Name: The history of Sligo : town and county
Author: Terence O'Rorke

Achonry Parish as a former diocese

Achonry · townland · Sligo

The parish of Achonry has notable scenery and area, and served as a diocese before becoming a parish. It lists the bishops of the diocese and describes their personal qualities.

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Achonry, Parish of ; its scenery and area, II. 92. A diocese before being a parish, 93. Bishops of the diocese, 94. List of Achonry bishops, 96- 113. Personal qualities of Achonry bishops, 113, 114. Vicars Apostolic, 114-117. Extent of Achonry parish, 117. Divided into the ecclesiastical parishes or districts of Mulnabreena, Cloonacool, and Curry, 118. Owners of Achonry town-
land, 119. Battle of Cunghill, 120. Court abbey and lands, 121, 122. Parish Priests, 123, 124. Protestant Incumbents, 125. Ecclesiastical parish of Cloonacool, 126. Tubbercurry, 127. Families of Naper and Meredith, 128. Kilcumrain graveyard, 130. Charter from the Book of Kells, 131. Parisli Priests of Cloonacool, 132,133. Ecclesiastical Parish of Curry, 133. Look of landscape, 134. Curry district and the monastery of Kilcreunat, 135. Grantees at the Restoration, 136. Parish Priests of, 137. Father James Filan, 138, 139.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 333

Aghanagh Church lands and the Phibbs family

Aghanagh · townland · Sligo · 1692

In pre-Reformation times the parish of Aghanagh contained 934 acres of Church land in the valley between Lough Arrow and Keash. By 1692 the Archbishop of Tuam was listed as tenant of the four quarters of Aghanagh, and the Church land eventually passed to the Phibbs family, successors to the Kings of Boyle.

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In pre-Reformation times the valley between Lough Arrow and Keash abounded in Church land, there being 934 acres in the parish of Aghanagh. In the Rental of 1692 the Archbishop of Tuam is entered as tenant of the four quarters of Aghanagh. The Church land of the parish is now owned by the Phibbs' family, who, succeeding the Kings of Boyle in its possession, became, under " that hideous blot upon the Statute Book of the

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 169

Ancient church site at Lissadell

Lissadell · street · Cork

According to John O'Donovan, a church once stood at Lissadell near the sea, on the site of the old stables. This was one of several ancient church sites in the parish of Drumcliff.

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As might be expected of a parish where there was sucli an extent of church land, there have been many churches in it. To say nothing of Drumcliff monastery, the sites of various places of worship are still pointed out in other districts — one at Keelty, on the side of Benbulben ; one in Ballynagalliagh ; one at Kilcregan, on the road to Rosses Point ; two in the Rosses ; one at Kilmacanon, which, with its cemetery, has been wiped out by the blowing sand; one at Ballintemple, recte, Ballintemplebeolan, which was so called from the ecclesiastical family named Beolan, modernized, in some places, into Boylan ; and in others, as Tireragh, into Boland ; and one in Lissadell, which, according to John O'Donovan, stood near the sea, just on the site of the old stables.
The present churches of Magherow and Rathcormac are not the first that rose on their respective sites. About a hundred years ago a nice chapel was erected at Magherow, which was repaired and much improved, in 1845, by Father O'Gara. An idea, however, had got abroad, that it was shaky ; and a cry, " The chapel is falling," having been raised, on Christmas Day, 1856, when the floor and galleries were filled to overflowing, numbers had bones broken, or received other severe injuries, in a wild attempt to get clear of the building. Father Moraghan, who was then curate in the parish, acted towards the injured the parts, at once, of surgeon, physician, and priest, resembling, in this, not a little, the great and good Archbishop Fenelon, who, after the battle of Malplaquet, moved about among the wounded soldiers, ministering surgical and medical, as well as spiritual aid — a scene immortalized in a noble painting by a great French Artist.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 21

Annual charity bazaars in Sligo town

Sligo · town · Sligo

Two great annual bazaars were held in Sligo, one benefiting the Sisters of Mercy and the other the County Sligo Protestant Orphan Society. Nearly every village in the county also hosted its own local bazaar, reflecting widespread lay fundraising for churches and schools.

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Bazaars, it need hardly be added, are in frequent requisition. In addition to the two great annual bazaars held in Sligo — one for the Sisters of Mercy, and the other for the County Sligo Protestant Orphan Society — there is hardly a village in the county that has not its local bazaar. So potent are the influences at work, that professional men and public officers, carried away by the fashion of the time, and the exuberance of their own zeal, in the midst of all their urgent engagements and avocations, manage to get up little lotteries or bazaars of their own.
Collection cards are so common that you meet them everywhere— on the road, in shops, at fairs and markets, in the houses of friends, and in your own house, where " pushing " little boys and girls, like drivers of bread vans, bring you the article, just to save you the trouble of looking for it elsewhere. In a word, available agencies of all kinds are set in motion, with the result that everybody, to use an Americanism, is " utilized," and made to contribute one thing or another — the rich, money; rich and poor, objects for bazaars; the musical, the eloquent, the facetious, their respective gifts in concerts, lectures, and entertainments ; paterfamilias, his advice and experience as an organizer ; and his pretty and precocious little folks, their incomparable services as ticket touters.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 317

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo town, you are in a place that once held two great annual bazaars. One raised funds for the Sisters of Mercy, and the other for the County Sligo Protestant Orphan Society. Hardly a village in the whole county lacked its own local bazaar as well. The book says professional men and public officers, despite all their urgent engagements, managed to get up little lotteries or bazaars of their own. Collection cards were everywhere, on the road, in shops, at fairs and markets, in the houses of friends. The author notes that everybody was "utilized," as the Americanism had it. The rich gave money, rich and poor gave objects for the bazaars. The musical, the eloquent, and the facetious gave their gifts in concerts, lectures, and entertainments. The father of the family gave his advice and experience as an organizer, and his children served as ticket touters.

