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. Wretched cabins on Curlew range near Ballinafad

   Ballinafad · townland · Sligo · 1834

   In 1834 the traveller Inglis described the road between Ballinafad and Boyle through the Curlew range as a wild and very poor country, with cabins indistinguishable from mud-heaps and scarcely any cultivation visible around them.

   Read the passage

   In 1840, a county " Agricultural Society " was started by the proprietors of large estates, for the improvement of tillagefarming amongst the tenantry. Until a late period many parts of the county remained in a backward condition. Inglis, in 1834, thus describes that portion of the Curlew range which lies between Ballinafad and Boyle : — " After leaving Lough Arrow the road ascended considerably, and passed through a wild and very poor country . . . Many of the cabins were not to be distinguished from the mud-heaps aroimd ; they were fully as black and no bigger, and built of the same material, scarcely a patch of cultivation being visible around any of them." Ou

   u 2

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 145

2. Salmon fishing at Kilmacteige by the rector

   Kilmacteige · townland · Sligo · 1800

   At the commencement of the nineteenth century the Rector of Kilmacteige was reported to have killed 160 salmon in fourteen successive days with a rod and single fly, illustrating the superior quality of salmon sport in Sligo before the rivers were preserved.

   Read the passage

   Grood salmon-fishing may be had on the Drumcliff river, the lake of Glencar, Lough Gill, at Bally sadare, at Easky, and on the Moy ; but these places are all preserved, and tlie sport is certainly not so good as at the commencement of this century, when the Rector of Kilmacteige is reported to have killed, with his rod and single fly, 160 salmon in fourteen successive days !

   396 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 199

3. 1790 Sligo County election: Wynne family loses the seat

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1790

   The 1822 election was described as a renewal of the struggle of 1790, when the Wynne family lost the Sligo County seat. The opposing factions' war-cries were 'Wynne and Perceval' and 'Martin and King'.

   Read the passage

   As the candidates ran a neck-and-neck race the polling was watched with the greatest interest, for it was but the renewal of the struggle of 1790, when the Wynne family lost the seat — tlie war-cry of the opposing factions being " Wynne and Perceval," " Martin and King," thus bringing into prominence the names of the supporters of the respective candidates.

   The local papers were filled with accounts of the trials of persons indicted at the ensuing spring assizes for riot. One witness, an ex-drummer, described himself as " poet and balladsinger " to one of the candidates. " I am told," said the lawyer, wlio cross-examined him, " that you were a noisy fellow." " Yes, sir," replied the ex-soldier, "I used to beat the tattoo ! "

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 19

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, you're travelling through a town with a fractious electoral past. Back in 1790, the Wynne family lost the Sligo County seat in a bitter contest. The opposing factions raised war-cries of "Wynne and Perceval" and "Martin and King," bringing the names of their supporters into prominence. Afterward, the local papers filled with accounts of riot trials at the spring assizes. One witness, an ex-drummer, described himself as "poet and ballad singer" to one of the candidates. When the lawyer cross-examining him said he was told the man had been a noisy fellow, the ex-soldier replied, "Yes, sir, I used to beat the tattoo."

4. 400 tons of potatoes arrive as free gift at Sligo port

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1822

   During the famine period, 400 tons of potatoes arrived at the port of Sligo as a free gift, while the Government through the Linen Board also gave a grant of flaxseed to the amount of £200 for distressed tenants in the County.

   Read the passage

   Early in the month of June a large amount inpi-ivate donations had been received from local sources b}^ the committee, and the Grovernment, through tlie medium of the linen Board, gave a grant of flaxseed to tlie amount of £'2UU for the benefit of distressed tenants in the County. At the same period also 400 tons of potatoes arrived in the port as a free gift.

   One of the district visitors stated that amongst a great number of cottages at which he called about breakfast hour, there were not more than six in which he could observe any

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 34

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, this was a port town where famine relief arrived in 1822. That June, local donations had already come in to a committee, and the Government gave a grant of flaxseed worth 200 pounds through the Linen Board for distressed tenants in the County. At the same time, 400 tons of potatoes arrived in the port as a free gift. A district visitor reported that among a great number of cottages he called at around breakfast hour, there were not more than six in which he could observe any food at all.

5. Bag-nets abolished and restored at Enniscrone and Streedagh

   near Inishcrone · town · Sligo · 1863–1866

   Sea-fishing bag-nets at Enniscrone, Streedagh, Mullaghmore, Rosskeeragh, and Drumore West were abolished by the Act of 1863. After a Fishery Inspectors inquiry in 1866, nets at Enniscrone and Streedagh were restored, with 34 nets subsequently employed at Enniscrone alone.

   Read the passage

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

   Before the opening of the railway to Ballina in 1865, all salmon — about 500 boxes annually — caught on that part of the Mayo and Tireragh shore were shipped by steamer to Liverpool from the port of Sligo.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 129

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Inishcrone in Sligo, you're travelling a coast once lined with salmon bag-nets. An Act in 1863 abolished the nets at Enniscrone, Streedagh, Mullaghmore, Rosskeeragh, and Drumore West. But after a Fishery Inspectors inquiry in 1866, the nets at Enniscrone and Streedagh were restored. At Enniscrone alone, 34 nets were put back to work, each 400 yards long. From Easky to Aughris, 18 boats fished with nets of equal length. Before the railway reached Ballina in 1865, about 500 boxes of salmon a year from this shore were shipped by steamer to Liverpool from the port of Sligo.

6. Ballintogher wind rain superstition in Sligo

   Ballintogher · town · Sligo

   Around Sligo town, a wind blowing from the direction of Ballintogher was traditionally believed always to bring rain. The superstition was well enough known that a Sligo native recognised a fellow-townsman on an Atlantic crossing by his reference to a 'Ballintogher wind'.

   Read the passage

   Sligo also had its observations as to winds from different quarters — for instance, about the town, a wind blowing from the direction of Ballintogher is supposed always to bring rain. On a mail-boat crossing the Atlantic a native of Sligo recognized a fellow-townsman by the answer made to his remark that there was heavy rain with a southerly wind : '* What can you expect but that from a Ballintoglier wind ? "

   CHAPTER XXVir.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 194

7. Barroe cursing stones and vanished holy well

   Barroe · townland · Sligo

   About two miles from Ballysummaghan, in Barroe near Bloomfield, stood a similar set of cursing stones under ash trees beside a dried-up holy well. The well was said to have moved after its profanation by unbelievers, and the stones have since disappeared.

   Read the passage

   In the townland of Ballysummaghau there were originally seven stones styled " the Summaghan stones." These were used for the purpose of cursing, and the ceremony appears to have closely resembled that observed on Inismurray, though, in addition, the postulant was required to go through the performance barefooted and bareheaded. These stones are said to have been cast into the neighbouring lake, yet were found next morning in their accustomed place. About two miles distant, in Barroe, near Bloomfield, there was a similar set of stones. Under the shade of some ash trees is the dried-up site of a holy well; for owing to its profanation by unbelievers in its sanctity, the waters broke out in another spot. Both here and at Ballysummaghau the stones have now disappeared. The two cursing sites seem to have been the special heritage of the Summaghan family. It is recounted that the last victims were members of the sept. The O'Summaghan missed a firkin of butter, and accused one of his neighbours of the larceny, which was stoutly denied. O'Summaghan then " performed stations " at Barroe and at Ballysummaghau, but with an unexpected result. His wife and son botli died — for it was his wife who, being in debt, had, with the aid of her son, abstracted the firkin of butter, conveyed it into Sligo, and sold it to pay her bills. One mode of averting the curse was for the person against whom " the stones were turned " to have a grave dug, to cause himself to

   1 For a detailed account by W. F. Wakcman, oi this iutcresting subject see vol. vii., Journal, li. Jtl. A. A. I.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 183

8. Basking sharks captured off the Sligo coast

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1884

   Basking sharks, thirty to forty feet long, were formerly numerous off the Sligo coast in summer. In 1884 two specimens nearly thirty feet long were captured, but their combined value had fallen to no more than £30 due to foreign competition.

   Read the passage

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

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

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 128

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Sligo, you are near a coast that was once a busy fishing ground. The Sligo coast fishery ran from Ballina Bridge to Mullaghmore, and in 1850 it employed 575 registered vessels with 3,263 men and boys. Basking sharks, thirty to forty feet long, were formerly numerous off this coast in the summer months, and at the start of the century a single one was worth £45. Foreign competition had reduced that value considerably by 1884, when two specimens, each nearly thirty feet long, were captured. Their combined value did not exceed £30. The fishery itself was declining by then. In 1853 the number of vessels had dropped to 216 with 1,269 crew, and by 1888, even counting twenty miles of extra coastline from Ballina Bridge to Donegal Abbey, there were only 209 boats with 889 men. The Irish Parliament had once given a grant to promote whale fishing, but it was discontinued shortly afterwards. The spermaceti whale occasionally frequented this coast, and the bottle-nose whale appeared in shoals following the herrings into the bays, which fishermen called "one of the signs of fish."

9. Charter-school House used as Sligo barracks, 1855

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1855–1856

   On 8 February 1855, the Sligo Militia was re-embodied as a rifle corps, with the Charter-school House in Sligo pressed into service as a temporary barracks. The regiment was shortly afterwards moved to Longford and finally disembodied on 25 August 1856.

