The history of Sligo : town and county

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. Donlevy family at Ballygawley and Templehouse

   Ballygawley · town · Sligo · 1694

   The exact birthplace of Dr. Donlevy in County Sligo was most probably either Ballygawley in the parish of Killross, where a respectable Donlevy family long lived, or Templehouse in the parish of Kilvarnet, where more than one Donlevy family still resided at the time of writing.

   Read the passage

   Dr. Donlevy was born in or about the year 1694, and received his early education in Ballyrnote. About 1710 he succeeded, in spite of the vigilance of the English authorities, in makino* his way to Paris, where he completed his studies and preparation for the priesthood. On his ordination he was appointed Prefect of the Irish College, or, as it was then called, the Irish Community^ in Paris, an office which he seems to have held till his death, which occurred some time after 1761, the precise date being unknown. The exact spot of the county in which he was born has not been ascertained, but most probably it was either Ballygawley, in the parish of Killross, where there lived long, and until very recently, a respectable family of the name Donlevy, to which, too, the late Dean Donlevy of Sligo belonged, or Templehouse, in the parish of Kilvarnet, where more than one family of the name still resides. While Prefect of the Irish Community, Dr. Donlevy was a valued correspondent of Walter Harris, who acknowledges weighty obligations to him " for many favours received from him, particularly in his transmitting, from time to time, several useful collections out of the King's and other libraries in Parish."

   Charles Phillips being the most distinguished man the town of Sligo has produced in modern times, it is well to give the facts of his life in some little detail. He was born near the close of the last century in the house now occupied by Mr. Josiah Cochrane Davis. His father, who was a Charles too, was a native of Sligo as well as member, for several years, of the Town Council, and died in the year 1800. His mother was a lady named Johnstone, from Fermanagh, who had a sister married to Attorney Walker of Rathcarrick, father of the late Counsellor Roger Walker, and grandfather of Mr. J. F. Walker.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 278

2. Dromard parish church erected by Father Dowdican

   Dromard · townland · Sligo · 1828

   Rev. Peter Dowdican erected the parish church of Dromard on a site granted by the Jones of Banada, and it was dedicated by Dr. MacHale in 1828. Dowdican served as parish priest from 1816 until his death in 1848.

   Read the passage

   Rev. Peter Dowdican followed Father Kelly in 1816, and, after an incumbency of thirty-three years, died on the 21st June, 1848. To him the parish is indebted for the parish church, which he erected on a fine site granted by the Jones of Banada, and which was dedicated by Dr. MacHale in 1828.

   Right Rev. Dr. Conway, the present respected and popular bishop of Killalla, became Parish Priest of Dromard in 1848, and, shortly after, of Skreen, which was then united with Dromard, and has remained so united since.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 218

3. Drumard parish and its St. Patrick association

   Drumard · townland · Cavan

   Drumard parish's name is explained, with townlands including Longford and Buninna. St. Patrick is traditionally associated with Drumard.

   Read the passage

   Bucks, II. 493. Drumard, Parish of, II. 385. Meaning of name, 391. Longford, 392. Buninna, 397. St. Patrick and Drumard, 398. Drumcliff, Parish of, I. 478. Origin of the name, 487. Saints associated with, 495. A place of importance in the past, 497. Drumcliff monastery a foundation of St. Columba, 498-9. Annals of the monastery, 500. Antiquarian remains in, 503. Castletown in this parish, 504. Lands at foot of Benbulben, 511. Cooldruman, IL 1. Lissadell, 9. Ballycounell, 20. Parish Priests of Drumcliff, 22. Protestant Rectors, 26. Protestant church of, 28. Drumcolumb, Parish of, II. 249. A fragmentary parish, 250. Mass in, during the Penal days, 258. Drumrat, Parish of, II. 201. A grantee in, 202. Drumrat and Toomour separate parishes in 1704, 215. Parish Priests of, 215, 216.

   2r

   Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 337

4. Father Bernard O'Kane builds Buninadden parish church

   near Bunnanaddan · population centre · Sligo

   Father Bernard O'Kane, remembered for his learning and accomplishments, built the handsome and commodious parish church of Buninadden before his promotion to the parish of Emlaghfad or Ballymote in 1832, where he succeeded Dr. Durcan.

   Read the passage

   Reverend Bernard O'Kane, so well remembered for his learning and accomplishments, was the next incumbent. Though his pastorate was troubled by the agitation kept up in the parish in connexion with Father Doddy, he found time and means to build the handsome and commodious parish church of Buninadden previously to his promotion to the parish of Emlaghfad or Bally mote, where he succeeded Dr. Durcan, in 1832.

   The Rev. John Corley was the next Parish Priest of Buninadden.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 105

5. Father Filan appointed Parish Priest of Curry and Kilmacteige

   Curry · townland · Sligo

   After a few years running his Sligo school, Father Filan was called back to his diocese and appointed Parish Priest of Curry, also receiving administration of the parish of Kilmacteige in commendam.

   Read the passage

   A fter, however, a few years, Father Filan was called back to his own ^diocese, and was appointed Parish Priest of Curry, receiving at the same time, in commendam^ the administration of the parish of Kilmacteige.

   Soon after this the bishop of the diocese, Right Reverend Dr. O'Flynne, dying, a considerable body of the Achonry priests

   Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 73

6. Father James Fallon signs as Vicar Apostolic of Achonry, 1640

   Achonry · townland · Sligo · 1640

   In 1640, Father James Fallon, acting as Vicar Apostolic of Achonry, signed a letter from Connaught prelates to the Cardinal Protector of Ireland seeking the appointment of John De Burgo to the bishopric of Clonfert. He had served as Procurator in Rome for the province of Connaught since 1630.

   Read the passage

   Few bishops in the episcopal succession of Achonry have stronger claims to the grateful remembrance of the diocese, than Father James Fallon, though only a priest. The first time we meet with this distinguished ecclesiastic is in 1630, when he was Procurator in^ Rome for the province of Connaught, and agent of the Connaught bishops. We next find his name as a signature to a letter of the Prelates of the province of Connaught, addressed to the Cardinal Protector of Ireland, soliciting his Eminence to use his good offices in having John De Biirgo appointed to the bishoprick of Clonfert. On this occasion, which was in 1640, he signs after Malachy Queely, Archbishop of Tuam, and Boetius Egan, Bishop of Elphin, as " Jacobus Fallonus, Vic. Aps. Achaden."

   Being in Ireland in the stormy days of the Kilkenny Confederation he always sided with Rinuccini, and approved his fidelity and ability so signally, that the Nuncio, on leaving the country, gave him faculties for absolving priests and bishops from the censures which had been fulminated against them.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 59

7. Father Robert Scott, Easky parish priest, 1704

   Easky · town · Sligo · 1704

   In 1704, the parish priest of Easky was Father Robert Scott, ordained in 1675 by the Archbishop of Tuam. His sureties of good behaviour were Bryan Shesknane of Carrowross and Roger McSwyne of Dunaltah.

   Read the passage

   With regard to the succession of Parish Priests in Easky : In 1704, the Parish Priest was Father Eobert Scott, who was ordained in 1675 by the Archbishop of Tuam, and had for sureties of good behaviour Bryan Shesknane, Carrowross, and Roger McSwyne, Dunaltah. His successors are unknown till we come to Father Dan McNamara, who held the cure in the first quarter of this century, and was succeeded by Father Devins, who died in 1831. To Father Devins succeeded Rev.

   416 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 225

   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Easky here in Sligo. In 1704 the parish priest was Father Robert Scott, ordained in 1675 by the Archbishop of Tuam. He had two sureties for his good behaviour, Bryan Shesknane of Carrowross and Roger McSwyne of Dunaltah. Who came after him is unknown until Father Dan McNamara held the parish in the first quarter of the 1800s, followed by Father Devins, who died in 1831.

8. Filan family origins in Killasser

   Killasser · parish · Mayo

   Several members of the Filan ecclesiastical family were born in the parish of Killasser, educated in Ballaghaderreen, and went on to serve as priests in America. The family maintained a succession of priests in the native diocese of Achonry as well.

   Read the passage

   To this family belonged Reverend Michael Filan, the late deeply lamented Pastor of the Church of the Annunciation, Philadelphia, U.S.A., who, born in Killasser, educated in Ballaghaderreen, and ordained in Americja, died in his pastorate, on the 16th November, 1887.

   Another member of it is Reverend A. D. Filan, the highly esteemed Pastor of the Church of the Assumption, Philadelphia, who, like his brother, was born in the parish of Killasser, educated in Ballaghaderreen, and ordained in America.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 72

9. First recorded naming of diocese as Achonry

   Achonry · townland · Sligo

   Thomas McDonogh (also called Thomas Mac Morrissy), who died in 1398, is the first bishop styled as Bishop of Achonry rather than Leyney in the annals. All previous entries had referred to the diocese by the older name Leyney.

   Read the passage

   Thomas McDonogh. — By the Four Masters this bishop is called Thomas Mac Morrissy ; and by the Annals of Loch Ce, Thomas, son of Maurice McDonogh. And he is styled by both Bishop of Achonry, which is the first mention of the diocese under that name, being called Leyney in all previous entries. Bishop McDonogh died in 1398. The MacDonoghs at this time occupied a leadiug position in the diocese.