Ballysadare parish youths achieve distinction in public service

Ballysadare · townland · Sligo

The parish of Ballysadare was noted for producing numerous young men who attained public positions after passing Civil Service examinations. Several were named, including officials in Dublin, London, and elsewhere, suggesting the parish's continuing capacity to produce men of note.

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It is pleasant to be able to add that the parish of Ballysadare shows no signs of failing to produce men of note ; and though it is a maxim, that a man had better not prophesy unless he knows, one may venture, without much risk, to predict, that several youths of the parish, who lately left it to fill public positions, after proving the possession of superior abilities by brilliant CJivil Service examinations or equally satisfactory tests, are sure one day to give a good account of themselves. Such young men are, to name a few, Mr. James F. McGetrick, of the Valuation Ofiice, Dublin ; Mr. Michael M. Hart, of the Education Office, Marlborough Street ; Mr. John Bree, National Debt Office, London ; Mr. Patrick J. McManus, of the Excise ; Mr. -John Gunning, of the Customs ; Mr. Hugh Stephen Hart, a talented pressman ; Mr. Michael J. McManus, of the Excise ; Mr. Patrick Quin, of the Customs; Mr. George Denison, Head Master of a High School, in Derby, England ; Mr. Joseph McKim, author of an interesting collection of poems, published in 1888 ; and several others.
We cannot more appropriately close these references to county Sligo Worthies than by recording the striking fact that the county has, within the last year or two, furnished our great national College of Maynooth with three of its ablest professors — Rev. Thomas Gilmartin, Professor of Ecclesiastical History ;

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 294

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here is Ballysadare, a parish noted for turning out young men who went on to hold public positions across Ireland and England. After passing Civil Service examinations, several from this parish took up roles in government offices. James McGetrick went to the Valuation Office in Dublin, Michael Hart to the Education Office on Marlborough Street, and John Bree to the National Debt Office in London. Patrick McManus and Michael McManus both entered the Excise, while John Gunning and Patrick Quin joined the Customs. Hugh Stephen Hart became a pressman, and George Denison became headmaster of a high school in Derby, England. Joseph McKim published a collection of poems in 1888. The writer of this record predicted these young men would give a good account of themselves. He also noted that County Sligo had recently furnished Maynooth with three of its ablest professors, including Reverend Thomas Gilmartin, Professor of Ecclesiastical History.

Billa bridge built by cesspayers of Leyny

Billa · townland · Sligo

The bridge of Billa, described as one of the best in County Sligo, was designed by the county surveyor C. B. Jones and promoted by C. W. O'Hara of Annaghmore. An inscription records it was built by the cesspayers of Leyny with O'Hara's assistance.

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The oldest bridges of the county are those of Sligo (1188), Ballysadare (1361), and CoUooney (about 1400) ; but these are not the structures that now exist in those places. The bridge of Ardcree across the Owenmore, of Ballygrania across the Uncion, and of Drumcliffe across the Codnach, date from the last century. The fine bridge of Templehouse was built in 1812; the bridge of Easky in 1818, on a Presentment of £398, 7s. passed in the Lent Assizes of that year, " To Colonel John Irwin to build a bridge of three arches over the river Easky ;" and the latest as well as one of the best bridges which the county can boast of, that of Billa, designed by our talented county surveyor, and promoted, with his accustomed liberality, by Mr. O'Hara, is only just finished. An inscription on a finely-chiselled stone in the structure records the following particulars of the erection : —
Built by the Cesspayers of Leyney,

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 303

Bishop Cormac O'Tarpy buried at Mellifont Abbey

Mellifont · townland · Louth · 1226

Cormac O'Tarpy was Abbot of Mellifont when he became bishop of Leyney. He died in that abbey and was buried there in 1226, suggesting he likely held both the abbacy and the bishopric simultaneously.

Read the passage

CoRMAC O'Tarpy. — The Four Masters call him Connmagh, and others Carus O'Tarpy. He was Abbot of Mellifont when he became bishop of Leyney ; and, as he died in that abbey, and was buried there in 1226, it is likely he held the abbacy with the bishoprick.
GiLLA IsA O'Clery. — This prelate is called in the Annals of Boyle (D' Alton's edition, Vol. II., p. 371), Gelasius O'Derig. He died in 1230.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 50

Bishop Durcan consecrated at Church of the Assumption, Collooney

Collooney · townland · Sligo · 1852–1875

Patrick Durcan was elected bishop on 28 September 1852 and consecrated in the Church of the Assumption, Collooney, on 30 November that year. He had served as Parish Priest of Collooney (Ballysadare and Kilvarnet) and Vicar-General of the diocese from 1832 to 1852, and was buried in the same tomb as his friend Dr. McNicholas after his death on 1 May 1875.

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Patrick Durcan was elected on the 28th September, 1852, to succeed Dr. McNicholas, and was consecrated in the Church of the Assumption, Collooney, on the 30th November in that year. Born at Cloonacool, in the parish of Achonry, he made his early classical studies first, at Swineford, and next in the diocesan school of Ballaghadereen, whence he passed, in 1812, to Maynooth College, where he was ordained priest in 1820, after a distinguished college career of eight years. Administrator of the mensal parish of Ballaghaderreen (Castlemore and Kilcoleman), from 1820 to 1823 ; Parish Priest of Ballymote (Emlaghfad and Kilmorgan), from 1823 to 1832 ; Parish Priest of Collooney (Ballysadare and Kilvarnet), and Vicar-General af the diocese from 1832 to 1852 ; he was a missionary priest of thirty years standing when consecrated. This best of bishops died on the 1st May, 1875, and was buried on the 4th of that month, in the same tomb, with his friend Dr. McNicholas. The mural tablet over his remains bears the following inscription:—
* Pray for the soul of the Right Reverend Father in Christ, Patrick McNicholas, Bishop of Achonry, who governed this church for thirty years. He departed this life on the eleventh day of February, a.d. 1852. God rest his soul.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 57

Carricknahorna Nunnery and St. Patrick's church conjecture

Carricknahorna · townland · Donegal

A conjecture identifies St. Patrick's church at Dumecha nepotum Ailello with a church that stood on the site now called the Nunnery, at Carricknahorna in the parish of Aghanagh. The site lies in Tirerrill, where Tirechan locates St. Patrick's foundation.