   Read the passage

   On the 8th February, 1855, the Regiment was embodied, and it then appeared as a rifle corps, tlie Charter-school House being used as a temporary barracks. The regiment was shortly after moved to Longford : and on the 25th August, 1856,^ it was disembodied. In the year 1877 it was compulsorily trans-

   ^ An old army pensioner named Allen Armstrong and his wife received in the year 1855 a cheque for £19 on a Sligo Bank from the Private Secretary of the Emperor Napoleon. Armstrong had served 30 years in the army, and was stationed at St. Helena when Napoleon was confined there, and for a length of time his wife acted in the capacity of washerwoman to the Emperor. This fact being brought under the notice of Napoleon III., by a Memorial, the above remittance was the result. Armstrong served in eleven battles against Napoleon I., and by a strange chance received a gratuity from his successor. — The Sligo Champion, 28th April, 1855.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 16

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, you are near the Charter-school House, which in 1855 was pressed into service as a temporary barracks. On the 8th of February that year, the Sligo Militia was re-embodied as a rifle corps, and this building housed them. The regiment was shortly afterwards moved to Longford and finally disbanded on the 25th of August, 1856. That same year, an old army pensioner named Allen Armstrong, living in Sligo, received a cheque for £19 from the Private Secretary of the Emperor Napoleon. Armstrong had served 30 years in the army and was stationed at St. Helena when Napoleon was confined there. His wife had acted as washerwoman to the Emperor. When this was brought to the notice of Napoleon the Third by a memorial, the remittance followed. Armstrong had fought in eleven battles against Napoleon the First, and by a strange chance received a gratuity from his successor.

10. Coote's regiments stationed in Sligo before the 1688 Revolution

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    Detachments from Colonel Richard Coote's and Sir Charles Coote's regiments of horse and foot appear to have been stationed in Sligo before the Revolution of 1688, awaiting land allotments before settling as farmers. The Book of Survey and Distribution annotates several land denominations as 'Trustees for the Barracks,' and Sir Richard Coote's regiment was later redesignated Collooney's Regiment.

    Read the passage

    Some kind of local military organization must have existed in Sligo prior to the Eevolution of 1688, otherwise it would be difficult to account for the celerity with which the Protestants of the county had been concentrated, armed, and disciplined. These men were in great part descendants of members of Colonel Richard Coote's Regiment of Horse, Colonel Sir Charles Coote's Regiment of Horse, and his Regiment of Foot. Numerous statements with regard to these regiments are to be found amongst the public records, but one entry relating to Comet Cooper will suffice. It recites that " the Claym' purchased y* Debentures hereafter mentioned from y^ persones hereunder, and after named, whose Lotts fell in y® county of Sligoe, in Coll. Coote's owne Regim* and Troope"; he also purchased lots in Sir Charles Coote's Reg*^. Sir Oliver St. George's Troope " as well as in Sir Charles Coote's Regm* of ffoote." The various detachments from the above-named corps appear to have been stationed in Sligo until lands were allotted to them, and they exchanged the sword for the ploughshare. In the column of remarks in "the Book of Survey and Distribution " several denominations of land are annoted " Trustees for y^ Barracks."

    " Sir Richard Coote's Regiment of Horse (now y^ L''. Collooney's Regt.") From this entry^ it would appear that the Regiment, although disbanded, was liable to be called up

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Sligo, you are passing through a town that held a military presence before the Revolution of 1688. Some local military organization must have existed here, otherwise it would be hard to account for the speed with which the Protestants of the county had been concentrated, armed, and disciplined. These men were in great part descendants of members of Colonel Richard Coote's Regiment of Horse, Colonel Sir Charles Coote's Regiment of Horse, and his Regiment of Foot. An entry in the public records relating to Comet Cooper recites that he purchased debentures from persons whose lots fell in the county of Sligo, in Colonel Coote's own regiment and troop. He also purchased lots in Sir Charles Coote's Regiment, Sir Oliver St. George's Troop, and Sir Charles Coote's Regiment of Foot. The various detachments from these corps appear to have been stationed in Sligo until lands were allotted to them, and they exchanged the sword for the ploughshare. In the Book of Survey and Distribution, several denominations of land are annotated Trustees for the Barracks. Sir Richard Coote's Regiment of Horse was later redesignated Lord Collooney's Regiment. The regiment, although disbanded, remained liable to be called up.

11. Dermod and Grania's bed monument at Castlecarragh

    Castlerock or Castlecarragh · townland · Sligo

    Among the Sligo sites associated with the legend of Dermod and Grania's flight from Finn, a rude stone monument known as their 'bed' is located at Castlecarragh, part of a widely-spread Celtic tradition.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 191

12. Dermod and Grania's bed monument in Carrownagh

    Carrownagh · townland · Sligo

    A rude stone monument in the townland of Carrownagh is identified by Irish-speaking peasants as one of the 'beds of Dermod and Grania,' shelters said to have been built by Dermod for his wife during their flight from Finn.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 191

13. Fever follows famine in Sligo, 1822

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1822

    A letter from Sligo dated 24 May 1822 reported that fever stalked on the heels of famine, with the type more malignant and longer in duration than in 1817. The sick could not be accommodated.

    Read the passage

    Famine and pestilence may be said to be almost synonymous expressions. Thus we learn that in 1816 and 1817 small-pox made fearful inroads amongst the population, whilst numbers died of a malignant fever ; and on the 24th May 1822, it was stated, in a letter from Sligo, that " fever stalks upon the heels of famine ; we cannot accommodate the sick. The type of the fever is at present more malignant, and its duration longer than in 1817." The malady often ran its

    F

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this is a town that saw fever follow famine. A letter from here, dated the 24th of May 1822, reported that "fever stalks upon the heels of famine" and that the sick could not be accommodated. The fever was more malignant and lasted longer than the one in 1817, which itself had killed great numbers alongside a smallpox outbreak the year before.

14. First Methodist Chapel in Bridge Street, Sligo, 1775

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1775

    The first Methodist Chapel in Sligo was erected in Bridge Street in 1775, a small building with an exceedingly low thatched roof. By this time Sligo had become the head of a Circuit with two ministers.

    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

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in the town where Methodism took firm root. John Wesley first rode here in May 1758, coming from Drumsna through Ballymote, Collooney, and Ballysadare, and found the prospect so encouraging that he arranged regular visits by a minister stationed in Castlebar. By 1760 the congregation had grown enough that a large and commodious apartment was procured for services. In 1775 the first Methodist Chapel was erected in Bridge Street, a small building with an exceedingly low thatched roof, and by then Sligo had become the head of a Circuit with two ministers. Wesley paid his fourteenth and last visit on May 20, 1789, entertained in the barracks by the Quartermaster of the 1st Dragoons. Around that time Gideon Ouseley, called Ireland's most successful evangelist, settled in the town and opened a school in the little chapel, which was largely attended. He and other ministers preached in the open air, especially on market days, addressing the people in their native Irish tongue, and crowds gathered around, listening eagerly and respectfully. In 1797 Ouseley moved on to Ballymote.

15. Foundation of Sligo and Leitrim District Asylum

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1847

    An order in Council on 17 April 1847 constituted Sligo and Leitrim a Lunatic District. The foundation stone for a new asylum near the town of Sligo, designed to hold 250 inmates, was laid on 7 November 1847.

    Read the passage

    After the first passing of the Acts regarding lunacy, most cases of insanity occurring in the counties of Sligo and Leitrim that required special treatment, were sent to Ballinasloe, where there was then a central asylum for the province of Connaught ; in consequence, however, of its over-crowded condition, an order in Council was made, on the 17th April, 1847, constituting the counties of Sligo and Leitrim a " Lunatic District" (within the meaning of the Act), and ordering the erection near the town of Sligo of an asylum to accommodate 250 inmates. On the 7th November, 1847, amidst a large concourse of people, the foundation-stone was laid. A bottle was sealed up containing The Sligo Journal and The Champion newspapers, together with a slip of parchment descriptive of the particulars of the day's ceremony, together with a specimen of each copper and silver coin of the realm. The bottle was then placed in a hollow cut in the stone, which was covered with a zinc plate. The amount of the contract was nearly £30,000, the architect being Mr. William Deane Butler, and the contractor Mr. James Caldwell. In the year 1874, owing to the increase in the number of registered lunatics, the asylum was enlarged by the addition of two wings, at a cost of £14,000, which increased the accommodation from 250 to 470 beds.

    It is alleged that year by year the percentage of insane is on the increase, that the number of those bereft of reason is augmenting with greater rapidity than it ought ; but this may be fairly accounted for by improved registration, as also by a diminished death-rate amongst the insane owing to better treatment ; likewise to the fact that many are now placed in restraint who, in former times, would have been left at large ; the increase of insanity is therefore greater in appearance than in reality.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 78

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are near the site of what was once the Sligo and Leitrim District Asylum. Before 1847, people from Sligo and Leitrim requiring special treatment for insanity were sent to Ballinasloe, where a central asylum served the whole province of Connaught. That asylum had grown overcrowded, and on 17 April 1847 an order in Council constituted Sligo and Leitrim a lunatic district and ordered an asylum built near the town of Sligo to hold 250 inmates. The foundation stone was laid on 7 November 1847 before a large crowd. A bottle was sealed containing The Sligo Journal and The Champion newspapers, a slip of parchment describing the day's ceremony, and a specimen of each copper and silver coin of the realm. The bottle was placed in a hollow cut in the stone and covered with a zinc plate. The contract came to nearly £30,000. William Deane Butler was the architect and James Caldwell the contractor. In 1874 the asylum was enlarged with two wings at a cost of £14,000, raising capacity from 250 to 470 beds. The book notes that the apparent rise in insanity year by year may be accounted for by better registration, better treatment lowering the death rate among the insane, and the fact that many were now placed in restraint who once would have been left at large, so the increase was greater in appearance than in reality.

16. Friars and priests split over Sligo election candidates

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1852

    In the Sligo Borough election contests, the friars of Sligo supported and canvassed for Somers while the priests supported Townley. When Townley was unseated for bribery, the friars rejoiced and satirical poems were published mocking the priests' role.