   Brian O'Hara. — The first entry of the Four Masters, under the year 1409, is *' Brian, the son of John O'Hara, Bishop of Achonry, died after the victory of Unction and Penance.'' Very probably this Bishop O'Hara is the "Bernard," with whom Dr. Maziere Brady, in his Episcopal Succession, opens the list of the Bishops of Achonry.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 53

10. Hugh Roe O'Donnell's last Christmas in Ireland

    Kilmacshalgan · parish · Sligo · 1601–1602

    A castle in the parish of Kilmacshalgan is associated with the tradition that Hugh Roe O'Donnell spent his last Christmas in Ireland within its walls before departing for Spain. The specific castle is not named but is linked to the parish. O'Donnell left Ireland in 1602.

    Read the passage

    castle is, that it was within its walls Hugh Roe O'Donnell spent the last Christmas he passed in Ireland.

    In the Cromwellian regime John Bourke, Robert Hillas, William Edwards, and John Irwin were Tituladoes in the parish ; and, at the Restoration, the chief grantees were Lord Strafford, Thomas Radcliffe, John Bourke, and Lord Collooney, the lands of the last named being now owned by Colonel Cooper.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 223

11. Killaspugbrone parish relic and church

    Killaspugbrone · townland · Sligo

    The parish of Killaspugbrone contained a noted relic, and its church was antedated by Petrie in his scholarship.

    Read the passage

    Killaspugbrone, Parish of, I. 428. Relic of Killaspugbrone, 430. Church of, antedated by Petrie, 431.

    Killerry, Parish of, 11.318. Graveyard of, 319. Cashelore in this parish, 321. Ballintogher, 322. Parish Priests, 324. Protestant incumbents, 326.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 342

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is the parish of Killaspugbrone, which had a noted relic. Its church was antedated by the scholar Petrie, who placed its origins earlier than others had. The record gives little more than that.

12. Killoran church ruins and graveyard monuments

    Killoran · parish · Sligo

    Considerable ruins of the church at Killoran remain, including the eastern gable and most of the south side-wall. The adjoining graveyard serves as the parish burial ground and contains handsome monuments inscribed with local family names including Coleman, Higgins, Gorman, McCarrick, Haran, and Morrow.

    Read the passage

    Killouren, a form which renders, fairly enough, the Irish pronunciation. Considerable ruins of the church, including the whole eastern gable and most of the south side-wall still remain. The graveyard adjoining it is the burying place of the parish, and contains some handsome monuments, with inscriptions, the prevailing names on which are Coleman, Higgins, Gorman, McCarrick, Haran, Battelle, McManuSj Cunningham, Hunt, Treaner, and Morrow. A handsome monument, inscribed with the last mentioned name, was erected over his parents by the filial piety of Mr. Patrick J. Morrow, of Pittsburgh, Pa., during his recent visit to this country. No doubt, it is from the same saint we have the surname Killoran, which is a corruption of Gilloran, that is, Gilla Luathren, the servant ^ or client of Luathren or Loran.

    In the large townland of Gortakeeran, there are some megalithic remains of the kind usually named Giants' Graves. One of them stands about midway between Cabragh cash el and Coolany river, and, judging by present appearances, was about twelve yards long, and nine or ten feet wide. On the west end there is still in sitVj a covering flag eight feet long, five broad, and near two thick. No doubt, other flags covered the east end of the structure, but they have disappeared, and have left no tradition of their fate after them.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 32

13. Knocknagee in the 1633 Survey: O'Connor mortgage

    Knocknagee · townland · Kildare · 1633

    The 1633 Survey records Knocknagee in Ballysumaghan parish as the inheritance of Donogh O'Connor, mortgaged to Andrew Crean, who leased it to his son John, who in turn set it to Thomas O'Summaghan and John Darragh O'Laghna as fosterers.

    Read the passage

    The adjoining parish on the south is Ballysummaghan, which is called Drumdoney in the Survey of 1633, and is mentioned in an Exchequer inquisition of the 15th of James I. with the alias of Dromdrayne — the ridge of the blackthorn. The present name comes from persons of the name of O'Summaghan, anglicised Somers, who were formerly very numerous in the district. Several of them are named in James the First's Pardon of Sir Donogh O'Connor and the other inhabitants of the county Sligo ; and in the Survey of 1633, Knocknagee, in this parish, is set down as " the inheritance of Donogh O'Connor, Esq., mortgaged to Andrew Crean, Esq. He leases it to his son John, who sets it to Thomas O'Summaghan and John Darragh O'Laghna, fosterers." Dunally, Bloomfield, and Castle Neynoe are in this parish ; the last named place contains an imposing castellated house.

    Some ruins of an old parish church are at Kiltycloghan,

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 132

14. Lissadell demesne's verdant cultivated landscape

    Lissadell · street · Cork

    The demesne of Lissadell is described with verdant undulating grass lands, rich symmetrical tillage fields, stone and mortar fences, and numerous plantations, all presented in striking contrast to the bleak and impoverished tract beyond it.

    Read the passage

    After passing Johnsport, or, rather, Johnes-port, so called from a family of the name of Johnes, or Jones, that resided there, the scene suddenly changes. Except Knocklane — Broad Hill — which is a bright looking and regularly proportioned conical elevation, the tract before and around the traveller is as dreary a one as could easily be found. Devoid of every element of beauty, either in contour or in colour, as w^ell as treeless and shrubless, it is about the coldest and bleakest bit of landscape in the county. The effect is all the more felt after coming through Lissadell, with its verdant undulating grass lands, its rich symmetrical tillage fields, its stone and mortar fences, and its numerous plantations, all this being in striking contrast with what appears in Ballyconnell — scraggy patches of sickly oats, potatoes, and cabbage ; scraps of yellow withered grass ; open ditches half filled with putrid w^ater ; and a string, along the road, of low thatched cabins, each of which is covered with a net-work of straw ropes, fastened to iron or wooden spikes, stuck in the gables and side- walls: all this elaborate defence against storms, suggesting to the spectator the violence with which the Atlantic gales sweep often over this bare and exposed region — violence so terrible, that a facetious jarvey,

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 19

15. Lissadell House built 1837–1839 for the Gore family

    Lissadell House · site · Sligo · 1837–1839

    The Gores only began residing at Lissadell in the first quarter of the eighteenth century. Their present mansion was built in 1837, 1838, and 1839 using Ballysadare limestone, with a simple but classic elegance of design overlooking the sea.

    Read the passage

    It was only in the first quarter of the eighteenth century the Gores began to reside at Lissadell, and only in 1837, 1838, and 1839, their present residence was built. With a fine southern aspect, with a rich soil and gently sloping surface down to the sea, and with magnificent views and surroundings, Lissadell is a most eligible site for a first-class mansion and demesne.

    The best view of the ground may he had from the strand, on the Bosses' side of the Drumcliff channel. When you look at Lissadell from this point, and see the protended curve of the side that overhangs the channel, the pointed, or apparently pointed, termination of the Ballinful side, and the vale or hollow to the west, on the Dunfore, and to the east, on the Bally gilgan side, you can't help finding a resemblance between the shape of the place, and that of the shells of the Cardium genus, which lie at your feet, with this difference, that the ground is flatter and less rounded at the sides than the shell.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 8

16. Louis Dillon nominated Bishop of Achonry after long vacancy

    Achonry · townland · Sligo · 1603–1641

    The see of Achonry was vacant from 1603 to 1641 when Louis Dillon, a Franciscan friar of noble Connacht lineage, was nominated by the Propaganda in Rome. The Archbishop of Tuam and Bishop of Elphin had repeatedly pressed for his appointment, noting his family's large estates in the diocese.

    Read the passage

    Louis Dillon. — The see was without an occupant from 1603 to 1641, when Louis Dillon, son of Theobald, the first Viscount Costello-Gallen, and uncle to Thomas, the fourth Viscount t of that name, succeeded. The Archbishop of Tuam

    * The passage of Father Wolf's letter that concerns Doctor O'Hart runs thus : — " Va ancora col detto Andrea (O'Crean), un compagno per nome Owen ovvero Eugenius O'Harty, frate del detto ordine, gran predicatore ed uomo di buona vita e zeloso dell' onore di Dio, il quale e stato otto anni o incirca in Parigi ed io giudico (abbenche non va per tal effetto ne anche pensa niente) che lui fusse buono per esser vescovo. Ed in caso che il' detto Andrea (essendo le morte ad ognuno, commune) fusse morto, quel Padre Eugenius saria buono in suo luogo non obstante che la resignazione non fosse fatta in suo nome. Ed ancor che la volonte di Dio fusse che il detto Andrea viveria et fusse Vescovo Elphinen anchora potria esser Vescovo Accaden, il quale vescovato vaca per la morte della buona memoria di Cormaco O'Coyn del detto ordine di S. Francesco. Quella chiesa Accadense e adesso per fortezza in mani di gentil' uomini e non vi sia vestigio di Religione e credo che el detto Eugenis con li suoi esempi e buona vita insieme con 1' ajuto delli suoi amici potria pigliar quella chiesa dalle mani dei, gentil' uomini e far in quella come ha fatto Cristoforo Tuamense."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 56

17. MacDonoghs removed from Ballymote Castle

    Ballymote · town · Sligo · 1588

    After the removal of the MacDonoghs from Ballymote, George Goodman was made constable of the castle. Goodman signed Perrot's Composition with the Sligo chiefs in 1588 in that capacity.