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The church of "Bishop Lugid" being ascertained, a question now arises, whether it should not be identified with the church, that Saint Patrick founded at Diimecha nepotum Ailello* In what is stated, in another page, under the head of the Parish of Aghanagh, may be seen a conjecture, that this foundation of our national apostle was a church which stood on the site of what is now called the Nunnery, at Carricknahorna, in that
* Documenta de S. Patricio, E. Hogan, S.J., p. 70.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 111

Collooney: village, rapids, waterfall, and churches

Collooney · townland · Sligo

Collooney is described as a village with notable rapids, a waterfall, and churches. The Independents were active there, and a battle was fought at Collooney.

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CoUooney, village, rapids, waterfall, and churches, II. 339-345. The Independents in, 346. Battle of,

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 336

Coolea castle fragmentary remains

Coolea · townland · Cork

About a thousand yards west of Ballynakill church stand the fragmentary remains of Coolea castle, consisting of a portion of the eastern gable seventeen yards wide, four feet thick and sixteen feet high, along with sections of the side walls. Grout was employed in building both the church and the castle.

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The eastern gable of Ballynakill old church remains, and resembles that of Kilmacowen with a like lancet window. The graveyard of the place is crowded, an enclosed square at the western end being reserved for the Cogan family. About a thousand yards to the west of the church are the remains of Coolea castle, the fragments now standing being a portion of the eastern gable, seventeen yards wide, four feet thick, and sixteen high, with about sixteen feet long of the southern sidewall, and as many of the northern. Grout was employed in the building of both church and castle. The owners of Ballynakill parish in 1632 were Lord Taaffe, William Crofton, the McDonoghs, John Ridge, and Rev. Mr. Dodwell.
We have Drumcolumb in the bishop of Kildare's inquisition as Drumcollon ; and it is, probably, the Drumduliand of the Taxation of 1307. As the name implies, it is a foundation of Saint Columba. In his Life of Saint Columba, O'Donnell tells that the saint, after founding the church of Emlaghfad, near Ballymote, passed to Tirerrill, and receiving from the inhabitants of that district, who were his own relations, a tract of land, called then Druimnamac, but later Drum Colum Oille, built thereon a church, set over it his disciple St. Finbar, presented it, in token of his affection, with a bell called Glassan, and erected on the south side of it a tall cross ; foretelling at the same time, that

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 133

Crosses and stations around Inismurray margin

Inishmurray · townland · Sligo

Fifteen objects described by O'Donovan as crosses, stations, and cairns are ranged round the margin of Inismurray. These served as pausing places for those going through stations, similar to stations of the cross in churches.

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Outside the cashel are various antiquities and curiosities, as Tempul Muire — Church of Mary — or Tempul n-mbhan — church of the women — a building, which, though not so old as the structures within the inclosure, must date from a time, when monks were still in the island, and women were forbidden to pass the cloister ; fifteen objects ranged round the margin of the island, and described by O'Donovan, as "crosses, stations, and earns;" St. Molaise's well, which is to Inismurray, what the Kilsellagh stream is to Sligo, serving as an unfailing and abundant supply of water the whole year round ; and "some small heads of rock, advancing on the sea, through which the fury of the waves have perforated large holes, not unlike ancient arches, where the sea roars horridly in tempestuous weather/'f
As nothing certain is known of the founder of this establishment, it is to be regretted that those who write about Inismurray avoid investigating the point. Without giving any reasons for their opinions, some of these waiters take the foundation to be the w^ork of Molaise and Columba, some of Molaise alone, and others, of Muredach alone — the person after whom the island is called.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 17

Danish attack on Inishmurray

Inishmurray · townland · Sligo

The Danes attacked Inishmurray but did not extend their raid to the mainland. Otherwise, there is no evidence of Danish influence in County Sligo, for good or ill.

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A somewhat similar condition of society to what is here supposed may be found in the county, as in most of Ireland, through all the middle ages. The two antagonistic principles of anarchy and culture were constantly and vigorously at work ; the former showing itself in petty wars, raids, and family quarrels ; and the latter, chiefly in the multiplication of religious houses and the extension of their influence. It is admitted that the invasions of the Danes and Anglo-Normans introduced new elements of mischief, but it would be a mistake to set down their influence as all evil. Excepting the attack on Innismurray, which did not extend to the mainland, there is nothing to show that the Danes had anything to do with the county, good or bad ; and as to the Anglo-Normans, if they wrested the county from the native chiefs and held it for a hundred years, it must not be forgotten that they founded great religious establishments, like the Dominican convent of Sligo ; -while the castle of Sligo, which Maurice FitzGerald erected, and the other castles erected by the Bourkes through the county, if they helped the invaders to terrorize the inhabitants, served also to diffuse enlarged ideas of architecture and other arts among the natives, and even to bring home to them the necessity of providing some such places for themselves.
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

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 314

Dilapidated cromlech on the Ballindoon slope

Ballindoon · street · Sligo

Ascending from Ballindoon by the steep old road toward Moytura, a dilapidated cromlech or dolmen is visible about half-way up the slope to the right. It is one of the antiquarian features encountered on the approach to the Moytura plateau.