    Read the passage

    In this contest the friars of Sligo were supporters of, and canvassers for, Somers ; whilst the priests were supporters of, and canvassers for, Townley : when therefore the latter was unseated for bribery, great was the rejoicing of the friars, and manypoetic ( ? ) pieces appeared in print. One sung to the air of " The Green Immortal Shamrock " commenced thus : —

    " Through Erin's Isle to sport awhile, As Charles Townley wandered," &c.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 27

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Sligo town. Back in 1852, the friars and the priests here backed rival candidates in the borough election. The friars canvassed for Somers, the priests for Townley. When Townley was unseated for bribery, the friars celebrated and satirical poems appeared in print, one sung to the air of "The Green Immortal Shamrock" beginning, "Through Erin's Isle to sport awhile, as Charles Townley wandered."

17. Gentleman escapes arrest for debt at Sligo Lent assizes

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1818

    At the Lent assizes of 1818 in Sligo, a well-known spendthrift gentleman was called to be sworn on the grand jury, whereupon a writ of capias was delivered against him for a debt of £266 owed to John Mack. The court ordered his discharge from custody, as his office as juror exempted him from arrest.

    Read the passage

    An amusing escape from arrest for debt is recorded as having occurred at Lent assizes, 1818. A gentleman, a well known spendthrift, being called to the book to be sworn on the grand jury,

    > In 1808 the high sherilf was lined £20, and the sub-sheriffjElO, " for

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 156

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Sligo now. Back in 1818, at the Lent assizes here, a well-known spendthrift was called up to be sworn onto the grand jury. Someone handed him a writ for a debt of 266 pounds, but the court ordered his release, because serving as a juror exempted him from arrest.

18. Illicit distillation and revenue conflict in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1700–1831

    From the early 18th century, illicit distillation was practiced in Sligo as a means for tenants to pay rents and support families, leading to ongoing conflict with revenue authorities. Stratagems such as hiding stills in caves or bribing guides were employed to evade seizures.

    Read the passage

    From the earliest times of the eighteenth century illicit distillation seems to have been carried on more or less in Sligo, and the authorities and those engaged in this contraband traffic may be said to have been in continual conflict. The last quarter of the eighteenth century was noted for its hard drinkers. An observant writer asserts, however, that in 1800 excessive diinking in Sligo was on the decline ; but the vice had left its effects in an increase of the number of insane — as returned to the Grand Jury at each assizes. M'Parlan stated that the use of both spirits and beer had diminished greatly — a fact which he attributed to the dearness of food supplies.

    In 1815 the fall in price of provisions of all kinds was sudden and great. It was occasioned by the cessation of the war on the Continent, which had produced a brisk demand for all agricultural produce ; and there had been also a modification of the corn laws.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 166

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, that town carries an old story of illicit distillation. From the earliest years of the 1700s, illegal stills ran more or less openly here, and the authorities were in continual conflict with those running the contraband trade. The last quarter of the century was noted for its hard drinkers. By 1800, excessive drinking in Sligo was on the decline, an observant writer noted, but the vice had left its mark. The number of insane persons returned to the Grand Jury at each assizes had risen. M'Parlan attributed the fall in spirits and beer consumption to the dearness of food supplies. In 1815 the price of provisions fell suddenly and greatly, after the war on the Continent ended and demand for agricultural produce dropped, and the corn laws had been modified.

19. Iron works in County Sligo transferred to Foxford

    Foxford · town · Mayo

    Writing in 1802, M'Parlan recorded that iron works had been carried on by Mr. Rutledge in County Sligo until the neighbouring woods were consumed as fuel. The works were then transferred to Foxford, illustrating the fuel-dependency of early iron manufacturing.

    Read the passage

    Writing in 1802 M'Parlan states that iron works had been carried on by Mr. Eutledge in the County Sligo, until the neighbouring woods were consumed as fuel. The works were then transferred to Foxford.

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 129

20. Land Commission fair rents near Sligo town

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1884

    The Irish Land Commission began sitting in 1881, and on an estate within about two miles of Sligo town fair rents were fixed at 50 per cent under the valuation, a far steeper reduction than on other estates in the county. The author notes the difficulty of reconciling these decisions with any fixed rule.

    Read the passage

    The Irish Land Commission was appointed in 1881. Its first sitting was held in the autumn of that year, and the first cases heard in the county were upon an estate whereon the fair rent was fixed at a reduction of about 18 per cent, under the old rents, and 6f per cent, under the valuation. In 1884 the Commissioners fixed the rent of another holding on the same estate at about 14 per cent, under the valuation ; but on an estate within some two miles of the town of Sligo fair rents were fixed at 50 per cent, under the valuation. It is not easy to reconcile these decisions with any fixed rule. The Commissioners commenced by comparatively small reductions, which they gradually increased, and the difference was so marked between those given in the first years of the Commission and in 1889 that tenants who got rents fixed in the former period became dissatisfied.

    In 1888 there were 957 "fair rents" fixed in the county, the gross former rent being £12,797 13s. bd., the judicial rent £9337 7s. 9(/., and by the last annual report of the Commission the total number of cases in which judicial rents were fixed by all the methods provided by the Land Law Acts of 1881 and 1887 in the county of Sligo up to the 22nd August, 1889, was 7779, and the percentage in reduction of rents 20'2.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 146

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this is the town where the Irish Land Commission's rent decisions caused quite a stir. The Commission began sitting in 1881, and early cases in the county saw only modest reductions, around 18 per cent under old rents on one estate. But in 1884, on an estate within about two miles of this town, fair rents were fixed at 50 per cent under the valuation, a far steeper cut than elsewhere in the county. The author of the History of Sligo notes it was not easy to reconcile these decisions with any fixed rule. The Commissioners had started with comparatively small reductions and gradually increased them. By 1889 the difference was so marked that tenants whose rents were fixed in the earlier years became dissatisfied. Across the county of Sligo, by 22 August 1889, a total of 7779 cases had judicial rents fixed under the Land Law Acts of 1881 and 1887, with an overall reduction of 20.2 per cent.

21. Lord Palmerston's gift of Custom House site to the Crown

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1814

    In 1814, Lord Palmerston presented the site for Sligo's Custom House, bonded warehouses, and timber yard to the Crown. The land extended from Lynn's Dock to Cochrane's Quay along the waterfront, and the Custom House Quay was subsequently leased by the Commissioners of Customs to the Sligo Harbour Commissioners.

    Read the passage

    Sligo- Customs District extends from Kinnesharragh Point, County Sligo, to Gweedore River, County Donegal, and within these limits the Superintendent of Customs is also Ileeeiver of Wreck, Superintendent of Mercantile Marine, Registrar of Shipping and R. N. Reserve. The Custom duties in 1853 were £20,576 ; in 1863, £23,970 ; in 1873, £Ql,rjm ; in 1883, £44,137. The Custom House, bonded warehouses, and timber 3'ard are Government property, the site on which they stand, together with the quay immediately in front of the Custom House, extending from Lynn's Dock to Cochraue's Quay, having

    230 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 115

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town sits along the waterfront where the Custom House still stands. In 1814, Lord Palmerston gave the Crown the site for the Custom House, bonded warehouses, and timber yard. The land ran from Lynn's Dock to Cochrane's Quay. The quay in front of the Custom House was later leased by the Commissioners of Customs to the Sligo Harbour Commissioners.

22. Mullaghmore harbour a failure for fishery support

    Mullaghmore · town · Sligo

    Mullaghmore ranked next to Raughly in fishing importance, with larger and better-equipped boats. However, the harbour itself was deemed a failure, its only benefit being to keep the local fishery from dying out entirely.

    Read the passage

    There is but little fishing carried on at Eosses Point, as the boatmen are mostly farmers and pilots, who do not fish much unless the herrings or mackerel come close to the shore ; but from Raughly trawling is constantly carried on in Sligo Bay. The opposition which existed for some time against the trawlers has now ceased, and, wonderful to narrate, one of their greatest opponents is now owner of a very successful boat. Eaughly appears to be the best fishing station. In one year were taken 40,000 cod, 20,000 pollock, 2000 soles, 100 turbot, 25,000 mackerel, 20,000 herrings, 40,000 flat-fish, 6000 lobsters, and 2000 crabs. MuUaghmore is next in importance ; and the boats belonging to this harbour are larger and better found than those of Raughly. MuUaghmore harbour, however, is a failure : the only good effected by it has been to prevent the fishery, of which it was the centre, from completely dying out.

    The oyster beds on the Sligo coast are now very poor, and do not appear to repay the money and care bestowed upon tliem. The principal are Sligo, Drumcliff, Lissadell, and Ballysadare. There are a considerable number of mussels shipped for consumption in England.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 128

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Mullaghmore in Sligo, you are passing a place that ranked second only to Raughly in fishing importance along this coast. The boats belonging to this harbour were larger and better equipped than those of Raughly, which was counted the best fishing station in the bay. In one year at Raughly, the catches ran to 40,000 cod, 20,000 pollock, 2,000 soles, 100 turbot, 25,000 mackerel, and 20,000 herrings. Yet Mullaghmore harbour itself was called a failure. The book puts it plainly: the only good effected by it was to prevent the fishery, of which it was the centre, from completely dying out.

23. O'Beirne's costly failed coal shaft at Jamestown

    Jamestown · townland · Leitrim

    A Mr. O'Beirne of Jamestown spent several thousand pounds sinking a shaft through the base of Yoredale beds into Upper Limestone, on the advice of practical men ignorant of geology. The search for coal was unsuccessful.

