " The Mayor, Constables, and Society of the Mercliants of the Staple." This body could choose from amongst themselves yearly a Mayor and two Constables for the government of the Merchants of the Staple, in the same manner as was customary in England, and they could sue and be sued at law, and could assemble for business whenever they thought necessary, and had power to admit into the society merchants and " other fit persons," with power to appoint under-officers for a period of twelve months ; they could make such by-laws as they might deem expedient to the same extent as the Merchants of the Staple in England. This body was given full powers to trade in all kinds of wool, woollen stuffs, yarn, and hides, with all ports in Ireland and, subject to some light duties, with the cities of London, Bristol, and Chester, and the towns of Barnstaple, Liverpool, and Millthorp, together with other privileges and immunities ; also to purchase and hold lands, &c. ; but these were not to exceed £10 per annum of clear annual profit.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 46

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo town, you are in a place that was once a wool trading centre. In 1621, about eight years after Sligo received its borough charter, King James I granted the town a charter of the Staple. The raw wool had been exported to foreign parts in foreign vessels, to the serious prejudice of the trade of the kingdom. So full licence was granted to export manufactured articles from the port of Sligo without duty. Twelve merchants were constituted a body corporate called "The Mayor, Constables, and Society of the Merchants of the Staple." They were Roger Jones, Edward Carpenter, Andrew Crean, Edmond Braxton, Richard Robbins, John Hopkins, John Woodward, John O'Fewley, Robuck Crean, William Crean, James French, and John French. Each year they could choose from among themselves a Mayor and two Constables, governing in the same manner as the Merchants of the Staple in England. They could sue and be sued, admit new members, appoint under-officers for twelve months, and make by-laws. They traded in wool, woollen stuffs, yarn, and hides with all ports in Ireland, and with London, Bristol, Chester, Barnstaple, Liverpool, and Millthorp subject to light duties. They could hold lands, but not exceeding 10 pounds per annum of clear annual profit.

56. Sligo officers rewarded and punished during 1832 cholera

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1832

    During the 1832 cholera epidemic, the Town and Harbour Commissioners of Sligo reduced the salaries of officers who deserted their duty, while rewarding constables John Williams and Robert Boyd three pounds each for faithfully discharging their duties during the crisis.

    Read the passage

    to present a testimonial to one gentleman, who had been indefatigable in liis exertions, it was remarked that he had only done his duty, and that if given to him, it would have to be given to all. The Commissioners for improving the Town and Harbour of Sligo, in this respect however, showed a good example, for at a meeting held on 26th November the salary of two of their officers was considerably reduced, in consequence of their having deserted their duty "during the awful period when the town was visited with cholera." On the other hand, it was resolved that "John Williams and Robert Boyd, town and harbour constables, do receive the sum of three pounds each in consequence of the manly and faithful manner in which they discharged their duty and conducted themselves during the period of cholera in the town." All regular business had been suspended ; for example, the secretary of the Commissioners wrote on the 28th November to express his regret at not sooner replying to a letter, as the Board liad only just met "for the purpose of arranging business that should have been done in August."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 36

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town that was visited by cholera in 1832. The epidemic was so severe that regular business was suspended for months, and the Commissioners for improving the Town and Harbour could not meet to arrange business that should have been done in August. On the 26th of November that year, they held a meeting and considerably reduced the salary of two of their officers, who had deserted their duty, in the words of the source, "during the awful period when the town was visited with cholera." The same Commissioners rewarded two men who did not desert. John Williams and Robert Boyd, the town and harbour constables, each received three pounds, in the board's words, "in consequence of the manly and faithful manner in which they discharged their duty and conducted themselves during the period of cholera in the town."

57. St. Leger's bridges across County Sligo

    Aclare · electoral division · Sligo

    Several bridges in County Sligo — including Annagh over the river Moy, Carrowcullen on the road from Ladies' Brae to Skreen, Aclare, and Curry — were built as monuments to County Surveyor Noblett St. Leger's engineering skill.

    Read the passage

    The bridges of Annagh, over the river Moy ; of Carrowcullen, on the road from the " Ladies' Brae " to Skreen ; of Aclare, Curry, and many others of less note, remain as monuments of Mr. St. Leger's skill as an engineer.

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 101

58. The Eglone standing stone near Highwood

    Highwood · townland · Sligo

    Limestone blocks rest on the Upper Limestone north of Lough Arrow near Highwood, including a 70-ton rectangular column called the Eglone standing 18 feet high, and a rocking-stone. These blocks were originally united until split off by weathering.

    Read the passage

    Between Tubbercurry and Oloonacool large boulders of mica schist are plentiful, increasing in number as the hills are approached. Their position and size force us to believe that ice was the only adequate transporting agent. Some limestone blocks may also be mentioned that rest on the Upper Limestone at Ilighwood, north of Lough Arrow. These are interesting from their shape and size. One styled the " Eglone," a rectangular column, weighing some 70 tons, stands 18 feet high, to which were originally united two adjacent masses of rock, till split off by weathering. Another is a rocking-stone. More than a mile to the west, in the townland of Carrickglass, a tabular block (about 70 tons), that has peat and heather growing on the top, forms the covering-stone of a so-called " giant's grave."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 134

59. Volunteers resist French advance at Ballina bridge over the Moy

    Ballina · townland · Mayo · 1798

    When the French marched from Killala on Ballina, a few volunteers made some resistance at the bridge spanning the Moy, but many of them being Roman Catholics, they immediately fled on the appearance of the French.

    Read the passage

    When the French marched from Killala on Ballina, some resistance was made at the bridge which spans the Moy by a few volunteers ; but many of these were Roman Catholics, and on the appearance of the French they immediately bolted.

    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.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1798, a few volunteers tried to hold the bridge over the Moy when the French marched from Killala on Ballina. But many of those volunteers were Roman Catholics, and when the French appeared, they immediately fled. The Protestant inhabitants of the barony feared both the French and the rebels, and with no troops stationed anywhere along the road from Ballina to Sligo, they fled to Sligo for protection. Protestant farmers were seen retreating on foot, driving their cattle and sheep before them, and carrying their wives and children on carts with whatever goods they could take.

60. Wesley's second visit to Sligo, May 1760

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1760

    Wesley visited Sligo again on 16 May 1760 and found the congregation so increased that a large and commodious apartment was procured for services. The need for a proper place of worship became clear.

    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

    Up ahead is Sligo, a town John Wesley passed through several times. In May 1758 he rode in from Drumsna through Ballymote, Collooney, and Ballysadare for his first visit, and found the prospect so encouraging that arrangements were made for regular visits by a minister stationed in Castlebar. On 16 May 1760 Wesley came again and found the congregation so much increased in number that he saw the need of providing a comfortable place to hold services. A large and commodious apartment was procured. In 1775 the first Methodist Chapel was erected in Bridge Street, small and low with a thatched roof, and by then Sligo had become the head of a Circuit with two ministers. Wesley made his fourteenth and last visit on 20 May 1789 and was entertained in the barracks by the Quartermaster of the 1st Dragoons. Around that time Gideon Ouseley settled in the town and 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, addressing people in their native Irish tongue, and crowds gathered around, listening eagerly and respectfully. In 1797 Ouseley moved to Ballymote and delivered many outdoor addresses.