    Read the passage

    On the removal of the MacDonoghs from Bally mote, George Goodman was made constable of the castle, and we find him signing as such Perrot's Composition with the Sligo chiefs in 1588. The castle, with its property in Corran and Tirerrill, was granted by King James, in the first year of his reign, to Sir James Fullerton, who came to Ireland under circumstances which entitled him to any favour the King could confer.

    Towards the endjof Elizabeth's reign. James, apprehending some opposition in Ireland to his accession to the English throne, despatched James Fullerton and James Hamilton as secret agents to Dublin ; and these gentlemen, to conceal their mission the better, opened a public school in the city, which, being men of rare ability and learning, they conducted with distinguished success, one acting as principal, and the other as usher. On Fullerton's vacating the castle of Ballymote, when called to England to take charge as tutor of Duke Charles, afterwards Charles I., it was passed with its lands^to Sir William Taaffe.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 86

18. McDonogh monument moved from Bellanagare to Ballindoon

    Bellanagare · town · Roscommon · 1819

    In October 1819, Andrew McDonogh of Derna removed the funerary monument from Bellanagare and re-erected it at Ballindoon Abbey. The removal and re-erection were carried out at the expense of the McDonogh family themselves.

    Read the passage

    October 1819, this monument was removed from Ballinagar, and erected here by Andrew McDonogh, of Derna, Esq.

    From this inscription it appears that it was Elleanor O'Rourke, and Andrew McDonogh, that had the monument erected in his honour, though Eev. Dr. O'Conor gives the credit of the erection to Denis O'Conor. The only part the O'Conors had in the matter w^as to compose an epitaph — the work, apparently, of Rev, Dr. O'Conor — which they meant to substitute for the lines previously

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 122

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Bellanagare in Roscommon, there is a story of a monument that once stood here. In October 1819, Andrew McDonogh of Derna removed this funerary monument and re-erected it at Ballindoon Abbey. The monument had been erected in honour of Andrew McDonogh by Elleanor O'Rourke. The O'Conors had claimed some credit for the original erection, but their only part was composing an epitaph, apparently the work of Rev. Dr. O'Conor, which they meant to substitute for the lines previously there.

19. Milling concerns of Collooney and Ballysadare

    Collooney · townland · Sligo

    The great milling concerns of Collooney and Ballysadare were kept in constant movement by the flour trade, executing weighty orders for merchants like Mr. Tighe and the Messrs. Pollexfen.

    Read the passage

    The flour mill must have been as busy as the distillery, for it turned out nearly all the flour used in the province, a feat which, till recently, not only kept the great milling concerns of Collooney and Ballysadare in constant movement, but gave besides considerable employment to several mills in America, Spain, and France in executing the weighty orders of Mr. Tighe, the Messrs. Pollexfen, and others.

    And it was his bakery that furnished most of the breakfast tables of Sligo. Considering the large consumption, this branch of business could hardly fail to bring profit, though some of Mr. Martin's friends used to say, that he kept the ovens going merely to secure his fellow-townsmen good value for their money — a view of the case which derives some probability, from the fact, that, when the provision market ran high, Mr. Martiu, in order to keep prices at a moderate level, sent round messengers to warn the forestallers that they should not, in selling, rise above a given figure, and, in any case, that the public would get in his place, what they wanted at that figure.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 287

20. Mr. Jones of Banada's solitary rookery, 1816

    Banada · townland · Sligo · 1816

    In 1816, Parson Nelligan observed that Mr. Jones of Banada could boast of an inheritance no gentleman within twenty miles could exhibit: as many grown trees as constitute a rookery, underscoring the then-barren treeless landscape of the parish.

    Read the passage

    pasture farms ; and while the well-fenced fields of cereal and green crops add much to the picturesqueness of the scene, they also give a high idea of the industry and intelligence of the people, who know how to conquer all obstacles, and to carry cultivation up the mountain almost to the top. The unsightly morasses of the lowland are rapidly disappearing before the spade and the plough, so that stretches, which, till recently, grew nothing but aquatic plants, are now yielding fine oats and root crops — with the very important additional result that the draining and other processes of cultivation have almost banished the malignant fevers which appear to have been long endemic in and around these swamps.* It is due to the Messrs. Robinson to say that they may justly claim credit for much of this improvement, as their example in transforming what was, not very long ago, a bleak and barren hill-side, into the fertile, flourishing, and picturesque grounds which now surround their neat lodge, had the effect of opening the eyes of neighbouring farmers and cottiers to what each could do on his own holding. Some small collection of trees, in various stages of growth, have sprung up here and there through the parish. Instead of the naked surface of the land which met the eye in 1816, when the facetious Parson Nelligan observed of Mr. Jones of Banada, *' He can boast of an inheritance which no gentleman within twenty miles of him can exhibit, viz., as many grown trees as constitute a rookery," t there are now clumps of trees or promising plantations to be seen in several places, as at the late Mr. John McCarrick*s, in Cloonbarry, Mr. Robinson's, in Sessu, Lord Harlech's, in Aclare, Mr. N. Irwin's, in Clooncagh, and

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 74

21. Newpark demesne and house

    Newpark · townland · Sligo · 1800

    The demesne of Newpark sits on a lower level than the rest of the parish and produces abundant good timber. The square four-storey house, built about 100 years before the time of writing, rises on a gentle knoll and commands views of the Sligo mountains and the barony of Tirerrill; it was recently restored and embellished by owner Mr. Robert Duke.

    Read the passage

    The demesne of Newpark is on a lower level than the rest of the parish, and produces good timber, and in considerable abundance. It is well walled, with a good belt of trees running all round inside the wall, as well as clumps and single trees through the grounds. The house, which is a square four-story structure, rises on a gentle knoll, and commands a good view of the Sligo mountains, and of the whole barony of Tirerrill ; and, though built about one hundred years ago, it looks now particularly bright and fresh, from its having been lately re-roofed and, in many other respects, restored and embellished. The present owner is Mr. Robert Duke, who is highly esteemed for many amiable and many valuable qualities.

    Dominick Martin, Owen Hurrochy (now Haraghy), Lord TaafFe, William Dowdall, the bishop of Achonry, and four members of the MacDonogh sept, were owners of Kilmurrough in 1632, but the four McDonoghs and the other Papists, except Lord Taaffe, disappeared at the Restoration, while Lord CoUooney, John Clifford, John Boswell, and Francis King, took their place as proprietors. Under the Commonwealth John Duke, Robert Duke, John Geale, Donnell Conellan, John Clifford, Edward Hill, Henry Bierast, and John Houlder, were

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 97

22. O'Donnell's prolonged camp at Sligo (1513)

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1513

    O'Donnell formed a camp around Sligo and remained there from the festival of St. Bridget to Whitsuntide, but did not succeed in taking the castle during that entire period.

    Read the passage

    22. O'Donnell formed a camp around Sligo, and remained there

    from the festival of St. Bridget to Whitsuntide ; he did not, however, take the castle in all that time. — (Four Masters, 1513.)

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 157

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town ahead. Back in 1513, O'Donnell formed a camp around Sligo and stayed from the festival of St. Bridget right through to Whitsuntide. He never did take the castle in all that time.

23. Orange Lodge No. 626 established in Sligo by 1793

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1793

    An advertisement in the Sligo Journal of December 1793 summoned Knights Templars and Royal Orange Lodge No. 626 members to celebrate the Festival of their Patron Saint, establishing that an Orange Lodge existed in Sligo at least two years before the commonly accepted founding date of 1795.

    Read the passage

    The Brothers of said Number are desired to attend the Lodge Room on Friday the 27th inst., in order to celebrate the Festival of their Patron Saint. Dinner on the table at 5 o'clock.

    Signed by order, Sligo, Dec. 19th, 1793. J. Henderson, Sec."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 296

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, there is an Orange Lodge story that pushes its roots back earlier than most accounts allow. In December 1793 the Sligo Journal carried a notice summoning members of Royal Orange Lodge No. 626 to dinner at their Lodge Room on the 27th, to celebrate the Festival of their Patron Saint. The lodge existed here at least two years before 1795.

24. Raths and forts of County Sligo

    Inishmurray · townland · Sligo

    The raths or forts studding County Sligo were early defensive dwellings, their construction material—stone or earth—determined by local availability rather than age. Stone examples survive at Larkhill and Largan (Ballysadare parish), Cappagh (Killoran), the northern shore of Lough Gara (Killaraght), Innismurray (Ahamlish), and Cashelore (Killerry), while earth raths prevail across most of Leyney.