    Read the passage

    As a result of geological investigations we need not hope to find coal in Sligo, unless it be in the small area in the Geevagh district, which forms the west extremity of the Roscommon coalfield. "Want of such knowledge has led to some serious mistakes. Nearly fifty years ago a shaft was sunk at Knockvicar, east of Lough Key, through Lower Carboniferous Sandstone, in a fruitless search for coal. A Mr. O'Beirne, of Jamestown, spent several thousand pounds sinking a shaft with a similar result through the base of Yoredale beds into Upper Limestone. He acted on the advice of some " practical men " who were ignorant of the simplest principles of geology. The Carboniferous strata of Sligo are lower in the

    268 HISTORY OF SI,IGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 133

24. Old lunatic house near Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    Before the present asylum was built, harmless lunatics were kept in a house about two miles from Sligo on the road to Posses Point. The ruins of this house were still visible at the time of writing.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 78

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, there's an old connection to how people with mental illness were once housed here. Before the present asylum was built, a few harmless lunatics were kept in a house about 2 miles from Sligo on the road to Posses Point, and the ruins of that house were still visible at the time of writing. Even as late as 1828, the gaol itself was used to confine lunatics. In February 1831 there were 30 held there, 28 the following year, and by March 1849 only 14 remained. The shift toward more moderate restraint eventually led to purchasing further land at a cost of £5500 for a tillage farm, giving inmates employment. That farm supplied the asylum with potatoes, vegetables and milk, and averaged £550 net profit per year, reaching nearly £740 in 1888.

25. Oyster Island channel deepening project

    near Oyster Island · townland · Sligo · 1882–1892

    To finish the deep-water berths at Sligo port, the Harbour Commissioners sought to dredge the channel from Oyster Island to the berths. The goal was to provide sixteen feet of water at the lowest tide to compete with neighboring ports like Derry.

    Read the passage

    age. About ten years ago a considerable loan was obtained from tlie Board of Works for the purpose of constructing deep-water berths, but the sura proved inadequate to finish the work. It is necessary to obtain a further advance to enable the Commissioners not only to dredge to the full extent of the deep-water berth — about 800 feet in length — but to provide sixteen feet of water at the lowest state of the tide, as well as to deepen the channel from Oyster Island to these berths. With this object the Harbour Commissioners have lately been pressing their case upon the notice of the Government to grant a further advance to enable tliem to finish tlie work and place Sligo in fair competition with Derry and other neiglibouring ports.

    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."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 117

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Oyster Island, the Harbour Commissioners wanted to deepen the channel from here to the deep-water berths at Sligo port. About ten years ago, a considerable loan was obtained from the Board of Works for constructing deep-water berths, but the sum proved inadequate to finish the work. The Commissioners needed a further advance to dredge the full extent of the deep-water berth, about 800 feet in length, and to provide sixteen feet of water at the lowest state of the tide, as well as to deepen the channel from Oyster Island to these berths. They pressed their case upon the Government to grant a further advance and place Sligo in fair competition with Derry and other neighbouring ports. If carried out, the improvement would increase revenue to the port and 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 increase imports in a corresponding ratio. Sligo had steadily progressed while other western seaports in Ireland declined, and during the last 25 years the import dues alone increased about 60 per cent. The total revenue from this source in 1864 was £3019, and in 1889 it was £4890. Sligo had never received a free grant of any description from Government for improvement of the port. It was hoped the Royal Commission which visited Sligo a few years ago would have recommended a grant to enable the fisheries to be developed. They reported, however, that the interest of the port might be left in the hands of its energetic inhabitants.

26. Pestiferous atmosphere between Imperial Hotel and Courthouse in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1832

    A visitor to Sligo in late 1832 described a pestiferous and deadly atmosphere while passing from M'Bride's Hotel (later the Imperial Hotel) to the Courthouse, noting a disagreeable odour resembling that of anatomical dissecting rooms.

    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

    As you pass through Sligo, you are moving through a town that in 1832 still carried the marks of a recent pestilence. A visitor who came that year, when the worst had passed, wrote that the very air here felt pestiferous and deadly. Walking from M'Bride's Hotel, later the Imperial Hotel, to the Courthouse, he noticed a singularly disagreeable odour, like what might be found in a dirty anatomical dissecting room. It was no fancy, he said, for whenever he reached that locality he became peculiarly sensible of it. The streets were beginning to recover, and business had partly resumed, but so many people had been taken who once led every movement in the town. Very many corpses had been buried in the Abbey-grounds, where there was scarcely clay enough to cover the coffins.

27. Plague imported by ship into Ballyshannon, 1478

    Ballyshannon · town · Donegal · 1478

    In 1478 a great plague was imported by a ship which entered the port of Ballyshannon. This is an early recorded instance of disease being brought into Ireland by maritime trade.

    Read the passage

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

    64 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 31

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballyshannon in Donegal, you are in a port town with a grim place in Ireland's medical history. In 1478, a great plague was imported by a ship which entered the port here. The Irish annals record it plainly, and it stands out because the source names the ship as the means of arrival. Most outbreaks in the annals are described only as visitations that swept a district or a season, but this one is traced to a single vessel sailing into Ballyshannon. It is an early recorded instance of disease reaching Ireland through maritime trade. The same annals list ever-recurring scourges across the region and beyond, years of pestilence and famine running back through the 1400s and 1300s, but the entry for 1478 is distinctive in naming the port and the ship together.

28. Protestant Hall established in Stephen Street, Sligo, c.1884

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1884–1885

    Around 1884 the Primitive Methodists offered their meeting house in Stephen Street, Sligo for sale. It was purchased by a few gentlemen, fitted up, and styled 'The Sligo Protestant Hall,' offering rooms to the YMCA at lower rent than the Town Hall.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 72

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are near Stephen Street, where a meeting house became the Sligo Protestant Hall around 1884. The Primitive Methodists put their meeting house up for sale, and a few gentlemen bought it, fitted it out, and gave it that name. The Sligo United Young Men's Christian Association had been formed in 1868, largely through the efforts of the Reverend John Dowden, then incumbent of Calry parish. The Association began in a small room near Victoria Bridge, grew quickly, and hired an apartment in the Town Hall on May 5th, 1880. When the Protestant Hall opened, rooms were offered to the Association at a much lower rent than the Town Hall, and in March 1885 a branch transferred its property there. By then the Association had about 150 members, a reading room stocked with periodicals and the leading daily and weekly newspapers, and a library of nearly 500 volumes. Those who disagreed with the move from the Town Hall started a separate society called the Sligo Young Men's Christian Association. In 1889 that group planned an Exhibition in the town, and the Science and Art Department at South Kensington agreed to send a selection of exhibits. The project grew well beyond what was first imagined, with promises of loans pouring in from local sources and the greater part of the Town Hall beautifully decorated. The opening was fixed for April 8th, the Exhibition stayed open eight days, and nearly 6000 people passed through the doors.

29. Protestant Orphan Society formation

    Calry · parish · Sligo · 1832–1839

    The Protestant Orphan Society, originating from the Cholera Orphan Society of 1832, was formed in 1839 mainly through the influence of Rev. William Armstrong, incumbent of Calry, to support orphans of deceased Protestants in the county.

    Read the passage

    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 : —

    The Bishop of Elphin, Patron; Lord Lorton, President; 0. Wynne, E. J. Cooper, Colonel A. Perceval, Sir E. Gore-Booth, Bt. ; Colonel Knox-Gore, Colonel J. Irwin, Hon. C. Wingfield and Major O'Hara, Vice-Presidents.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 79

30. Puritan minister preached at St. John's Church, Sligo, silenced 1660

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1660

    During the Commonwealth a Puritan or Independent minister resided in Sligo and preached in St. John's Church, but was silenced upon the Restoration in 1660. The Independent sect then remained without visible existence until the 1770s.

    Read the passage

    The Congkegational or Independent Church is mentioned during the time of the Commonwealth, when it is alleged that a Puritan or Independent Minister resided for some years in Sligo, and preached in St. John's Church, but was " silenced upon the Restoration in 1660." His following must have either dispersed or been merged in the Irish Church, for the sect remained without visible existence till the year 1773 or 1780, when Andrew Maiben (a Scotch merchant engaged in the linen trade) settled in Sligo, and commenced a regular " Sabbath-day" service. Maiben was a Presbyterian, but on account of the then minister of his denomination holding and preaching doctrines of which he did not approve, he (Maiben) commenced a daily prayer meeting. Through this means a young man named Albert Blest was converted, and became an earnest supporter of and worker with Mr. Maiben, and these two alternately addressed the meeting. Thus was commenced the Independent Congregation in Sligo, although neither of its founders held the views which are generally associated with the name Independent.

    L

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 70

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you're in a town with a religious history going back centuries. During the Commonwealth period, a Puritan or Independent minister lived here and preached at St. John's Church. He was silenced upon the Restoration in 1660. His followers must have dispersed or merged into the Irish Church, because the Independent sect remained without visible existence until the 1770s. It was revived by Andrew Maiben, a Scottish linen merchant who settled in Sligo around 1773 or 1780. Maiben was a Presbyterian, but he disagreed with doctrines held by the minister of his own denomination, so he started a daily prayer meeting instead. Through that meeting a young man named Albert Blest was converted and became an earnest worker alongside Maiben. The two alternately addressed the gathering, and that was the beginning of the Independent Congregation in Sligo, though neither founder held the views generally associated with the name Independent.

31. Sligo Borough Improvement Act finally passed, 1869

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1869

    After being five times before the House, the Sligo Borough Improvement Bill was finally passed in 1869 with taxed costs of £4,750. The Act dissolved the Town and Harbour Commissioners, vested Town Commissioner powers in the Corporation, and created a new body of Harbour Commissioners.

    Read the passage

    After having been five times before the House, the Bill was finally passed in 1869 ; the taxed costs of the measure were enormous, £4750. The Corporation had to pay two-thirds, and the Harbour Commissioners one-third of the expenses of promoting the Bill.