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three sides, from the surrounding country by low lying valleys, and, on the fourth, by the waters of Lough Arrow. Ascending from Ballindoon by the steep old road that leads to Moytura, you are struck, as you go on, by the vast quantity of stones, varying in size from a foot to three or four feet in height, which lie in all directions about. How they got there, whether by human agency or some convulsion of nature, you are at a loss to discover ; and, at first, on seeing to your right, about half-way up the slope, a dilapidated cromlech, or dolmen, and finding on the left, in the townland of Carrickglass, another cromlech of immense proportions, and in excellent preservation, you feel inclined to think, that all the stones about, as well as those in the cromlechs, had undergone artificial arrangement ; but on thinking better of the matter, and finding tens of thousands of these stones huddled together in groups of all shapes and sizes, you find yourself forced to give up this view, and to ascribe the scene to the action of the elements.
And this idea is confirmed by the appearance of things presented on reaching the plateau, for there, too, considerable stretches are covered with similar stones, and with others of still greater size, among which half a dozen or so, towering like pillars, or obelisks, above everything around, are sure to arrest your attention. One of these, called by the inhabitants Aiglone, is seventeen feet high, twelve feet three inches broad, and seven feet two inches thick, and though, perhaps, a little larger than the others, will afford a fair idea of the size of all. They stand for the most part in a line, running from east to west, near, and parallel to the south margin of Moytura plateau, so that they look like beacons, set up at more or less regular intervals, to indicate the way. Among them, it should be mentioned, is a so-called " rocking-stone," which is daily becoming harder to move or rock, a full-grown man, with all his force, being now unable to stir it as much as a child with his finger could some years ago.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 140

Duel at Cleveragh: Counsellor Wynne and John Martin

near Cleveragh · street · Sligo

Counsellor James Wynne, a member of the Hazelwood family, and Mr. John Martin fought a duel at Cleveragh. Collector Wynne, who was on the ground, complained about Martin's delay, prompting Mr. Wood to offer to take Martin's place if he did not arrive on time.

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family, and Mr. John Martin. They fought at Cleveragh. Within a few minutes of the appointed time, Collector Wynne, who was on the ground, complained that Mr. Martin, who had
not yet arrived, was keeping them waiting, when Mr.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Cleveragh, Counsellor James Wynne of the Hazelwood family and Mr. John Martin fought a duel. Collector Wynne, already on the ground, complained that Martin had not yet arrived and was keeping them waiting. Mr. Wood then offered to take Martin's place if he did not show up on time.

Easky bridge of three arches built 1818

Easky · town · Sligo · 1818

A bridge of three arches over the river Easky was authorised at the Lent Assizes of 1818 with a presentment of £398 7s. to Colonel John Irwin. It represents early nineteenth-century infrastructure investment in County Sligo.

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The oldest bridges of the county are those of Sligo (1188), Ballysadare (1361), and CoUooney (about 1400) ; but these are not the structures that now exist in those places. The bridge of Ardcree across the Owenmore, of Ballygrania across the Uncion, and of Drumcliffe across the Codnach, date from the last century. The fine bridge of Templehouse was built in 1812; the bridge of Easky in 1818, on a Presentment of £398, 7s. passed in the Lent Assizes of that year, " To Colonel John Irwin to build a bridge of three arches over the river Easky ;" and the latest as well as one of the best bridges which the county can boast of, that of Billa, designed by our talented county surveyor, and promoted, with his accustomed liberality, by Mr. O'Hara, is only just finished. An inscription on a finely-chiselled stone in the structure records the following particulars of the erection : —
Built by the Cesspayers of Leyney,

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 303

As the companion tells it

As you come through Easky in County Sligo, you are passing a bridge that goes back to 1818. At the Lent Assizes that year, a presentment of 398 pounds and 7 shillings was passed, in the words of the record, to Colonel John Irwin to build a bridge of three arches over the river Easky. It was part of a wave of bridge-building across the county in the early nineteenth century, the Templehouse bridge having gone up in 1812. Colonel Irwin's three-arch bridge still carries the road over the river here.

Holy Cross Convent, Sligo — Eugene O'Hart's noviciate and priorship

Sligo · town · Sligo

Eugene O'Hart entered Holy Cross Convent, Sligo, when quite young, completed his noviciate there, and was then sent to Paris for eight years of study. On his return to Sligo he became Prior of Holy Cross and was already Provincial of the Irish Dominicans when he was promoted to the see of Achonry.

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Eugene O'Hart, who, according to Dr. Lynch, was a nephew of Cormac O'Quinn, was promoted to the vacant see on the 28th January, 1562. In the entire roll of the bishops of Achonry, no more honoured name occurs than this of Eugene O'Hart. The O'Harts of Carbury, to which he belonged, were the most distinguished family of that district after the O'Connors. Entering Holy Cross Convent, Sligo, when quite young, Eugene went through the noviciate there, after which he was sent by his superiors to Paris, where, for eight years, he prosecuted his studies under the renowned masters of that city.
On his return to Sligo he became Prior of Holy Cross, and was already Provincial of the Irish Dominicans, when he was

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 55

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, you are near Holy Cross Convent, where Eugene O'Hart began his religious life. He entered the convent when quite young, completed his noviciate, and was then sent to Paris for eight years of study under the renowned masters of that city. On his return to Sligo he became Prior of Holy Cross, and was already Provincial of the Irish Dominicans when he was promoted to the see of Achonry on the 28th of January, 1562. Dr. Lynch calls him the most honoured name in the entire roll of the bishops of Achonry. He was a nephew of Cormac O'Quinn, and belonged to the O'Harts of Carbury, the most distinguished family of that district after the O'Connors.

James I grants Ballymote to Sir James Fullerton, 1608

Ballymote · town · Sligo · 1608

In 1608, James I granted the castle, manor, and town of Ballymote (otherwise Ballycleigh) to Sir James Fullerton, along with numerous quarters of land in Corran and chief rents from various townlands. The grant listed extensive demesne lands and rent-paying properties.