    Read the passage

    Some antiquaries would judge the age of these forts by the material of which they consist, assigning for those of stone a different period from that which they would fix on for those of earth — though, as far as the county Sligo is concerned, the material seems to have nothing to do with their age, but to depend solely on their respective localities, stone being employed where stone alone was to hand, as at Larkhill and Largan, in the parish of Ballysadare ; Cappagh, in Killoran ; the northern shore of Lough Gara, in Killaraght ; the island of Innismurray, in Ahamlish ; and Cashelore, in Killerry — earth being used in those places where the soil is deep, as through the most of Leyney — and stone and earth mixed where these materials were found together on the site, as in a hundred different places up and down the county.

    Though all those raths enclosed residences of some kind, they varied greatly in size. The largest, perhaps, in the county was

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 249

25. Rev. Charles West of Ahamlish as land agent

    Ahamlish · parish · Sligo · 1800–1820

    Rev. Charles West, rector of Ahamlish in County Sligo, served as a land agent in the early years of the nineteenth century, a role considered incompatible with religious ministry.

    Read the passage

    The contrast between the actual rectors of the late Established Church and their predecessors of eighty or ninety years ago, evidences a great religious advance. Like Martha in the Gospel, the rectors of the early years of the century were " troubled about many things." Most of them were magistrates, and thus implicated constantly in secular business; others, as E-ev. William Grove, of Kilmacshalgan and Templeboy,* Rev. James Nelligan, of Kilmacteige, and Rev. Charles West, of Ahamlish, were land agents — an office, then as now, little conducive to a religious frame of mind ; while some, like the Rev. Carn Cross Cullen, held high rank in military corps — a position, one would think, still more incompatible than that of magistrate or land agent with the ministry of the Prince of peace.f

    * The Sligo Journal of December 21st, 1804, contains the following advertisement:—

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 316

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the parish of Ahamlish in County Sligo, you are travelling ground once tended by a rector who had one foot firmly in the secular world. In the early years of the 1800s, the Reverend Charles West served as rector here and also worked as a land agent. A history of Sligo notes that such an office was "little conducive to a religious frame of mind." He was not alone among local clergy in mixing ministry with worldly business. Most rectors of that era served as magistrates, and others held land agencies or military rank. The book contrasts these men with later clergy, seeing in the change evidence of "a great religious advance."

26. Rev. James Filan starts high Catholic school in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    Rev. James Filan, a priest of the diocese of Achonry, was the first to start a high Catholic school in Sligo, teaching with great distinction. After a couple of years he returned to Achonry and became Parish Priest of Carry.

    Read the passage

    The Catholic teachers within the same period were : 1st, Rev. James Filan, a priest of the diocese of Achonry, who was the first to start a high Catholic school in Sligo, and who taught there with great distinction and success, being admitted by all to have been a man of commanding talents and great learning. After a couple of years he returned to Achonry, where he became Parish Priest of Carry, and sustained well on the mission the reputation he had acquired in the academy. Farther information respecting this distinguished man will be found under the head of Kilmacteige parish. Sacceeding Catholic teachers were Mr. Supple, Mr. McEiroy, Mr. Dake, Mr. Charles O'Connor, and Mr. Pat McNiff.

    In regard to female schools: the Misses McOann, in the beginning of the century, taught a school frequented by Cj-tholic and Protestant pupils. Later, Miss Hart conducted a similar establishment. The good Bishop Burke and Dean Donlevy, feeling the want of an exclusively Catholic Ladies* school, opened one on the Mail Coach Road, and put it under the superintendence of Mrs. Doctor Coyne and the late Mrs. M'Dermot, then Miss Madden. Mrs. Coyne, who was a convert, and who, it appears, had more zeal than discretion wishing to have everything in the school just as she liked, and finding the Dean, who had some will of his own, would not agree to that, retired after a little in high dudgeon from her position ; and, to

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 247

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo has a place in the story of Catholic education. A priest of the diocese of Achonry, Reverend James Filan, was the first to start a high Catholic school in the town. He taught there with great distinction and success, and was admitted by all to have been a man of commanding talents and great learning. After a couple of years he returned to Achonry, where he became Parish Priest of Carry, and sustained well on the mission the reputation he had acquired in the academy. Succeeding Catholic teachers in Sligo included Mr. Supple, Mr. McElroy, Mr. Blake, Mr. Charles O'Connor, and Mr. Pat McNiff. For female education, the Misses McGann taught a school frequented by Catholic and Protestant pupils at the beginning of the century, and Miss Hart later conducted a similar establishment. Bishop Burke and Dean Donlevy, feeling the want of an exclusively Catholic ladies' school, opened one on the Mail Coach Road under the superintendence of Mrs. Doctor Coyne and Mrs. McDermot, then Miss Madden.

27. Saint Attracta's well at Kilturra

    Kilturra · townland · Sligo

    Near John Ormsby Cooke's cottage at Kilturra is a well dedicated to Saint Attracta, popularly called Toberaraght. On the edge are two crosses—a Latin cross inscribed in relief on a limestone flag, and a Celtic cross incised on a block of red sandstone. Both the well and crosses are well cared for by Cooke.

    Read the passage

    Near Mr. Cooke's cottage is a well dedicated to Saint Attracta, which is popularly called, like her other wells, Toberaraght. On the edge are two crosses — one a good sized Latin cross, inscribed in relief, on a limestone flag, and the other a Celtic cross, incised on a curious block of red sandstone. As one would expect, from Mr. Cooke's artistic and archaeological tastes, both the well and the crosses are singularly well cared.

    * The words are : —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 103

28. Scotch mercenaries slain at Buninadden, 1581

    near Bunnanaddan · population centre · Sligo · 1581

    In 1581 several Scotch mercenaries were slain in and around Buninadden under circumstances described elsewhere in the text, reflecting the violent and turbulent character of the area in the late sixteenth century.

    Read the passage

    Like the rest of Sligo, Buninadden belonged in the past to O'Connor Sligo, and in 1545 * we find MacCostello attacking it as his possession, but O'Connor and the MacSweenys hastened to its relief; and as MacCostello retreated on their approach, they pursued him, and coming up with him they slew himself and his son, and put his party to flight at Rooskey, or Euscaidhna-gaitJie, " the rough pasture of the wind," the well known spot so-called from its bleak and shelterless situation. While the O'Connors were the lords paramount, the MacDonoghs of Corran occupied the castle ; and the Annals of Loch Ce, under the year 1564, state that Brian MacDermot, in the month of March of that year, " went against MacDonough of the Corann to Bun-an-fedhain, and the place was burned to the door by him ; and he brought two hundred cows out of it, and committed homicides there." In 1581 several Scotch mercenaries were slain in and around Buninadden, under the strange eircumstances which have been already described.

    * Annals of Loch Ce, 1545.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 100

29. Sligo Castle stormed by ladders (1501)

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1501

    Sligo Castle was taken by means of ladders. The sons of Rory, son of Turlough Carragh O'Conor, and the sons of Felim climbed to the top of the castle and made their way inside.

    Read the passage

    20. The castle of Sligo was taken by means of ladders ; and the

    sons of Eory, son of Turlough Carragh O'Conor, and the sons of Felim, made their way into it from the top. — (Four Masters, 1501.)

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 157

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Sligo town. In 1501, Sligo Castle here was taken by means of ladders. The sons of Rory, son of Turlough Carragh O'Conor, and the sons of Felim climbed to the top of the castle and made their way inside.

30. Tawnagh and Corradoo religious houses in proximity

    Tawnagh · townland · Sligo

    The parishes of Tawnagh and Aghanagh, in which Corradoo lies, adjoin each other on either side of Bricklieve mountain. Tirechan records that the religious of these two houses shared festivities and maintained friendly relations, which is consistent with their close proximity.

    Read the passage

    Though the statements quoted from the Book of Armagh and the Tripartite establish sufficiently the writer's contention, it may be still further confirmed. An argument which makes conclusively against the Shankill of Elphin theory, and quite as strongly for the view here maintained, is the propinquity of Tawnagh to Corradoo, a propinquity clearly implied in the words of Tirechan, which tells us, that Mathona reached Tawnagh by passing over the mountain (Bricklieve), and that the religious of these two places shared in each other's festivities, and cultivated friendly relations mutually. This juxtaposition alone puts the Magh-Aei or Elphin church out of court ; for the monks of Tawnagh must have had as little to do with the E/Oscommon Shankill, which was about thirty miles distant from them, as with the notorious Shankill of Belfast, or the score of other Shankills, scattered up and down the country ; while the parish of Tawnagh and the parish of Aghanagh, to which Corradoo belongs, being adjoining parishes, one on the north and the other on the south of Bricklieve, the inmates of the two religious houses lived, as a matter of course, in frequent intercourse, and partook of each other's hospitalities, thus realizing to the letter the words of Tirechan, " Ipsa fecit amicitiam ad reliquias sancti Rodani, et successores illius epulabantur ad invicem."

    The western end of the valJey, we are treating of, has a very interesting history of its own, for which the reader is referred to what is said elsewhere of the parish of Toomour, in the barony of Corran, and diocese of Achonry. Before quitting the parish of Aghanagh, one additional remark may be made. While the writer has no doubt that the valley between Lough Arrow and Keash is the Dwnacha nepotum Ailello, of the Book of

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 168

31. Tubber Awnan holy well near Skreen church

    Skreen · parish · Sligo

    Near the church of Skreen, on the north side of the road, is a well called Tubber Awnan, over which there is a stone monument. The well bears St. Adamnan's name, connecting it to the seventh-century founding of the nearby church.