    Some of the more important changes brought about by this Act may be briefly noticed. The body constituted under the Town and Harbour Act of 1803, and known as the Town and Harbour Commissioners, was dissolved ; the powers of the Town Commissioners were vested in the Corporation, and a new body of Harbour Commissioners, having power to deal with the Port and Harbour, was incorporated. The Corporation obtained power to construct waterworks and supply water ; also to acquire by purchase the gasworks and to supply gas.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 53

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you're in a town reshaped by a hard-won Act of 1869. The Sligo Borough Improvement Bill went before the House five times before it finally passed, with taxed costs of £4,750. The Corporation paid two-thirds and the Harbour Commissioners paid one-third. The Act dissolved the Town and Harbour Commissioners, a body created under the 1803 Act. Town Commissioner powers were vested in the Corporation, and a new body of Harbour Commissioners was incorporated to deal with the port and harbour. The Corporation also gained power to construct waterworks and supply water, and to acquire the gasworks and supply gas.

32. Sligo butter market inquiry recommends reforms, 1884

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1884

    A memorial presented to the Sligo Corporation in 1884 about butter-market conduct led to a committee of inquiry. It recommended using smaller firkins in winter and abolishing the deduction of weight from every firkin.

    Read the passage

    A memorial having been presented in the year 1884 to the Sligo Corporation in regard to the manner in whicli the buttermarket was conducted, a committee of inquiry was appointed by that body. In their report it was recommended that during the winter months a kit or small firkin should be used instead of the large one then so general, justly observing " that the sooner butter can be sold, the better the quality will be : this being specially the case with reference to butter made during the winter months, when cattle are housed." The committee also recommended the abolition of the custom of deducting lib. from the weight of every firkin of butter.

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 119

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town where butter once mattered a great deal. In 1884 a memorial was presented to the Sligo Corporation about how the butter market was being run, and a committee of inquiry was appointed. The committee recommended that during the winter months a small firkin should be used instead of the large one, observing that the sooner butter can be sold, the better the quality will be, specially butter made in winter when cattle are housed. They also recommended abolishing the custom of deducting one pound from the weight of every firkin. Going back further, the export of butter from this port was very considerable at the start of the century, amounting in 1800 to upwards of 200,000 pounds. In 1832 to 1833, 150,000 casks of butter left the quay, but that fell in 1838 to 50,000.

33. Sligo Cathedral consecration and description

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1874–1877

    The Roman Catholic Cathedral in Sligo was consecrated on 25 July 1874 in the presence of Cardinal Cullen and numerous bishops. The building, in a combination of Norman and Byzantine style, measures 227 feet long and 115 feet across the transept, and cost upwards of £50,000.

    Read the passage

    The Cathedral (fig. 25) was erected by the Roman Catholics of Sligo, who had long felt that a large building for purposes of public worship was a desideratum. On Sunday, 25th July, 1874, it was consecrated in presence of Cardinal CuUen and most of the Roman Catholic Bishops of Ireland, as also some from England and America, together with n, number of clergy of lower degree.

    The chief entrance door is under the tower, and on each side of the tower of the Cathedral are two turrets, througli which run circular stone staircases. By this means entrance can be obtained to the galleries. These galleries are within the arches, and open on the nave in a series of half circles, producing a very good effect. The style of the building is a kind of combination of the Norman and Byzantine. The tower rises in the front-centre of the main gable. The principal entrance is within a noble arch, from which the tower rises, and it is surmounted by a series of alto-relievo figures in carved stone. The extreme length of the sacred edifice is 227 feet ; the width across the transept is 115 feet ; the nave is 33 feet wide, and the aisles 17 feet each. The height of the ceiling from the rich encaustic tile pavement is 62 feet. The aisles are divided from the nave by bays of bold arches sustained on finely-chiselled columns of black limestone, as also are the transepts and sidechapels. The galleries — or to give them their architectural term, the triforium — extend over each aisle, and 18 pillars on each side run up from ground floor to roof, those pillars dividing the nave from the aisle.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 64

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Sligo now, the town holds a Roman Catholic cathedral that took shape here in the 1870s. The Catholics of Sligo had long wanted a large building for public worship, and on Sunday 25 July 1874 the cathedral was consecrated in the presence of Cardinal Cullen, most of the Roman Catholic bishops of Ireland, some from England and America, and a number of clergy of lower degree. The style is a combination of Norman and Byzantine, with a tower rising in the front centre of the main gable, flanked by two turrets holding circular stone staircases that lead to the galleries. The extreme length is 227 feet and the width across the transept is 115 feet. The nave is 33 feet wide, the aisles 17 feet each, and the ceiling rises 62 feet above the rich encaustic tile pavement. The chief entrance door sits under the tower within a noble arch, surmounted by alto-relievo figures in carved stone. The galleries open on the nave in a series of half circles, and the aisles are divided from the nave by bold arches on finely chiselled columns of black limestone. Eighteen pillars on each side run from the ground floor to the roof. The building cost upwards of 50,000 pounds.

34. Sligo Corporation purchases markets and fair-green from Wynne, 1881

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1881

    In 1881 the Town Council resolved to purchase Mr. Wynne's interest in the corn and butter markets, tolls, customs, rent, and fair-green. A deputation then visited Ulster towns to study market management before implementing improvements.

    Read the passage

    In 1881 the Town Council resolved to purchase Mr. Wynne's interest in the corn and butter markets, tolls, customs, and rent, and all buildings in connexion with them, together with the fair-green and tlie pig-market, &c. When the Corporation liad complete control of the markets, &c., they set to work energetically in the way of improvement. A deputation, including the Borough Engineer (Mr. Cochrane) of the Town Council, visited various towns in Ulster, i.e. Strabane, Derry, Coleraine, Armagh, and Newry, to inspect the management, after which they made a report which was in many respects valuable for the afterregulation of the market. The concluding paragraph may be given : —

    " While on the subject we may remark that in no town visited did we observe the same abundant supply of street fountains as in Sligo, whilst the quality of the Kilsellagh water was quite equal, if not superior, to any we met with. "\Ve consider the management of the markets, and all other matters connected with the town of Newry, exceptionally good, leaving nothing to be desired, and are of opinion that the Sligo Corporation cannot do better than take it as their model and follow as nearly as possible on the same lines."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 118

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this is a town where, in 1881, the Town Council resolved to buy Mr. Wynne's interest in the corn and butter markets, the tolls, customs, rent, the fair-green and the pig-market. Once the Corporation had full control, they set to work energetically on improvements. A deputation that included the Borough Engineer, Mr. Cochrane, visited several towns in Ulster — Strabane, Derry, Coleraine, Armagh and Newry — to inspect how markets were managed there, and came back with a report that proved valuable for regulating Sligo's own. They noted that no town they visited had as abundant a supply of street fountains as Sligo, and that the Kilsellagh water was equal, if not superior, to anything they met with. They found Newry's market management exceptionally good, leaving nothing to be desired, and recommended that the Sligo Corporation take it as their model and follow as nearly as possible on the same lines.

35. Sligo Harbour improvements and proposed deepening, 1844–1890s

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1844–1890

    In 1844, nearly £1000 was raised—mostly within County Sligo—to improve the harbour, following Mr. St. Leger's survey and suggestions. By the late 1880s, further deepening from the Blennick to the deep-water berths was contemplated at an estimated cost of £13,000 to allow large vessels to discharge at the quays.

    Read the passage

    Commencing at Cartrou Point, tiie old channel was variable in depth, and circuitous, being deflected from the north by the *' Corrigen Shoal ; " the other parts of the channel were subject to constant changes. The Lower Bank, Middle Flat, and Southern Channel had materially altered between the date of the Survey made by Mr. Nimmo in 1822, and that by Mr. St. Leger in 1844, so that where there had been a depth of five feet at low springs, there was in 1844 a bank nearly three feet high, and the configuration of the banks had also considerably changed. In the year 1844, nearly £1000 was given by various gentlemen to improve the harbour ; of this sum, nearly £800 was subscribed within the county. Mr. St. Leger's suggestions were adopted with some modifications, and resulted in the excavation of the present channel, which it is now in contemplation to deepen from the Blennick to the deep-water berths, owing to the urgent necessity of enabling large foreign steamers and sailing vessels to discharge at the quays instead of at Eosses Point. The estimated cost of the work is about £13,000, but the expenditure might be undertaken with financial safety, for the trade of the port is steadily increasing. The augmentation in revenue from the year 1864 to 1889 has amounted to about 60 per cent., and during the last three years there has been a surplus revenue —after providing for all ordinary expenditure — of upwards of £1000 per annum.' To meet this large outlay, it is proposed to increase the dues upon vessels from foreign parts, and for this there is ample margin, as Sligo is one of the cheapest ports in the United Kingdom, so far as tonnage dues are concerned ; consequently tliere seems very little doubt that before long steamers and ships will

    ' For a table of the trade of the port, &c., see Appendi-x. H. Q2

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 114

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Sligo town, and the story here is about its harbour and the long effort to make it fit for larger ships. The old channel began at Cartrou Point and was variable in depth, winding and circuitous, pushed off course by the Corrigen Shoal. The Lower Bank, Middle Flat, and Southern Channel all shifted between Mr. Nimmo's survey of 1822 and Mr. St. Leger's survey of 1844. Where there had been 5 feet of water at low springs, there was by 1844 a bank nearly 3 feet high. In 1844, nearly £1000 was given by various gentlemen to improve the harbour, and nearly £800 of that came from within the county. St. Leger's suggestions were adopted with some modifications, and the result was the excavation of the present channel. Now there is contemplation of deepening that channel from the Blennick to the deep-water berths, at an estimated cost of about £13,000. The purpose is to let large foreign steamers and sailing vessels discharge at the quays instead of at Rosses Point. The trade of the port makes the spending seem safe. Revenue rose about 60 per cent between 1864 and 1889. In the last three years there has been a surplus, after all ordinary expenditure, of over £1000 a year. To fund the work, it is proposed to raise dues on vessels from foreign parts. There is room for that, for Sligo is one of the cheapest ports in the United Kingdom so far as tonnage dues go.