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The castle, manor, and town of Ballymott, otherwise Ballycleigh, and 22^ quarters, free from the King's compositions and other country burdens ; being parcels of the demesnes of the said manor, viz.: — Eathdowne, otherwise Rathdowney,4 quarters; Leighballienanty, otherwise Ballinanty, 2 quarters; Carrhobber, otherwise Corhubber, or Cloghubber, 1 quarter ; Rosslyan, otherwise Rosslean, 1 quarter; Kinaghan, 1 quarter; Ballinmore, otherwise Loughermore or Knockglasse, 4 quarters ; Ballidooroe, 2J quarters; Clonyne, or Clonin, J quarter; Gobbedell, otherwise Gobbedill or Gobodaghe, -| quarter; Ardconnell, J quarter; Ardneglasse, 8 quarters ; Ballibranan, 2 quarters ; and the other half of Ardconnell, J quarter ; — certain chief rents issuing out of divers lands in the country of Corran, parcel of the said manor, viz., out of Ballinespurr, 4 quarters, 6s. English ; Roscribbe, 1 quarter, 10s. ; Ardenglasse, 2 quarters, 10s. ; Lisnanagh, 1 quarter, 3s. 4d. ; Kinagher, 1 quarter, 3s. 4d. ; Rahinekilgie, 1 quarter, 3s. 4d. ; Imleynaghten, 1 quarter, 6s. 8d. ; Carrowreogh, 1 quarter, 6s. 8(1. ; Knocke, 1 quarter, 3s. 4d. ; Correnrie, parcel of Portinchy, 1 quarter, 10s. ; out of three other quarters

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 85

Kilvarnet parish demesnes and mountain scenery

Kilvarnet · parish · Sligo

The parish of Kilvarnet, lying south of Killoran, is described as richer, more cultivated, and more picturesque. It contains the fine demesnes of Anaghmore and Templehouse, equal in beauty to anything in the country, with mountain ranges of Slieve Gamh and Slieve-da-En to the north and the hills of Keash, Knocknashee, and Mucklety to the south.

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The parish of Kilvarnet lies to the south of Killoran, but is a richer, more cultivated, and more picturesque tract. It contains the entire, or nearly the entire, of the two fine demesnes of Anaghmore and Templehouse, which, from their advantages of soil and situation, and from the great care bestowed on keeping them, are equal in beauty to anything of the kind in the country ; while the fine mountain ranges of Slieve Gamh and Slieve-da-En to the north, and the curiously outlined hills of Keash, Knocknashee, and Mucklety to the south, add that

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 33

Longford O'Dowd: chief seat of the O'Dowds

Longford · town · Longford

Longford was one of the chief seats of the O'Dowds and is often called Longford O'Dowd in old documents. According to the Genealogical MS of Duald Mac Firbis, the English erected all the bawn of Longford except 'Leaba an eich bhuidhe' (the Bed of the Yellow steed), about which nothing is now known.

Read the passage

Longford was one of the chief seats of the O'Dowds, and is often called in old documents, Longford O'Dowd. The word Longford — Hihernice Longphort — signifies a bawn, a castle, a fortress ; and we learn from the Genealogical MS. of Duald Mac Firbis that the English erected "all the bawn of Longford, except Leaba an eich hhuidhe," i.e., the Bed of the Yellow steed. Nothing certain is now known of this Leaba. Lady

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 213

As the companion tells it

Coming up is Longford, often called Longford O'Dowd in old documents because it was a chief seat of the O'Dowds. The name means a bawn or fortress. According to the Genealogical MS of Duald Mac Firbis, the English built all the bawn of Longford except what he called the Bed of the Yellow Steed. Nothing more is known about that part now.

Oldest bridges of Sligo, Ballysadare and Collooney

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1188–1400

The oldest bridges in County Sligo date to the medieval period: Sligo bridge (1188), Ballysadare bridge (1361), and Collooney bridge (c. 1400). None of the original structures survive at those places today.

Read the passage

The oldest bridges of the county are those of Sligo (1188), Ballysadare (1361), and CoUooney (about 1400) ; but these are not the structures that now exist in those places. The bridge of Ardcree across the Owenmore, of Ballygrania across the Uncion, and of Drumcliffe across the Codnach, date from the last century. The fine bridge of Templehouse was built in 1812; the bridge of Easky in 1818, on a Presentment of £398, 7s. passed in the Lent Assizes of that year, " To Colonel John Irwin to build a bridge of three arches over the river Easky ;" and the latest as well as one of the best bridges which the county can boast of, that of Billa, designed by our talented county surveyor, and promoted, with his accustomed liberality, by Mr. O'Hara, is only just finished. An inscription on a finely-chiselled stone in the structure records the following particulars of the erection : —
Built by the Cesspayers of Leyney,

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 303

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, you are near the sites of some of the oldest bridges in the county. A bridge stood at Sligo itself in 1188, another at Ballysadare in 1361, and one at Collooney around 1400. None of the original structures survive at those places today, so what you see now is later work on the same spots.

Panoramic mountain vista from the Court over Benbulbin and Carbury coast

Benbulbin · mountain or mountain range · Sligo

From the Gore Booth Court, fine views encompass the mountains of five counties. The text highlights the huge perpendicular cliffs of Benbulbin and Benweeskin, the towering sides of Slish, Slieve-da-En, and Slieve Gamh, and the roaring waves breaking on the wild coast of Carbury, crediting this scenery with shaping the family's adventurous character.

Read the passage

It is this view the inmates of the Court have always under the eye ; and as natural scenery contributes largely to the formation of character, it may be very much owing to the huge perpendicular " Heels " of Benbulben and Benweeskin, the towering sides of Slish, Slieve-da-En, and Slieve Gamh, and the roaring waves, which are always breaking on the wild coast of Carbury, that the family have got their marked taste for adventurous sports; that Sir Henry, leaving the timid hare, and the half domesticated pheasant to less manly sportsmen, now and again, betakes himself to high latitudes, where his quarry on land is the polar bear, and on sea, the Arctic whale ;* and, that even the ladies of the family share, in large measure, this daring spirit, though duly restrained and refined by feminine delicacy and grace.
* See in Sligo Independent^ October 25th, 1884, au interesting article on •' Sir Henry Gore Booth's Arctic Expedition."

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 9

Rathcormac church built and improved by clergy

Rathcormack · population centre · Sligo · 1833

The present church at Rathcormac was built in 1833 by Father O'Callaghan on the site of an old place of worship. It was greatly improved by Father O'Gara, and Father Moraghan added a sacristy, widened the sanctuary, seated the ground floor, and erected a marble and Caen stone altar.