    Read the passage

    Adamnan left his name to other objects of the neighbourhood besides the church. Over the Dunmoran stream there is a flag, nine feet long and nine inches broad, which is called Droiched- Awnan, the Bridge of Awnan or Adamnan, and which, no doubt, is the Leo Adamnan of the Book of Fenagh ; and near the church, but on the north side of the road, is a well called Tubber Awnan, over which there is a stone monument, which

    * Dr. Reeves, in his scholarly edition of Adamnan's Life of Saint Columba, writes : — " The contents of the shrine were various relics which Adamnan himself had collected. The record of the contents of the shrine is contained in a Brussels manuscript, which enumerates 26 articles consisting of manuscripts of the Gospels, hymns, and poems ; articles of apparel belonging to the saints of Ireland ; and a few relics of St. Paul and the Virgin Mary ; the aggregate of which must have filled a large box, and been a rather heavy load to carry about."— Memoir of St. Adamnan, in Preface, page Ixiii.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 217

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the parish of Skreen, there's a holy well called Tubber Awnan near the church, with a stone monument standing over it. The well takes its name from St. Adamnan, the seventh-century figure who also left his name on a stone flag over the Dunmoran stream, nine feet long and nine inches broad, known as Droiched-Awnan, the Bridge of Adamnan, possibly the Leo Adamnan mentioned in the Book of Fenagh. A Brussels manuscript records that Adamnan collected 26 articles for a shrine, including manuscripts of the Gospels, hymns, poems, and apparel belonging to the saints of Ireland, along with a few relics of St. Paul and the Virgin Mary.

32. Tubbercurry Catholic church built c. 1832

    Tobercurry · town · Sligo · 1832

    The Catholic church of Tubbercurry was built around 1832 and described as a neat and commodious structure. A mural slab in the church commemorates past pastors including James McHugh, John Bourk, and John Brennan.

    Read the passage

    The Catholic church of Tubbercurry was built about 1832, and is a neat and commodious structure. Under the late Established Church, Tubbercurry was a Perpetual Curacy, the patron being the Protestant Dean of Achonry. According to Sergeant Shee, the ascertained cost in 184^8 of the Protestant church was £900, and the number of persons for whom accommodation was provided in it, 180.

    The third district or quasi-parish into which Achonry is divided is that of Curry, so called from the village of Curry, which lies about three miles to the south-west of Tubbercurry. This district is probably the least interesting of the county in point of picturesqueness. The prime feature of the region is its interminable flatness, stretching away on all sides in a dead

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 70

33. Tubber Keeraun pilgrimage well

    Kilmacteige · townland · Sligo

    Near the chapel of Kilmacteige there is a well called Tubber Keeraun which, about a century before the book's writing, was visited by people from all parts of Ireland. The name may derive from the quicken tree or more probably from St. Ciaran of Clonmacnoise.

    Read the passage

    Near the chapel of Kilmacteige, there is a well called Tubber KeerauD, which, if we can rely on what old inhabitants of the place report, was visited, about a century ago, by people from all parts of Ireland. The origin of the name is not known. Tubber Keeraun may signify the well of the quicken tree, or mountain ash {caerthain, pronounced caraun, being the Irish name of that tree), a sufficiently probable opinion, as the mountain ash grows largely in the neighbourhood. But it is much more probable, that Tubber Keeraun is a corruption of Tubber Ciaran, that is, the well of Ciaran, the founder of Clonmacnoise;

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 80

34. Ballinrobe Chartered School conditions 1785

    Ballinrobe · town · Mayo · 1785

    According to Rev. J. Wesley's Journal of May 1785, the Ballinrobe Chartered School had only 3 beds for 15 boys and 5 beds for 19 girls, illustrating the wretched conditions found across the Charter School system.

    Read the passage

    * An Inquiry into the Abuses of the Chartered Schools in Ireland, p. 103. According to Rev. J. Wesley's Journal (May, 1785), there were in Ballinrobe Chartered School, only 3 beds for 15 boys, and 5 for 19 girls.

    440 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 239

35. Ballyara Castle compared to Ballymote

    Ballyara (Knox) · townland · Sligo · 1312–1340

    Ballymote Castle's walls were considered greatly superior to those of neighbouring castles such as Ballyara in Leyney, Moygara in Coolavin, and Ballintubber in Roscommon. Only by minutely examining and comparing them could one realise the Red Earl's superior workmanship.

    Read the passage

    No description of the original structure has come down to us, but the existing remains, as well as the character of the Red Earl, are proof enough, that the building was at least equal to any other of the period in Ireland. The courtyard, or area within the walls, is one hundred and fifty feet square ; and the walls themselves — which are about ten feet thick, and flanked with six noble towers — look still so massive and solid, notwithstanding the 588 years which have passed over them, as almost to lead one to fancy that they were meant to defy the powers of the heaviest modern ordnance. It is only by examining them minutely, and comparing them with the walls of other castles of the neighbourhood, such as Ballyara, in Leyney ; Moygara, in Coolavin ; and Ballintubber, in Roscommon, that one comes to realise the great superiority of the Red Earl's work. Passages of about three feet wide ran through the centre of the walls all round, and were so constructed, as to give access to the towers and intervening curtains at different heights, to meet the exigencies of attack or defence ; and, as these passages opened in certain places to much more than their normal width, they afforded room to some of the ward to take their meals and sleep ; but this accommodation was supplied to the principal inmates of the castle, in the imposing range of domestic buildings which formed the northern side of the square, and which, judging by the dimensions of the inner side wall that still remains, must have contained several spacious apartments. In the so-called Survey of 1633, this imposing and massive structure is called The Court,

    Under the year 1317, the Four Masters state, that the castle of Ath-cliath-an Chorainn was " demolished ;" while the Annals of Loch Ce, in relating the same event, use the phrase, " The castle of Ath-cliath in Chorainn was broken down ;" but both, no doubt, mean that the castle was dismantled, not destroyed ; for a few years later, in 1340, we find it serving as an effective fortress, when Turlough O'Connor, King of Connaught, was

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 84

36. Bishop Thomas O'Euadhan buried at Achonry cathedral

    Achonry · townland · Sligo · 1231–1238

    Thomas O'Euadhan succeeded as bishop of Leyney in 1231 and died in 1237 or 1238. According to Harris's Ware, he was buried in his own cathedral, which was at Achonry.

    Read the passage

    Thomas O'Euadhan. — He succeeded in 1231, and died, according to the Four Masters, the Annals of Loch Ce, and Harris's Ware, in 1237, and according to the Annals of Boyle (Vol. II., p. 407), in 1238. Harris says, "he was buried in his own cathedral," which must have been at Achonry.

    Aengus O'Clumain. — The name of this bishop is now made Coleman. He was consecrated in 1238, resigned his see in 1250, and died in the abbey of Boyle in^l264, " worn out with age and infirmities." The bishop came of a poetic family, long settled in Lower Leyney. In the Four Masters, under the year 1143, we read of Gilla Aengus O'Clumhain Ollamh of Connaught in poetry ; under the year 1170, of Andileas O'Clumhain, poet; and, under the year 1438, of O'Clumhain, chief poet to O'Hara.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 50

37. Cloonacool parish priest Rev. Patrick Henry registered 1704

    Cloonacool · townland · Sligo · 1697–1704

    The earliest recorded parish priest of Cloonacool was Rev. Patrick Henry, ordained in 1697. Under the Registration Act of 1704, he had two sureties: James Rahmine of Ederneen and John Gallagher of Shessuegaruff. This registration was part of the penal-era system of recording Catholic clergy.

    Read the passage

    1. Rev. Patrick Henry, who was ordained in 1697, and had for sureties, under the Registration Act of 1704, James Rahmine, Ederneen, and John Gallagher, Shessuegaruff.

    * Irish Archseological Miscellany, Vol. I., p. 152.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 69

38. Geevagh parish and the McDonogh property

    near Geevagh · population centre · Sligo

    Father Filan, Parish Priest of Geevagh, investigated whether Counsellor McDonogh had children, concluding he died childless. The descent of the Geevagh property through the collateral family line further supports this, as McDonogh bequeathed the estate to a nephew rather than a son.

    Read the passage

    In the first place. Father Filan, the Parish Priest of Geevagh, the parish in which the Counsellor lived and died, after collecting all the evidence to be had on the subject, has concluded that there were no children of the marriage ; and when a man of Father Filan's ability to sift and weigh evidence arrives at such a conclusion, with all the facts of the case before him, it would be great presumption in others to try to set up a contrary opinion.

    Second. — An old man, of more than eighty years, named Riley, living still on, or near, the Mac Donogh property, whose ancestors were in the domestic service of the Counsellor, testifies that he always heard from those who lived before him, that Counsellor McDonogh and his wife died childless.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 123

39. Grange: places belonging to Boyle abbey

    Grange · town · Sligo

    Several places named Grange in the county all belonged to Boyle abbey. The meaning of the name is explained, and O'Donovan and others made mistakes about these Granges.

    Read the passage

    Grange, several places of the name in the county, all belonging to Boyle abbey, I. 424. Meaning of the name, 425. Mistake of O'Donovan and others about these Granges, 433, 434.