36. Sligo Provost's power to appoint a deputy

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1715

    In 1715, William Ormsby, the Provost of Sligo, was returned as a Knight of the Shire. He exercised his power to appoint a deputy, nominating John Booth to act for him, allowing Booth to receive the rents, fines, and quarterages due to the Provost as compensation.

    Read the passage

    A Provost had power to absent himself from his bailiwick, appointing, however, a deputy, who should, of course, be a freeman and burgess. An example occurred, in 1715, when William Ormsby, Provost, was returned as a Knight of the Shire. He thereupon nominated John Booth to act for him as deputy, in consideration of which he allowed him " to receive for his pains and trouble therein all rents due and payable to the Provost of the Corporation, and also all fines, quarterages,

    Soden, Deputy Provost; 1785-1818, Thomas Soden; in the latter year Rev. William Chambers Armstrong, vice Soden, deceased; 1819, "William Faussett; 1820, Rev. W. C. Armstrong ; 1821, William Faussett ; 1822, Rev. W. C. Armstrong, whilst Wm. Faussett and J. Ormsby were alternately appointed until 1842, the latter being the last Provost of Sligo.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 49

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Sligo now. Back in 1715, the Provost here, William Ormsby, was returned as a Knight of the Shire. A Provost had the power to appoint a deputy to act in his absence, and Ormsby nominated John Booth for the role. As compensation for his trouble, Booth was allowed, in the source's words, to receive all rents due and payable to the Provost of the Corporation, and also all fines and quarterages.

37. The Commons — 20 acres of Corporation land in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    Until 1842 the only Corporation property was about 20 acres called 'The Commons' and a plot formerly used as a cattle pound. Revenue from these lands did not exceed £100 per annum and was applied by the Patron to payment of the Provost.

    Read the passage

    Until 1842, tlie only property belonging to the Corporation was about 20 acres of land, called " The Commons," together with a plot of ground, formerly used as a pound for cattle, but now built upon ; and the revenue of these lands, which did not amount to £100 per annum, was applied by the Patron of the borough to the payment of the Provost. Commonages near towns and villages were by no means unusual, and the Irish name, pronounced cutteen, by which they were designated, has (according to Dr. Joyce) bequeathed its name to Ardcotten — the hill of the commonage — near the village of Ballysadare, and in its plural form to Cutteanta, in the parish of Dromard.

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 48

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town holds an old piece of ground called The Commons. Until 1842, about 20 acres of land under that name, together with a plot formerly used as a pound for cattle but now built upon, were the only property belonging to the Corporation. The revenue from these lands did not amount to £100 per annum, and it was applied by the Patron of the borough to the payment of the Provost. Commonages near towns and villages were by no means unusual. The Irish name for them, pronounced cutteen, has bequeathed its name to Ardcotten, the hill of the commonage, near the village of Ballysadare, and in its plural form to Cutteanta, in the parish of Dromard. In olden times The Commons appear to have been set to a member of the Corporation, generally on a lease of 41 years. In 1744, when the Messrs. De Butt were pressed for their rent, they pleaded as a set-off a sum of £60 which was to have been paid to them in the year 1719 in three equal instalments. Numerous instances occur in which the land was set to members of the Corporation. In later times it appears to have been disposed of by public cant. In 1855 the Town Council resolved to procure the outside value for the lands.

38. Toll charges on goods entering Sligo borough

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1833

    According to evidence before the Commission in 1833, everything brought into Sligo for sale paid toll, even cabbage plants, gooseberries, nails, hats, and brooms. At the election hustings, electors were reminded of the burdensome tolls.

    Read the passage

    ^According to the evidence given before the Commission in 1833, everything brought in for sale paid toll, even to cabbage plants, gooseberries, nails, hats, and brogues.

    2 History, it is said, repeats itself ; for the present representatives of the County are strangers to the locality, have no personal interest therein, and but for the facilities of railway travelling would be equally ignorant whether Sligo should rank as a mere fishing-village or a thriving commercial town.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 25

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Sligo now. In 1833, evidence before the Commission showed that everything brought into the town for sale paid toll, even cabbage plants, gooseberries, nails, hats, and brogues.

39. 1711 Sligo Corporation market regulations

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1711

    In 1711, the Sligo Corporation passed its earliest resolution to regulate markets and standardize the sale of turf, hay, and straw. They ordered the provision of turf-barrels containing sixty-four gallons, Winchester measure, according to ancient custom.

    Read the passage

    ^'^ Borough of Sligo, the 17th of April, 1711. — We, the Provost and Free Burgesses of the aforesaid Borough, being assembled and met together in Common Council, do appoint and order that for the certainty, justice, honesty, and benefit of all and every of Her Majesty's subjects, as well residing in the Borough, as all other Her Majesty's subjects, frequenting the markets of the said Borough, that shall have occasion to buy or sell any turf, bay, or straw, that two turf -barrels shall be made and provided, at or before the 24th of June next after this date hereof, at the cost and expense of the inhabitants of the said Borough, each barrel to contain sixty -four gallons, Winchester-measure, according to the ancient custom of the said Borough. And that every slide-car load of straw, brought to be sold in the said Borough, shall weigh two hun-

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 117

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this town has an old market story from 1711. On the 17th of April that year, the Provost and Free Burgesses of the borough gathered in common council and passed their earliest resolution to bring order to the markets here. They acted, as they put it, for the certainty, justice, honesty, and benefit of Her Majesty's subjects. They ordered that two turf-barrels be made and provided at the cost of the inhabitants, each one to contain 64 gallons, Winchester measure, according to the ancient custom of the borough. The barrels had to be ready by the 24th of June. They also ruled that every slide-car load of straw brought to sell in the borough should weigh two hundred.

40. Ancient three-legged oak chair observed in Drumcliff by Petrie

    near Drumcliff · parish · Sligo · 1829

    The antiquary Petrie observed an ancient oak three-legged arm chair in the village of Drumcliff in 1829, an expansion of the primitive three-legged stool into an easy arm chair. The relic was later used as firing during a severe winter by its owner, who regarded it as useless.

    Read the passage

    The creepy, or three-legged stool, evidently the most primitive and ancient form of seat, still retains its appropriate place in the mud cabin. The accompanying illustration (fig. 48) represents an ancient oak chair, seen in the village of Drumcliff by the antiquary Petrie in the year 1829. It is an expansion of the three-legged stool into the easy arm chair, retaining the simplicity of the former together with much of the convenience of the latter ; it was steady and well adapted to its requirements. This relic of antiquity was afterwards used as firing during a severe winter, its owner regarding it as a useless and antiquated piece of furniture.

    Fig. 48.— Ancient Three-legged Arm Chair. Fig. 49.— Four-handled Madder.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 175

    As the companion tells it

    Around Drumcliff parish here in Sligo, the antiquary Petrie came across something worth noting in 1829. He saw an ancient oak three-legged arm chair in the village, essentially a primitive three-legged stool expanded into an easy chair, steady and well suited to its purpose. It kept the simplicity of the old stool while adding the comfort of armrests. Sadly, that was not enough to save it. During a severe winter its owner burned it for fuel, seeing it only as a useless and antiquated piece of furniture.

41. Andrew Maiben founds Independent congregation in Sligo, c.1773

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1773–1780

    Andrew Maiben, a Scottish linen merchant, settled in Sligo around 1773–1780 and commenced a regular Sabbath-day service after disagreeing with the local Presbyterian minister's doctrines. Together with convert Albert Blest, he began the Independent Congregation in Sligo.

    Read the passage

    The Congkegational or Independent Church is mentioned during the time of the Commonwealth, when it is alleged that a Puritan or Independent Minister resided for some years in Sligo, and preached in St. John's Church, but was " silenced upon the Restoration in 1660." His following must have either dispersed or been merged in the Irish Church, for the sect remained without visible existence till the year 1773 or 1780, when Andrew Maiben (a Scotch merchant engaged in the linen trade) settled in Sligo, and commenced a regular " Sabbath-day" service. Maiben was a Presbyterian, but on account of the then minister of his denomination holding and preaching doctrines of which he did not approve, he (Maiben) commenced a daily prayer meeting. Through this means a young man named Albert Blest was converted, and became an earnest supporter of and worker with Mr. Maiben, and these two alternately addressed the meeting. Thus was commenced the Independent Congregation in Sligo, although neither of its founders held the views which are generally associated with the name Independent.

    L

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 70

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this is where Andrew Maiben, a Scottish linen merchant, settled around 1773 or 1780 and started the Independent Congregation. An Independent minister had preached in St. John's Church during the Commonwealth, but was silenced on the Restoration in 1660, and the sect vanished until Maiben arrived. He was a Presbyterian, but the local minister held doctrines he could not accept, so Maiben began a daily prayer meeting. Through that meeting a young man named Albert Blest was converted and became an earnest worker alongside Maiben. The two alternately addressed the gathering, and from that the Independent Congregation in Sligo began, though neither founder held the views generally associated with the name Independent.

42. Beggar's Benison stone at Ballysadare bridge

    Ballysadare · townland · Sligo · 1779

    Beranger, touring County Sligo circa 1779, recorded a stone on Ballysadare bridge where a beggar habitually sat and bestowed a blessing on those who gave alms. The blessing became a famous toast known as 'The Beggar's Benison,' giving rise to a social society offshoot in the county.

    Read the passage

    Beranger, when on his tour through the county Sligo, circa 1779, makes mention of a curious incident in these words : — " On the bridge (of Ballysadare) we were shown a stone on which a beggar used to sit constantly, who on receiving alms used to bestow on the giver a blessing which is become a famous toast under the name of ' The Beggar's Benison,' " being the expression of a wish that neither in person or purse should the individual fail. Thus it would seem that the

    408 HISTORY or SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 206

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, on the bridge at Ballysadare, there used to be a stone where a beggar sat. When travellers gave him alms he would bless them, wishing that neither in person nor purse should they fail. Beranger recorded the custom on his tour through County Sligo in 1779, and the blessing became a famous toast known as The Beggar's Benison, later linked to a Scottish society.