Read the passage

As in Magherow, so, also, at Rathcormac, an old place of worship stood on the site of the present church, which was built in 1833 by Father O'Callaghan. This house was greatly improved by Father 0*Gara; and Father Moraghan, along with adding a sacristy, has widened the sanctuary, seated the whole of the ground floor, and erected a beautiful altar of marble and Caen stone.
In this church rests all that is mortal of the gentle and amiable Father Pat Moraghan. Resigning, in 1871, his parish of Aughrim, on account of ill health, he withdrew to the friendly home of his good brother. Father Andrew, who, after caring him tenderly for the eight years he still lived, surrounding his death-bed with all the helps and consolations of religion, and celebrating his obsequies with edifying solemnity, provided for the preservation of his memory : first, by raising over his remains a cut stone monument, with the following simple, but tasteful inscription : —

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 22

As the companion tells it

Coming through Rathcormack in Sligo, you pass the church built in 1833 by Father O'Callaghan, on the site of an old place of worship. Father O'Gara greatly improved the building, and Father Moraghan added a sacristy, widened the sanctuary, seated the whole ground floor, and erected a beautiful altar of marble and Caen stone. Father Moraghan himself is buried here. He resigned his parish of Aughrim in 1871 on account of ill health and withdrew to the home of his brother, Father Andrew, who cared for him tenderly for the eight years he still lived. Father Andrew celebrated his obsequies and raised a cut stone monument over his remains.

Rev. Valentine bequest for Frankfort charity school

Frankfort · townland · Cork · 1760

Rev. Mr. Valentine, rector of the united parishes of Castleconor and Kilglass who died in 1760, left £400 by will toward the institution of a Protestant charity school at Frankfort in that union and for putting out Protestant apprentices to trades. The sum was placed at interest and reached five times the original amount before the school was established.

Read the passage

Eev. Mr. Valentine, who was rector of the united parishes of Castleconor and Kilglass, and who died in 1760, left by will *' £400 towards the institution of a Protestant charity school at Frankfort in that union, and for the puttiDg out a few of the Protestant apprentices to trades." This sum was placed at interest, and reached five times the amount before the school was established.J
As has been said. Primate Boulter, when establishing the Charter Schools, made no secret of his design to use them for proselytizing purposes ; but other educational organizations

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror

Riverstown: the only town in the union

Riverstown · town · Sligo

Riverstown, standing partly in Drumcolumb parish but chiefly in Kilmacallan, is the only town of any size in the union. Its tree-lined approaches via Ardcummer and Cooper Hill indicate its former consequence, and it serves as the sole trading centre for a thickly inhabited rural district.

Read the passage

The only town, big or little, in the union, is Riverstown, which stands partly in the parish of Drumcolumb, but chiefly in that of Kilmacallan. The approaches by Ardcummer and Cooper Hill show it to be a place of some consequence, as the roads are lined on either side with rows of fine old trees. The village is well situated for business, being surrounded by an extensive, thickly inhabited, and rather prosperous rural district, which has no other place for selling or buying within convenient reach.
* Patent Roll of James I., p. 84.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 134

Scots assault Sligo Castle walls

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1582

Scottish forces attacked the walls of Sligo Castle but suffered heavy losses, as reported in a letter written from Sligo in July 1582.

Read the passage

29. The Scots came boldly to the hard walls of Sligo Castle, for
which they paid well. — (Letter of Thomas Woodhous to Captain Anthony Brabazon — written from Sligo, July 7, 1582.)

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 158

As the companion tells it

Coming through Sligo now. In July 1582, a letter written from here by Thomas Woodhous to Captain Anthony Brabazon reported that the Scots came boldly to the hard walls of Sligo Castle, "for which they paid well" — meaning they suffered heavy losses in the attempt.

Sencheal Dumaighe identified with Corradooey

Corradooey · townland · Donegal

The author argues that the early church known as Sencheal Dumaighe, mentioned in the Book of Armagh and the Tripartite Life, was located at Corradooey in Tirerrill, not at Shankill of Elphin. The place-name retains the syllable 'doo' preserving the ancient 'dumacha' or 'dumiche' referenced by Tirechan.

Read the passage

It is clear then that Colgan locates the Sencheal Dumaighe in Tirerrill; but independently of his authority, which is so decisive on questions of Irish topography, the text of both the " Documenta " and the Vita Tripartita, leaves no room for doubt in the matter, as the " Dumacha nepotum Ailello " of the former, and the " regionem Hua Nolella " of the latter, admit of no other meaning. The Shankill then of Elphin being far away from the " regionem Hua Nolella" the territory of the sons of Ollioll, or Tirerrill, it follows that it is not the sjDot to which Saint Patrick proceeded from Elphin ; and, on the other hand, as Corradoo, or Corradooey, is in Tirerrill, and the only place in Tirerrill which always retained, and still retains, in the syllable doo, [traces of the dumiche of Tirechan, and the dumacJia of the Tripartite, the consequence is patent, that it is the spot in question.
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

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 168

Sligo Castle erected by Maurice FitzGerald

Sligo · town · Sligo

Maurice FitzGerald erected the castle of Sligo as part of the Anglo-Norman consolidation of the county. While castles helped the invaders terrorize inhabitants, they also diffused architectural knowledge among the native population.