    Gray, Dwyer, voted the freedom of

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 339

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near Grange in Sligo. Several places of this name in the county all belonged to Boyle abbey. The name's meaning is discussed in the source, and O'Donovan and others made mistakes about these Granges.

40. Housing improvement in Kilmacteige parish

    Kilmacteige · townland · Sligo · 1800–1900

    In the first year of the nineteenth century there was only one slated house in Kilmacteige parish; by 1816 there were three, and by the time of writing there were 30 or 40. Slates came from Sligo and Ballina, not from Taaffe's discredited quarry.

    Read the passage

    The run of houses in the parish are of the same class as in the rest of the county. In the first year of this century there

    * A valuable improvement was made in this place about twenty years ago, through the exertions of a Captain O'Dowdd, who possessed an estate of many thousand acres of these mountains, which were without inhabitants except those "Ferae naturae," and which were nearly impassable to the active and bare-footed natives. The immense rocks, steep hills, and deep caverns, which everywhere presented themselves, formed as many insuperable difficulties, as the passage of the Alps did in former days ; but, this Hannibal, by labour and perseverance, overcame [them all, and has formed a road, where a coach passes six times a week, conveying 'passengers to and from Ballina and Castlerea, and has shortened the line from Ballina to Banada from twenty to twelve miles."—" Statistical Account of Kilmacteige."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 75

41. Kilmacshalgan old church

    Kilmacshalgan · parish · Sligo · 1615–1812

    The old church of Kilmacshalgan, sixty-six feet by twenty-eight feet, remains in good preservation with side walls and gables standing. It was repaired about 1616 and used for Protestant worship until 1812 when a new church was erected. A small graveyard with rough stone slabs surrounds it.

    Read the passage

    There is nothing recorded of MacShalgan, or the Son of Sealgan, after whom the parish is called ; nor is it known whether he was the founder of the church, or the saint to whom it was dedicated. The old church, which was sixty-six feet long by twenty-eight wide — exterior measurement — is in good preservation, with side walls and gables still standing, and owes its comparative safety, first, to its having been "repaired" about 1615, and secondly, to its use as a place of Protestant worship down to 1812, when the present Protestant church was erected. A small graveyard surrounds the old building, and almost all the graves are marked with rough slabs of stone.

    Kilmacshalgan must be an old foundation, as it is given in the Taxation of 1307, where it is joined to Corkagh, and spelled Kilmacshalhan.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 223

42. Lissadell demesne shelter plantations against Atlantic winds

    Lissadell · street · Cork

    Lissadell demesne, with its exposed Atlantic situation, required great skill in planting. Hardier tree species were planted thickly along the west border and higher knolls as a windbreak, allowing softer ornamental timber and gardens to flourish in the lower-lying stretches.

    Read the passage

    It w^as only by great skill and management these disadvantages could be overcome. But by planting the hardier species of trees over the sea, along the west border of the demesne, and on the higher knolls, and by planting them thick, a barrier was raised, on which the storm spends much of its force before it reaches the more low lying stretches, where, therefore, softer and more ornamental timber is made to flourish. Still a contest goes always on between art and nature ; and if the sickly hue of leaf, and shrivelled appearance of stem or trunk, which one observes, here and there, reminds one of the great principle, " Naturam repelles furca, tamen usque recurrit," on the other hand the flourishing state of most of the trees through the grounds, and in the plantations, the soft bloom of the flowers in the gardens, and the vivid green of the grass in the lawns, supply ample proof — that art, and outlay, and energy, can always go a good way in counteracting and neutralizing the most adverse condition of things.

    And this observation applies to the Glen even more than to other parts of the demesne. The Glen is formed by a stream which runs down from Benbulben, and works its way on to the sea through Lissadell. In old times the stream was in bad odour, and received, in consequence, the name of Brenoige, or stinking runlet ; but by cleansing it and altering somewhat its

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 8

43. Mac Donoghs settle at Collooney and Ballindoon in Tirerrill

    Tirerrill · barony · Sligo · 1232–1641

    The Mac Donoghs, a branch of the Mac Dermots of Moylurg, took possession of Tirerrill upon adopting their new family name, settling at Collooney, Ballindoon, and other spots across the district. The chieftainship rotated among these settlements based on individual qualifications. The family played an active martial role in Lower Connaught affairs from the fourteenth through the seventeenth centuries.

    Read the passage

    Tbe Mac Donoghs of the county Sligo are a branch of the Mac Dermots of Moylurg, being descended from Donogh, who was a son of Tomultach McDermot, and who died in 1232. Mulrony More, who died in 1077, being their ancestor, as well as the ancestor of the Mac Dermots, both families got the name of Clan Mulrony ; the Mac Donoghs heing known as the Clan Mulrony Lower, and the Mac Dermots as Clan Mulrony Upper. On taking the new name the Mac Donoghs possessed themselves of Tirerrill, some settling at Collooney, some at Ballindoon^ and others in various spots through the district, the chief being taken now from one of these places, and again from another, in accordance with the qualifications of individuals for the office. From the beginning they played an active and influential part in the affairs of Lower Connaught, engaging in all the transactions that occurred there in the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth centuries. They displayed on all occasions a high and martial spirit, of which the deaths of the first and the last of the Collooney chiefs may afford a good illustration.

    Cormac Mac Donogh, Tanist of Tirerrill, or, as he is called in the Annals of Loch Ce, Lord of Tirerrill, is the first of the Collooney chiefs of whom we have any account. His death occurred in 1388 ; and the following simple narrative of the event shows well the lofty courage of the man : — " Cormac Mac Donogh, royal champion of Tirerrill,* and its Tanist, went by night on a predatory excursion into Moylurg, and made great preys. O'Conor Roe, the grandson of Felim, the sons of Cathal Oge O'Conor, and the sons of Hugh Mac Dermot, namely Cathal and Cormac, with their forces, followed him in pursuit of the preys. Cormac Mac Donogh betook himself to the rear of his own people, where some of O'Conor's party first made towards him, and unsparingly attacked him ; but O'Conor himself came up with them, and commanded his people not to kill him, if they could take him prisoner ; but Mac Donogh did not

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 117

44. Mrs. Perceval's charity to the sick at Templehouse

    near Templehouse · population centre · Sligo

    Mrs. Perceval, wife of Alexander Perceval of Templehouse, not only fed the hungry and clothed the naked but extended her charity to the sick by paying doctors to attend them. More than one beneficiary survived to thank her for restored life and health.

    Read the passage

    The Colonel's son, Mr. Alexander Perceval,* from the day he took possession of the property, to the day of his death, on the 8th of May, 1866, practised the virtues of his father, with others of his own, so that those who knew him best, and saw how he took to heart the welfare of his tenants and labourers, could have only one wish, namely, that all other country gentlemen would go and do likewise. Mrs. Perceval was a wife worthy of such a husband, and seconded zealously his efforts to make the people about them happy. She not only fed the hungry and clothed the naked, but, by her charity to the sick, which she often carried to the leogth of feeing doctors to attend them, she benefited numbers, more than one of whom survives to thank her under God for the blessings of life and health.

    No member of the family excited a heartier regard than the late Mr. Alexander Perceval. Had his lot been cast in happier times he would have been the idol of the people ; and even as it was, though diversity of interests brought himself and his tenants into legal conflict, the trouble passed off without diminution of friendliness on either side. As a country gentleman there was hardly anything wanting to him, being attentive to his public and private duties, fond of field sports, frank and genial with his equals, kind and sympathetic towards inferiors,

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 37

45. Parish priests of Drumcliff from 1697 to 1814

    near Drumcliff · parish · Sligo · 1697–1814

    The succession of Drumcliff parish priests begins with Rev. Cormack Feeny, ordained 1697 and registered in 1704 as a Popish Priest. Rev. Philip Costello held the parish from 1760 to 1767 and is buried in Drumcliff graveyard, as is Rev. Brian O'Beirne, who served 48 years and died in 1814.

    Read the passage

    As to the succession of Parish Priests in Drum cliff, the first we meet with is Rev. Cormack Feeny, who was ordained in 1697, and held the parish in 1704*, at the registration of the county Sligo " Popish Priests,'' as he still held it in 1711, when depositions respectiiDg these priests were taken by the county magistrates. See Yol. I., page 234.

    The next Parish Priest, of whom there is record, is Eev.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    This parish has a long line of priests on record. The first known is Reverend Cormack Feeny, ordained in 1697 and registered in 1704 as a Popish Priest, still holding the parish in 1711 when the county magistrates took depositions. Later came Reverend Philip Costello, who held Drumcliff from 1760 to 1767 and is buried in the graveyard here. So is Reverend Brian O'Beirne, who served 48 years and died in 1814.

46. People of Tirerrill stole St. Patrick's horses

    Tirerrill · barony · Sligo

    The people of Tirerrill were noted for stealing the horses of St. Patrick, cited as an example of dishonest practices among the Irish. The reference comes from the Trias Thaumaturga.