43. Bianconi starts Longford–Sligo car service, 1832

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1832

    In 1832 Bianconi commenced running a car from Longford to Sligo in connection with the canal boat, establishing one of his earliest vehicular services into Sligo. This marked the beginning of his growing influence over transport in the region.

    Read the passage

    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

    p

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 105

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this is where Bianconi began shaping local travel. In 1832 he started running a car from Longford to Sligo, connecting with the canal boat, one of his earliest vehicular services into the town. By 1849 he had bought out the other proprietors and became sole possessor of the vehicular traffic to Sligo. In 1852 he expanded, putting cars on the Strabane, Enniskillen, and Westport lines from Sligo, with branch-cars to several small towns in the north and west.

44. Bounty on seed potatoes imported to Sligo port, 1822

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1822

    In May 1822 a bounty of 10 shillings per ton was paid on the importation of seed potatoes into Sligo port, as the ground remained unplanted for want of seed. County gentry convened a meeting at the close of the month.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this was a town gripped by food distress in 1822. Sligo lay in a scheduled area covering half the kingdom, with a population of 127,000. Unlike the later famine of 1845 to 1848, the potato crop failed but grain was generally good. By early May the distress was plain, and the ground sat unplanted for want of seed. In the middle of the month a bounty of 10 shillings per ton was paid on seed potatoes imported into the port. At the close of May the county gentry convened a meeting. A subscription had already been raised in the City of London for relief of distress in Ireland.

45. Cholera dread lingers in Sligo town, 1834

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1834

    Writer Inglis observed that nowhere in Ireland did cholera rage with such deadly violence as in Sligo. When he visited in 1834, he found the town still in great dread of its reappearance, with a few cases having appeared at Ballina and neighbouring villages.

    Read the passage

    "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."

    After the disappearance of cholera, a virulent kind of fever prevailed in Sligo, and was almost as fatal as the former; in February, 1837, there was an outbreak of influenza, and in April, 1842, fever was prevalent throughout the county.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 39

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town that suffered cholera worse than anywhere else in Ireland. The writer Inglis visited in 1834 and found the people still in great dread of its return, as a few cases had appeared at Ballina and neighbouring villages. After the cholera passed, a virulent fever followed and was almost as fatal. Influenza broke out in February 1837, and fever was prevalent across the county in April 1842.

46. Collooney to Claremorris railway under construction 1891

    Collooney · townland · Sligo · 1891

    A railway line from Collooney to Claremorris was put under construction with Government relief funds, guaranteed by the Grand Jury at Spring Assizes 1891. The line passes through Tubbercurry, Curry, and Bellahy, with junctions near Collooney at Carricknagat and the Collooney station.

    Read the passage

    This line of railway, thanks to the facilities given by Government for the relief of distress, is now actually in course of construction. The Grand Jury at the Spring Assizes (1891) gave a guarantee of l^d, in the £1 on the county at large, and a baronial guarantee from the barony of Leyny of 5d. in the £1 towards payment of the interest of the capital, the Government advancing the remainder of the funds needful for completion of the line. The railway commences at Collooney, and passes through Tubbercurry, Curry, and Bellahy. It has two junctions near Collooney with the existing line, viz. one with the Midland Great Western Railway, near Carricknagat, and another with the Sligo, Leitrim, and Northern Counties Railway at the Collooney station.

    Before the general introduction of steam, and even long afterwards, a regular trade was carried on by means of small fast-sailing schooners of from 80 to 100 tons ; but it was not until the 31st October, 1831, that the first steam-packet left the quay of Sligo. This was a novel sight ; the quays and both sides of the river were lined by a dense crowd, who cheered in an enthusiastic manner as the vessel commenced to move from her berth, for numbers of those in the crowd had never before seen a steamer. This boat was of 300 tons burden, and 100 horse-power, and belonged to the Glasgow and Liverpool Steam Shipping Company. From 1840 to 1856 Messrs. Middleton & Pollexfen ran sailing: vessels

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 107

47. Contraband tobacco seized in Sligo streets, 1836

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1836

    In June 1836, smuggled tobacco was seized from a successfully landed cargo near Sligo. A week later, three half bales were found in a cart in the streets of Sligo, representing the lingering remnants of the contraband trade after the major 1828 bust.

    Read the passage

    A very daring and successful smuggler was captain of a very fast cutter, which had been repeatedly chased, but had always escaped with ease. In 1828 he stole in, under cover of the darkness, and dropped anchor off the " Tower Beacon" which occupied the site of the present Blackrock Light-house. The strange cutter was soon observed by the coast-guard at Rauglily, and the alarm by signal immediately given. All the stations in Sligo Bay promptly answered and attended tlie summons. A vigilant search was immediately commenced which terminated in the illicit traffickers being surprised. They had prepared a cave, in which, however, they had not time to deposit the cargo, and two of the men engaged in concealing the goods were made prisoners ; 222 half bales of tobacco (about six tons weiglit) were secured, and the two boats belonging to the cutter were seized. This was the death-knell of smuggling, and it is doubtful if an attempt was ever again made to run a large cargo into Sligo, although a small contraband traffic lingered on for a few years. In June, 1836, some half bales of smuggled tobacco were seized — part of a cargo which had been successfully lauded — and a week later, three half bales were seized in a cart in the streets of Sligo.

    Sunday drinking was formerly — as at present — very prevalent. In 1834 Inglis visited a house, near the lake, to which citizens of Sligo resorted on Sundays, and he there tasted a favourite beverage called scolteen, composed of wliiskey, eggs, sugar, butter, caraway-seed, and beer. From about the j-ear 1839, a considerable falling off took place in the consumption of ardent spirits, for it was about this period that Father Mathew commenced his crusade against intemperance in Sligo. Thackeray thus describes him : — " A stout, handsome, honest-looking man of some two-aud-forty years, was passing by, and received a number of bows fi-om the crowd around ; it was Tlieobald Mathew, with whose face a thousand little print-shop windoM's had already rendered me familiar. He shook hands with the master

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 169

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are travelling streets where smuggled tobacco was once seized outright. Back in 1828, the authorities caught a fast cutter anchored off the Tower Beacon, near where Blackrock Lighthouse now stands. The coast-guard at Rauglily raised the alarm, every station in Sligo Bay responded, and the smugglers were caught before they could hide their goods in a cave they had prepared. Over 200 half bales of tobacco, about six tons, were secured along with two boats, and two men were taken prisoner. That was said to be the death-knell of large-scale smuggling in Sligo. But small contraband traffic lingered on. In June 1836, part of a cargo that had been successfully landed was seized, and a week later three half bales of tobacco were found in a cart right in the streets of this town. So the trade never fully died, even after the great crackdown eight years before.

48. County Club and Constitutional Club in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1879–1881

    The County Club was started in 1879 in Wine-street, Sligo. The Constitutional Club, founded in December 1881 in Stephen-street, numbered about 160 members with well-furnished rooms, telegraph service, and a billiard-room.

    Read the passage

    The County Club, in Wine-street, was started in 1879 ; and the Constitutional Club, in Stephen-street, whicb was founded December, 1881, now numbers about 160 members ; the numerous rooms are well-furnished, and the attractions of a daily service of telegrams and a large billiard-room help annually to augment the membersbip.

    The GrAS Company was established in 1840. In the year 1839 Mr. James Colquhoun, c.e. (formerly of Sheffield), visited Sligo for the purpose of erecting gas-works and lighting the town. With that object he obtained premises in Wine-street, but not being able to procure funds for completing the works he called several public meetings of the inhabitants of Sligo during the years 1839 and 1840 to take into consideration a proposal for forming a Company to carry out and complete the lighting of the town, the capital stock to be £600, divided into £10 shares. The preliminaries were arranged, and the trust deed was signed on May 29th, 1840. The first committee of manage-

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 91

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, two clubs once stood on its streets. The County Club began in 1879 on Wine Street. The Constitutional Club followed in December 1881 on Stephen Street, and it grew to about 160 members. Its rooms were well furnished, and it offered a daily telegraph service along with a large billiard room, attractions that helped its membership grow each year.

49. Daily penny post established to Sligo hinterland 1832

    Ballymote · town · Sligo · 1832

    In 1832 a daily penny post was established from Sligo to Ballymote, Tubbercurry, Coolaney, Skreen, and Cliffoney. This expanded postal communication across the county.

    Read the passage

    The first Sligo postmaster whose name is known was Adam Guthrie, who held the position for thirty years, and was succeeded in 1823 by Mr. Clarke, then by Thomas Hudson, and M. T. Phillips. Mr. Wynne appears to have had the appointment of the postmaster. In 1832 a daily penny post was established to Ballymote, Tubbercurry, Coolaney, Skreen, and Cliffoney.

    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.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 108

50. Drainage of Hazlewood demesne by Mr. Wynne

    Hazelwood · street · Galway

    A great part of the demesne of Hazlewood had been very wet, but Mr. Wynne effectually drained it by breaking up the substratum termed 'lack' and cutting off springs at the sides of hills.

    Read the passage

    A great part of the demesne of Hazlewood had been very wet, but Mr. Wynne effectually drained it, not only by breaking and uniting with the rest of the soil the substratum termed lack, but also by cutting off springs at the side of hills, &c.

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 148

51. Enlargement of Sligo Asylum

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1874

    In 1874, the asylum near Sligo was enlarged by the addition of two wings at a cost of £14,000. This increased the accommodation from 250 to 470 beds due to the rise in the number of registered lunatics.