Read the passage

A somewhat similar condition of society to what is here supposed may be found in the county, as in most of Ireland, through all the middle ages. The two antagonistic principles of anarchy and culture were constantly and vigorously at work ; the former showing itself in petty wars, raids, and family quarrels ; and the latter, chiefly in the multiplication of religious houses and the extension of their influence. It is admitted that the invasions of the Danes and Anglo-Normans introduced new elements of mischief, but it would be a mistake to set down their influence as all evil. Excepting the attack on Innismurray, which did not extend to the mainland, there is nothing to show that the Danes had anything to do with the county, good or bad ; and as to the Anglo-Normans, if they wrested the county from the native chiefs and held it for a hundred years, it must not be forgotten that they founded great religious establishments, like the Dominican convent of Sligo ; -while the castle of Sligo, which Maurice FitzGerald erected, and the other castles erected by the Bourkes through the county, if they helped the invaders to terrorize the inhabitants, served also to diffuse enlarged ideas of architecture and other arts among the natives, and even to bring home to them the necessity of providing some such places for themselves.
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

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 314

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town shaped by the Anglo-Norman conquest. Maurice FitzGerald erected the castle of Sligo, and the Bourkes erected other castles through the county. These castles helped the invaders terrorize the inhabitants, but they also served to diffuse enlarged ideas of architecture and other arts among the natives, and even brought home to them the necessity of providing such places for themselves. The Anglo-Normans also founded great religious establishments, like the Dominican convent of Sligo. The castle saw dark events too. Teige O'Connor was assassinated in the castle of Sligo by Donnell O'Connor, with his own hand. The writer notes that the middle ages in the county, as in most of Ireland, saw two antagonistic principles at work: anarchy, in petty wars, raids, and family quarrels, and culture, chiefly in the multiplication of religious houses and the extension of their influence. The Anglo-Normans held the county for a hundred years after wresting it from the native chiefs.

Sligo town as centre of scenic and antiquarian region

Sligo · town · Sligo

Sligo town is described as the centre of a region teeming with attractions including Benbulben, Knocknarea, Lough Gill, Glencar, Hazelwood, Lissadell, and the world-renowned antiquities of Carrowmore and Deerpark, all within easy reach.

Read the passage

interest and beauty — the majestic range of Benbulben, the beautifully outlined Hill of Knocknarea, the incomparable Lough Gill, the Eden-like valley of Glencar, the noble demesnes of Hazelwood and Lissadell, the world-renowned antiquities of Carrowmore and Deerpark, and not a few others, all within easy reach of the town.
With such attractions and such facilities for enjoying them, Sligo is sure to become the favourite resort of tourists. It is little wonder that this class of travellers kept away from the place in the past when it took twentj^-six hours to get from Dublin to Sligo, when the country was so disturbed that people had to travel in the company of " a well armed guard," and when the mode of conveyance was a lumbering, jolting vehicle, in which passengers were exposed to rain, wind, and the other severities of the weather ; but now, that all this is changed, that the district is as peaceful as it is picturesque, that the Limited Mail glides, in four hours, from Dublin to Sligo, and that its carriages are as cozy as boudoirs, it is a law of travel, as sure as the law of gravitation, that the main tourist stream of Ireland must in future flow into Sligo.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 304

As the companion tells it

Sligo town sits at the heart of a region full of attractions, all within easy reach. Around it rise the majestic range of Benbulben and the beautifully outlined Hill of Knocknarea, while Lough Gill, the Eden-like valley of Glencar, and the noble demesnes of Hazelwood and Lissadell surround the town. The world-renowned antiquities of Carrowmore and Deerpark lie close by as well. In the past, tourists stayed away because it took 26 hours to get from Dublin to Sligo, the country was so disturbed that people had to travel in the company of

St. Barbara's Well near Tubber Araght

Kilmacteige · townland · Sligo

Within a few yards of Tubber Araght there is a well called St. Barbara's Well, supposedly named after some companion of St. Attracta. Kilmacteige was famous for its holy wells.

Read the passage

Kilmacteige, it appears, was famous for its Holy Wells. Within a few yards of Tubber Araght, there is a well called St. Barbara's Well, which is supposed to have got the name from some companion of Attracta's.
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

St. Molaise's well on Inismurray

Inishmurray · townland · Sligo

St. Molaise's well on Inismurray served as the island's perennial water source, compared by the author to the Kilsellagh stream's role for Sligo town. It provided an unfailing and abundant supply of water throughout the year.

Read the passage

Outside the cashel are various antiquities and curiosities, as Tempul Muire — Church of Mary — or Tempul n-mbhan — church of the women — a building, which, though not so old as the structures within the inclosure, must date from a time, when monks were still in the island, and women were forbidden to pass the cloister ; fifteen objects ranged round the margin of the island, and described by O'Donovan, as "crosses, stations, and earns;" St. Molaise's well, which is to Inismurray, what the Kilsellagh stream is to Sligo, serving as an unfailing and abundant supply of water the whole year round ; and "some small heads of rock, advancing on the sea, through which the fury of the waves have perforated large holes, not unlike ancient arches, where the sea roars horridly in tempestuous weather/'f
As nothing certain is known of the founder of this establishment, it is to be regretted that those who write about Inismurray avoid investigating the point. Without giving any reasons for their opinions, some of these waiters take the foundation to be the w^ork of Molaise and Columba, some of Molaise alone, and others, of Muredach alone — the person after whom the island is called.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 17

St. Paul's Protestant Church built and restored

Collooney · townland · Sligo · 1720–1837

St. Paul's Protestant church in Collooney was originally built in 1720 as a plain oblong structure. It was restored in 1837 by Sir John Benson, who added transepts, re-roofed it, and installed a groined ceiling.

Read the passage

The Protestant church of St. Paul's was built in 1720, and was a plain oblong structure, with a tower to the west end, till it was committed for restoration in 1837 to Sir John Benson, who added transepts, re-roofed the building, and furnished the interior with a tastefully designed groined ceiling. Saint Paul's contains a beautiful group of statuary, executed by Gibson, as a
PEOTESTANT CHURCH OF COLLOONEY.*

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 184

Templehouse castle not a Templar work; events of 1641

near Templehouse · population centre · Sligo · 1641

Templehouse castle was explicitly stated not to be a work of the Templars. Events at Templehouse during 1641 were recorded, including references to Miss Hickson's 'Massacres of 1641.'