    Read the passage

    Unfortunately there are facts in abundance to show that these charges are not altogether without foundation, and that some of our countrymen were addicted to this low vice. The people of Tirerrill stole the horses of St. Patrick ;§ inhabitants of Clare made away with the horses, and mules, and asses of Cardinal Vivian, the Pope's legate, and thus, according to the Aphorismical Discovery, brought on, in penalty, the Wednesday's fast, which formerly prevailed in the country, and, according to the Leabhar Breac,|| made this country tributary to England; some wretches, on the night after the battle of Carricknagat, carried off the " gallant grey " on which Bartholomew Teeling so distinguished himself at the battle ; and the people of Leyney, if we are to rely on the character given of them one hundred years ago, in Arthur Young's Tour, were so vicious and expert

    * Sir Jolin Davis— quoted in Gibson's edition of Camden's Britannia, Vol. II., note to page 1417.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 257

47. Pillory preserved in the Provost's court, Sligo, until 1848

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1848

    A pillory was preserved in the Provost's court in Sligo down to 1848, when it disappeared and was probably destroyed. It was one of the last surviving instruments of judicial punishment in the town.

    Read the passage

    While burglary and abduction thus cost those concerned in them their lives, other crimes met with fitting punishment. Manslaughter was generally punished with two years' imprisonment and burning in the hand ; perjury with the pillory, and either long confinement in gaol, or transportation for seven years, as in the instance of Richard "Walton, sentenced at the Summer Assizes of 1817 " to be pilloried in Sligo for one hour, and afterwards transported for seven years;" "carding" the naked back, with long imprisonment and one or two " whippings " in the neighbourhood where the carding took place ; and notable fraud in buying or selling, with the pillory and six months' imprisonment— a punishment inflicted in 1817, on Edward Hart, for passing on David Culbertson as " good, sound, and merchantable butter," four casks of "gravel and other rubbish," each cask being covered on the top with a thin layer of butter. The augur does not appear to have been in use at this early period of the Sligo butter market. It may be here stated that a pillory was preserved in the Provost's court down to the year 1848, when it disappeared and, probably, was destroyed.

    Though the Threshers' association received its death-blow from the Special Commission that sat in 1806, it lingered on for a few years more, and, even in its moribund state, gave proof of life in a carding or two, which received their merited retribution. The Threshers had no sooner retired finally from the scene, than the Ribbonmen appeared, and took the vacant place ; and, it is well to know that, as far as appears, the Ribbon association figured for the first time before the Judges in the county Sligo, at the Summer Assizes of 1819, when Peter Leydeu, John Dyer, and Patrick Gormly, who had been committed by Reverend John Garrett and Major Bridgham, were convicted '* of rising and appearing armed by night to the terror of his Majesty's subjects, against peace and statute," of "assuming the name and denomination of Ribbon men, the same not being usually

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 264

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town that kept a pillory in the Provost's court right down to 1848, when it vanished and was probably destroyed. It was one of the last surviving instruments of judicial punishment in the town. The pillory was used for perjury and for notable fraud in buying or selling. At the Summer Assizes of 1817, Richard Walton was sentenced to be pilloried in Sligo for one hour and then transported for seven years. That same year, Edward Hart received the pillory and six months' imprisonment for selling four casks of gravel and other rubbish, each covered on top with a thin layer of butter, to David Culbertson, passing them off as good, sound, and merchantable butter. Other crimes met other punishments. Manslaughter generally meant two years' imprisonment and burning in the hand. Carding, the rough treatment of a naked back, brought long imprisonment and one or two whippings in the neighbourhood where it took place.

48. Rathgran fort in Killoran parish

    Rathgran · townland · Sligo

    A fort called Rathgran stands in the townland of Rathgran in the parish of Killoran. Its name incorporates the Irish word 'grian' (sun), possibly referring to its sunny situation or to its elegance of construction.

    Read the passage

    The word ''gran," or " grania," enters into the names of a few county Sligo forts, as Rathgran, in the townland of Rathgran, and parish of Killoran ; Kathgran, in Markrea demesne, and parish of Ballysadare ; and Ballygrania, in the townland of the same name, in the same parish.

    Rathgran and Ballygrania are so called, it is thought, from their sunny situation, "grian" being the Irish word for the sun (Joyce's Irish Names of Places, First Series, p. 308), but as they possess no extraordinary superiority in this respect, over some other forts, the circumstance of situation can hardly be the whole and sole cause of the name ; and as they are exceptionally lofty, elaborate, ornate, and picturesque, it is pretty certain that they owe their distinctive name to their elegance of construction as well as to their advantages of location.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 250

49. Relic stones in the burying-place of Killerry

    Killerry · townland · Sligo

    Rounded sea stones found in the burying-place of Killerry are identified as relics of an ancient superstition involving the manipulation of stones to invoke vengeance or clear oneself of charges.

    Read the passage

    petrce, and again lapides. The rounded or oval sea stones found at Saint Attracta's well in Killaraght, in the graveyard of Inismurray, in the burying-place of Killerry, on the so-called "altar" in Toomour, and in several other places through the county, are no doubt relics of this widely-extended superstition.

    The exact nature of the practices connected with these stones is not known, but judging from what is told of the " Malediction Stones " of Inismurray, it would appear that the stones were manipulated for the purpose either of clearing oneself of a charge, or of fixing one on others, and invoking vengeance for it. It is only a year or two ago that an angry islander of Inismurray, who fancied himself wronged by a person with whom he had some dealing, went to the priests of the parish, and asked them for leave to " turn the stones" on the supposed wrong-doer. In the Bollandist life of St. Kevin of Glendalough (See O'Hanlon, Part 61, p. 41,) there is an account of a man who stole an animal belonging to St. Lugid,^ and of whom it is said, '* Accessit ad signa sacra ut juraret;" and the writer cannot help thinking that the signa sacra in question are no other than the seventeen sea stones which, after the multitudinous accidents of fourteen or fifteen hundred years, may be still seen, safe and undisturbed, on the "altar" of Toomour, the superstitious veneration of the people serving as their safeguard all this time.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 311

50. Sacrilegious murder and robbery at Drumcliff Abbey

    near Drumcliff · parish · Sligo

    A sacrilegious murder and robbery took place at the abbey of Drumcliff during the medieval period. This is cited as an example of heinous private crimes committed in Sligo during the Middle Ages.

    Read the passage

    We read of many heinous crimes of a private kind that happened in these times, such as the assassination of Teige O'Connor in the castle of Sligo by Donnell O'Connor, with his own hand (see Vol. L, p. 100), and the sacrilegious murder and robbery in the abbey of Drumcliff (seeYol.I.,p.501),but the crying

    576 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 314

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through the parish of Drumcliff, you are passing ground where the old abbey once stood. Medieval records tell of a sacrilegious murder and robbery committed there, one of several heinous private crimes from those times in Sligo. The sources give no further detail on who was involved or when it happened.

51. Shannon rath, an exceptionally large fort in Calry

    Shannon · town · Clare

    The rath at Shannon (Sean Dun) in the parish of Calry is noted as exceptionally large, with a diameter exceeding four hundred feet. It is singled out as one of the most sizeable forts in County Sligo.

    Read the passage

    that of Shannon (Sean Dun), in the parish of Calry, the diameter of which must be more than four hundred feet. Another exceptionally large rath is that of Eathcarrick, in the parish of Killaspugbrone, which Mr. AValker has converted into a lawn tennis ground.

    The word ''gran," or " grania," enters into the names of a few county Sligo forts, as Rathgran, in the townland of Rathgran, and parish of Killoran ; Kathgran, in Markrea demesne, and parish of Ballysadare ; and Ballygrania, in the townland of the same name, in the same parish.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 250

52. St. John's school in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    Protestants in Sligo had access to a flourishing school at St. John's, raised to a high state of efficiency by its head-master Rev. James Armstrong and later by Rev. W. C. Armstrong. Catholics in Sligo were at a disadvantage regarding education.

    Read the passage

    At this time the Catholics of Sligo were a respectable and wealthy body. While no way inferior in business ability and energy to their Protestant fellow-townsmen, they were placed at a great disadvantage in regard to education. In this respect the Protestants were particularly well off, having in St. John s school a very flourishing establishment, which had been raised to a high state of efficiency by its late head-master. Rev. James Armstrong, the friend of Charles Phillips, and its actual headmaster. Rev. W. C. Armstrong.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 72

53. The Nunnery ruins at Carricknahorna

    Carricknahorna · townland · Donegal

    A religious house traditionally called a nunnery once existed at Corradoo, and small fragments of it still survived in the townland of Carricknahorna at the time of writing. The author discusses whether it was originally a monastery of monks or a nunnery.

    Read the passage

    It may be objected that the house occupied by Macetus, Cetchenus, and Hodanus, should be called a monastery of monks rather than a nunnery, which is the name always given by the people to the religious house which existed in Corradoo, and of which some small fragments still remain in the townland, that goes now by the name of Carricknahorna. To this objection there are two answers — one, that the house may have been a mixed establishment, having, in different quarters, monks

    314 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 168

54. Tragedy at Monasteredan

    near Monasterredan · population centre · Sligo

    During a recent period of political and economic movements, there was little serious crime in the Sligo neighbourhood. The main exception noted by the author was a 'deplorable tragedy' that occurred at Monasteredan.