    Read the passage

    After the first passing of the Acts regarding lunacy, most cases of insanity occurring in the counties of Sligo and Leitrim that required special treatment, were sent to Ballinasloe, where there was then a central asylum for the province of Connaught ; in consequence, however, of its over-crowded condition, an order in Council was made, on the 17th April, 1847, constituting the counties of Sligo and Leitrim a " Lunatic District" (within the meaning of the Act), and ordering the erection near the town of Sligo of an asylum to accommodate 250 inmates. On the 7th November, 1847, amidst a large concourse of people, the foundation-stone was laid. A bottle was sealed up containing The Sligo Journal and The Champion newspapers, together with a slip of parchment descriptive of the particulars of the day's ceremony, together with a specimen of each copper and silver coin of the realm. The bottle was then placed in a hollow cut in the stone, which was covered with a zinc plate. The amount of the contract was nearly £30,000, the architect being Mr. William Deane Butler, and the contractor Mr. James Caldwell. In the year 1874, owing to the increase in the number of registered lunatics, the asylum was enlarged by the addition of two wings, at a cost of £14,000, which increased the accommodation from 250 to 470 beds.

    It is alleged that year by year the percentage of insane is on the increase, that the number of those bereft of reason is augmenting with greater rapidity than it ought ; but this may be fairly accounted for by improved registration, as also by a diminished death-rate amongst the insane owing to better treatment ; likewise to the fact that many are now placed in restraint who, in former times, would have been left at large ; the increase of insanity is therefore greater in appearance than in reality.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 78

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, near this town stands an asylum whose story runs back to the 1840s. Before it was built, people from Sligo and Leitrim needing special treatment were sent to Ballinasloe, where the central asylum for the province of Connaught had grown badly overcrowded. An order in Council on the 17th of April 1847 constituted Sligo and Leitrim as a lunatic district and ordered an asylum built near the town to hold 250 inmates. The foundation stone was laid on the 7th of November that year before a large crowd. A sealed bottle was placed in a hollow in the stone, containing copies of The Sligo Journal and The Champion newspapers, a parchment slip describing the ceremony, and a specimen of every copper and silver coin of the realm, covered with a zinc plate. The contract was nearly £30,000. William Deane Butler was the architect and James Caldwell the contractor. In 1874, the number of registered lunatics had risen enough that two wings were added at a cost of £14,000, increasing capacity from 250 to 470 beds. It was alleged that year by year insanity was increasing faster than it ought, but this could be accounted for by improved registration, a diminished death rate among the insane owing to better treatment, and the fact that many were now placed in restraint who in former times would have been left at large. The increase was therefore greater in appearance than in reality.

52. French dead and deserter shot at Collooney

    Collooney · townland · Sligo · 1798

    General Lake marched from Tubbercurry to Collooney, where he found a number of French killed and wounded under the care of a French surgeon. A deserter from the Longford Regiment was recognised by the advance guard and shot at Collooney.

    Read the passage

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

    1 The Dublin Evening Post, 28th October, 1798, contains an address from the High SherifE and Grand Jury of the Countj' Sligo, complimenting all concerned in the action at Collooney on their conduct on that occasion.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 11

53. Giant's grave covering-stone in Carrickglass

    Carrickglass · townland · Sligo

    In the townland of Carrickglass, west of Highwood, a massive tabular block of limestone weighing about 70 tons forms the covering-stone of an ancient structure referred to as a giant's grave.

    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

54. Gideon Ouseley settled in Ballymote, 1797

    Ballymote · town · Sligo · 1797

    In 1797 Gideon Ouseley settled in Ballymote and delivered many outdoor addresses there. His evangelistic work in the Irish tongue had previously drawn large crowds in Sligo.

    Read the passage

    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.

    In 1802 the old building in Sligo proving insufficient for the congregation, a new and more commodious one was erected in Linenhall-street. Later on, this was superseded by the present church, situated in Wine-street, and which was opened for Divine service on Sunday, 3rd June, 1832.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 71

55. Gore-Booth and Tottenham revive Gleniff barytes mine

    Gleniff · townland · Sligo · 1888–1889

    After discontinuation from 1875 to 1888, the barytes mine at Gleniff was taken up by Sir Henry Gore-Booth and Mr. George Tottenham in 1888, reviving the workings that had processed ore at the Bunduff river mill and shipped from Mullaghmore.

    Read the passage

    In tlie carboniferous limestone formation between Grieniff and Glencar on the one side, andGrlenade in the county Leitrim on the other, are found continuous deposits of barytes, chemioally known as sulj)hate of barium. The lodes on the nortli side towards Glenade have only recently been discovered, and are now in process of exploration. That towards Glencar — which is apparently a true fissure-vein varying from six feet to a foot and even less in thickness — can be traced on the surface to within a short distance of the cliff in Glencar ; it was first worked on the top of the mountain in 1858 by a Mr. Williams, who had the ore transported on donkeys' backs round the spur of the cliff to Gleniff, whence it was carted to Mullaglimore and shipped there in the raw state for Liverpool. Mr. Williams not being able to come to terms with the owners of the mineral rights, abandoned the working, which so far had been a mere scratching of the surface. In 1870 the working of the lode was taken up by Mr. Folliott Barton, who began at the top of the cliff in Gleniff, on Sir Robert Gore-Booth's property. The ore was thence brought down to the valley by small buckets carrying two stone weight each ; the buckets were then hooked on to an endless wire-rope, and moved by the weight of the full buckets round inclined drums at either end. The vertical height of the terminal stage at the mouth of the workings, above the lower terminal platform, wliere the buckets were taken off, emptied, and hooked on again on tlie other side of the drum, was about 1000 feet. The ore was removed to a wash-trough situated a couple of miles down the glen, and from thence to a small Water-mill near the mouth of the Bunduff river, where it was ground by the wet process used in making china, lavigated, bleached with sulphuric acid, and packed in barrels or bags for shipment from Mullaglimore. From 1875 to 1888 the working of the mine was discontinued. In the latter year Sir Henry Gore-Booth and Mr. George Tottenham took it up, and have

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 125

56. Hunt-races at Tullyhill, Lough Gill, and Hazlewood

    Tullyhill · townland · Westmeath · 1800–1886

    When Sir Robert Gore-Booth kept the Sligo hounds, annual hunt-races were held near Tullyhill, and later on the shores of Lough Gill near Hazlewood. In 1886, racing was revived on the old Bomore course.

    Read the passage

    When the late Sir Robert Grore - Booth kept the Sligo hounds, the annual hunt-races were held near Tullyhill, and afterwards on the shores of Lough Gill, near Hazlewood ; finally, in 1886, the ancient glories of the old Bomore course were revived.

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 196

57. Hy Brazil vision off the Sligo coast, 1885

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1885

    The enchanted phantom island of Hy Brazil was reportedly seen off the Sligo coast in 1885. Local tradition held that this vision foreboded national trouble.

    Read the passage

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

    It was much remarked in 1688 that William III. was enabled to reach Torbay, and to disembark unmolested, whilst James's Admiral was incapacitated from sailing by the same wind. Hence, winds favourable to their cause were called by the people of England " Protestant winds."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 194

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are near a coast where people once saw the enchanted phantom island of Hy Brazil in 1885. Local tradition held that such a vision forebodes national trouble.

58. Inglis observes superior appearance of Sligo population

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1833

    In 1833, traveller Inglis was struck by the superiority in appearance of the Sligo population compared to neighbouring western counties. He saw hardly any rags or tatters, nearly all were shod, and the amount of clean linen displayed surprised him.

    Read the passage

    Inglis, an observant traveller, was greatly struck by the superiority in appearance of the Sligo population over that of the neighbouring western counties. He says that (in 1833) he saw hardly any rags or tatters as elsewhere ; nearly all were shod, and the amount of clean linen displayed surprised him.

    In the last century a Dispensary in the town of Sligo was entirely supported by voluntary contributions, supplemented by collections at charity sermons preached in all Houses of Public Worship. Though by 3rd Geo. IV., c. 21 (1823), grand juries were empowered to present sums equal to private subscriptions

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 172

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, it is worth knowing that in 1833 a traveller named Inglis was greatly struck by how well the people here looked compared with neighbouring western counties. He saw hardly any rags or tatters, nearly everyone was shod, and the amount of clean linen on display genuinely surprised him.

59. Irish Parliament grant for whale fishery off Sligo coast

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1780–1800

    Toward the close of the eighteenth century the Irish Parliament gave a grant to promote whale fishing, but it was soon discontinued. Spermaceti and bottle-nose whales frequented the Sligo littoral, following herring shoals into the bays.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 128

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo town, you are near a coast that once drew whales. Toward the close of the eighteenth century, the Irish Parliament gave a grant to promote whale fishing here, but it was discontinued shortly afterwards. Spermaceti whales occasionally frequented this littoral, and bottle-nose whales appeared in shoals, following herring and other migratory fish into the bays and inlets. Fishermen called the appearance of these whales one of the signs of fish. The basking-shark, or true sun-fish, ranging from 30 to 40 feet, was formerly numerous off the Sligo coast in summer. The spermaceti whale was very valuable at the commencement of the century, and the basking-shark was worth £45, though foreign competition later reduced that amount considerably. In 1884, two basking-sharks, each nearly 30 feet long, were captured and their combined value did not exceed £30. The Sligo coast fishery extended from Ballina Bridge to Mullaghmore. In 1850 it employed 575 registered vessels with 3263 men and boys, but by 1888 there were but 209 boats and 889 men along the whole coast from Ballina bridge to Donegal Abbey.

60. Iron bridge over the Moy on Tubbercurry-Sessue road

    Tobercurry · town · Sligo · 1880–1881

    During the relief works of 1880-1881, the only iron bridge in County Sligo was erected over the river Moy on the new road from Tubbercurry to Sessue. It has a 40-foot clear span, uses about 17 tons of iron, and cost approximately £550 with abutments.

    Read the passage

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

    203

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 101