    Read the passage

    If let alone and unprovoked, the people of Sligo, without distinction of creed, are inclined to live on friendly terms with one another. In this respect Sligo compares favourably with many other districts. When several districts were disturbed by the doings of the Whiteboys in the latter years of the last century, of the Molly Maguires in 1845, and of the Fenians in 1867, Sligo was as tranquil as if nothing unusual were happening elsewhere. The attitude of the people during the last seven or eight eventful years is highly creditable to them, for though they may have wished well, like others, to the political and economic movements in progress, they took care to avoid the outrages which brought discredit on other places. Except the deplorable tragedy of Monasteredan, and the disagreeable doings in the chapel of Gurteen, and one or two other regrettable occurrences, there was no serious crime in the neighbourhood. This, no doubt, may be due, in some measure, to the moderation of those who had control of the police, and, in large

    584 HISTORY OF SLIOO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 318

55. Tranquility of Sligo during national unrest

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    The author observes that while other districts were disturbed by the Whiteboys, Molly Maguires, and Fenians, Sligo remained remarkably tranquil. The people of Sligo generally lived on friendly terms without distinction of creed during these turbulent times.

    Read the passage

    If let alone and unprovoked, the people of Sligo, without distinction of creed, are inclined to live on friendly terms with one another. In this respect Sligo compares favourably with many other districts. When several districts were disturbed by the doings of the Whiteboys in the latter years of the last century, of the Molly Maguires in 1845, and of the Fenians in 1867, Sligo was as tranquil as if nothing unusual were happening elsewhere. The attitude of the people during the last seven or eight eventful years is highly creditable to them, for though they may have wished well, like others, to the political and economic movements in progress, they took care to avoid the outrages which brought discredit on other places. Except the deplorable tragedy of Monasteredan, and the disagreeable doings in the chapel of Gurteen, and one or two other regrettable occurrences, there was no serious crime in the neighbourhood. This, no doubt, may be due, in some measure, to the moderation of those who had control of the police, and, in large

    584 HISTORY OF SLIOO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 318

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, it's worth knowing this town stayed remarkably quiet when other parts of Ireland were in turmoil. When the Whiteboys were active in the closing years of the 1700s, when the Molly Maguires stirred trouble in 1845, and when the Fenians moved in 1867, Sligo carried on, in the author's words, "as tranquil as if nothing unusual were happening elsewhere." The people here, without distinction of creed, were inclined to live on friendly terms with one another. They may have wished well to the political and economic movements of the day, but they took care to avoid the outrages that brought discredit on other places. Aside from what the author calls the deplorable tragedy of Monasteredan, the disagreeable doings in the chapel of Gurteen, and one or two other regrettable occurrences, there was no serious crime in the neighbourhood. The writer credits this partly to the moderation of those who controlled the police.

56. Delegates elected for 1792-93 Convention

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1792–1793

    Dr. Hugh MacDermot was the first of six delegates elected to represent County Sligo at the Convention of 1792-1793, with John Dunn serving as the delegate for the town of Sligo.

    Read the passage

    vention of 1792-1793, Dr, Hugh MacDermot was the first of the six delegates elected to represent the county Sligo, the others being J. Everard, Patrick Mullarky, John MacDonogh, Charles O'Connor, and James Aylward. John Dunn was delegate for the town of 81igo.

    Dr. MacDermot's son, the late Mr. Charles MacDermot of Coolavin, confined himself in general to the quiet duties of a country gentleman, though possessing talents that fitted him for public life, more especially a natural eloquence which elicited more than once high eulogium from O'Connell. On the occasion of Lord Mulgrave's famous Tour in 1836, Mr. Mac Dermot took a prominent part in honouring his lordship, and composed some of the addresses presented to him in this neighbourhood; and in 1843 he occupied the chair at the complimentary dinner given to O'Connell by the inhabitants of the county, when he divided with the Liberator himself the admiration and respect of the people.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 194

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town that sent delegates to the Convention of 1792 to 1793. John Dunn was chosen as the delegate for the town of Sligo itself, while County Sligo elected six men to represent it. Dr. Hugh MacDermot was the first of those six, joined by J. Everard, Patrick Mullarky, John MacDonogh, Charles O'Connor, and James Aylward. The material also notes that MacDermot's son, Charles MacDermot of Coolavin, stayed mostly to the quiet life of a country gentleman, though he had a gift for natural eloquence that drew praise from O'Connell. In 1836 he helped honour Lord Mulgrave on his famous tour, composing addresses presented in this neighbourhood, and in 1843 he chaired the complimentary dinner given to O'Connell by the inhabitants of the county.

57. Church erected by St. Patrick in Carbury

    Carbury · barony · Sligo

    After his labours in Tireragh, St. Patrick moved to Carbury where he erected a church, according to local tradition preserved in the neighbourhood.

    Read the passage

    According to common opinion in the neighbourhood, the honour of being the part of the county, that first received the faith from St. Patrick, belongs to Tireragh, as it was there the Apostle began his labours after crossing the Moy from Tyrawley. Those who hold this opinion add, that the Saint moved next to Carbury, and erected there, on that occasion, the church of

    * "In regione nepotum Olidae; ubi cum deficerent necessaria ad divinum ministerium sacraque utensilia, sanctus Prsesul divinitus instructus, indicavit presbytero, subtus terram altare in quodam specu lapideo esse mirandi operis in quatuor angulis habens quatuor calices vitreos." — Pars 11. Cap. xxxii.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 230

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through the barony of Carbury now. Local tradition says that after working in Tireragh, St. Patrick came here next and erected a church on that occasion. The neighbourhood has long held that Tireragh was the first part of the county to receive the faith from him, and that Carbury followed.

58. School site granted in Kilvarnet parish by Perceval

    Kilvarnet · parish · Sligo

    One of Alexander Perceval's last acts was to grant a most eligible school site in Kilvarnet parish on a long lease at a nominal rent. This gave the parish priest and parishioners a special reason to mourn his death.

    Read the passage

    Of what has been stated of Mr. Perceval's freedom from bigotry, it would be easy, if this were the place, to adduce many proofs, but it will be enough to observe here, that he, like his father, evinced a lively interest to see Ballinacarrow chapel a neat and commodious place of worship, and that one of his last acts was to grant the writer of these lines a most eligible school site, on a long lease, and at a nominal rent. To the Parish Priest, then, and the parishioners of Kilvarnet, this was a special reason why they should feel deeply the death of Mr, Perceval, even apart from the general reasons which moved the rest of the community, and in which they shared to the full.

    For instance, it was well-known that Mr. Perceval was the fondest of fathers, and the most attached of husbands, and everyone was saddened at finding him taken away so early from his infant and only child, and from his young and devoted wife. Indeed, this premature and melancholy separation of Mr. and

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 37

59. Abraham Martin buried at St. John's churchyard, Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1734–1863

    Abraham Martin died in 1853 aged 82 and was buried in the graveyard of St. John's church in the same vault as his father and grandfather. A nearby grave stone records the Martin family of Sligo dating back to the early eighteenth century.

    Read the passage

    Abraham Martin died in 1853, at the age of 82, and is buried in the graveyard of St. John's church, in the same vault with his father, John Martin, and his grandfather, Abraham Martin. His wife survived him ten years, dying in 1863, at the age of 81. They were married in 1804, as this notice, which appears in the Sligo Journal of December 7th, 1804, tells us : " Married. On the 29th ult., Abraham Martin, Esq., to Miss Alicia Cuff, of Creagh, county Mayo."*

    The late Edward Joshua Cooper of Markrea Castle deserves a high place among the Worthies of Sligo. Though he was in his day the head of the Cooper family ; though he owned a vast estate, a noble demesne, and a magnificent castle; it is not for his family, or his possessions, that he is classed here with the Sligo notables, but for his noble intellect, and his

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 287

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Sligo town, where St. John's churchyard holds the Martin family vault. Abraham Martin died here in 1853 at the age of 82 and was laid in that vault with his father John Martin and his grandfather, also Abraham Martin. He had married Alicia Cuff of Creagh, county Mayo, back in 1804, and she survived him by ten years, dying in 1863 at the age of 81. A nearby gravestone records the Martin family of Sligo dating back to the early eighteenth century.

60. Achonry church-land leased to Fleming, then Somers

    Achonry · townland · Sligo · 1755

    Achonry was church-land leased in 1755 to Robert Fleming by the bishop of Killala and Achonry, then passed to the Somers family. The property eventually came to Captain James Wood Armstrong through Catherine Somers, heiress of Thomas Somers of Chaffpool.

    Read the passage

    Achonry was church-land, and in 1755 we fiad the " four quarters " of Achonry, leased to Robert Fleming, for the yearly rent of £50, by Richard, bishop of Killalla and Achonry. From the Flemings the property passed to the Somers.

    The present owner of this part of Achonry, is Captain James Wood Armstrong, D.L., of Chaffpool, son of John Armstrong, Esq., and Catherine Somers, the daughter and heiress of Thomas Soraers, Esq., of Chaffpool. In the first decade or two of the current century, the name of "Catharine Somers, a minor," occurs frequently in the Sligo Journal in advertisements, about the letting of lands on the Chaffpool estate during her minority.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 62