Read the passage

Killoran and Kilvarnet, IT. 57. Coolany, 59. Error about the name, 60. Parish Priests, 62. Protestant incumbents, 63. Rathbarron church, 63. Ardcree fortorRath-ard-creeve, 66. The Percevals, 70. Templehouse castle, 73. Ath-Angaile, 73-4-5- 6. Templehouse castle, not a work of the Templars, 80. Templehouse in 1641. Miss Hickson's " Massacres of 1641," 83, 91.
Kilmacallan, Parish of, IT. 251. A prebeudal church under the Establishment, 258.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 342

Unmarked graves of priests in Keash Parish Church

near Kesh · population centre · Sligo

Fathers Constantine Cosgrave and Mark Cooke, former parish priests, are buried in the Parish Church of Keash with no memorial of any kind over their graves. The author laments that, unlike other parts of Ireland, no simple slabs record the names of these pastors.

Read the passage

Father Constantino Cosgrave and Father Mark Cooke are buried in the Parish Church of Keash, and it is matter of regret that there is no memorial of any kind over their graves. At a time when people in other parts of Ireland are erecting costly marble monuments over the remains of their priests, it might be expected that the parishioners of county Sligo parishes would put up at least simple slabs to record the names of their pastors.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 115

Ballysadare Salmon Fishery under Scott management

Ballysadare · townland · Sligo · 1880–1888

The Ballysadare Salmon Fishery thrived under the management of Mr. Scott and his son for about nine years with no accidents or trouble. Annual catches from 1880 to 1888 are recorded, with 8,223 salmon taken in 1888, the second-highest total in the period.

Read the passage

The Ballysadare Salmon Fishery continues to thrive under the intelligent and energetic management of Mr. Scott and his son. The Messrs. Scott have been now about nine years in charge, and during all that time there has been no accident, or hitch, or trouble of any kind in connexion with the concern — a state of things, in times like the present, very creditable to the managers themselves, to the men working under them, and to the neighbourhood. And it appears from the following list of the fish taken since 1880, that the Fishery is becoming more productive with time, a greater number being captured in 1888 than in any year, with one exception, of the last nine : —
Year.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 180

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Ballysadare, a salmon fishery was run for about nine years by Mr. Scott and his son. The book says it thrived under their "intelligent and energetic management," and that in all that time there was no accident, or hitch, or trouble of any kind. The yearly catches from 1880 to 1888 show the fishery growing more productive, and in 1888 they took 8,223 salmon, more than any year except one in that period. The record calls that very creditable to the managers, to the men working under them, and to the neighbourhood.

Cascades of the Owenmore at Ballysadare

Ballysadare · townland · Sligo

The stretch of the Owenmore at Ballysadare features a score of cascades rising in measured gradation, with waters floating smoothly over ledges, rushing through rocky gaps, and falling softly over sloping laminations. The ascending vapour glitters in the sun reflecting rainbow tints, creating a natural symphony of sights and sounds.

Read the passage

their favour, you will look in vain to either of these rivers for as many beauties, in the same length, as this part of the Owenmore discloses. A score of cascades, rising in nearly measured gradation to the topmost ; the diversified movements of the waters, now floating smoothly on the horizontal plane of some spacious ledge, and anon, whirling playfully in the numerous eddies of the current; here rushing noisily and precipitately through gaps in the rocks, and there falling softly over sloping and smoothened laminae, like a covering of lace ; the ascending vapour glittering in the sun, and reflecting all the tints of the rainbow ; the thousand sounds, proceeding from the varied action of the waters, combining with the great bass of the waterfall, and making a natural symphony ; all those sights and sounds together form a picture and a scene which are eminently " a thing of beauty " and " a joy for ever."

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 179

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, the cascades of the Owenmore at Ballysadare offer a stretch of waterfalls that the old writer called "a thing of beauty" and "a joy for ever." A score of cascades rise in measured steps, the waters floating smoothly over broad ledges, then rushing through rocky gaps, then falling softly over smooth stone like a covering of lace. The ascending vapour glitters in the sun and reflects all the tints of the rainbow, while the thousand sounds of the current combine with the deep bass of the waterfall into a natural symphony.

O'Connors grant Grange to Boyle monastery

Grange · town · Sligo · 1300

The O'Connors, who were attached to Boyle Abbey as their family burial place, bestowed the district of Grange on that Cistercian monastery. This grant coincided with the monks' departure from Inishmurray.

Read the passage

And it was all the more natural, as the Cistercians of Boyle acquired, at the same time, possessions in the neighbourhood ; the O'Connors, who were attached to Boyle, as the burying place of their family, having bestowed the district of Grange on that monastery. It is true that, so late as the beginning of the seventeenth century, Maeleoin O'Daly was buried in
HISTORY OF SLIGO. \ 17

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 18

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Grange in County Sligo, you are moving through land the O'Connors gave to the Cistercian monastery of Boyle around 1300. The O'Connors were attached to Boyle Abbey as their family's burial place, and they bestowed this district on the monastery at the same time the monks were leaving Inishmurray.

Tully castle held by Clifford, granted by James I

Tully · townland · Sligo · 1593–1618

An Exchequer inquisition of 1593 records William Clifford held the stone castle called Tully with a quarter of land from the Queen. Francis Clifford, his son and heir, received a new grant of the castle, townland, and quarter of Tullyhugh from James I in 1618.

Read the passage

The hill of Mucklety, though of irregular outline, has a picturesqueness of its own, from standing in a vast plain, which stretches away from it to a great distance on all sides. Very probably the O'Haras had one of their fortresses at this hill, as we read of their bringing a prey of cattle to the place : — "partem praedae ad MucoU in Lugnia retulerunt.* This, however, may mean Tully, or Tully Hugh, which is near to Mucklety, and which, as we learn from the Sligo Inquisitions, belonged, in 1588, to Teige O'Hara, though he must have lost it soon after that time ; for an Exchequer inquisition of 1593 records, that William Clifford was possessed that year of " the stone castle, called Tully, with a quarter of land ; that he died on the 20th of June ; that he held from the Queen by military service ; and that Francis Clifford was his son and heir, and about eight years old at the time of the inquisitions." This same Francis received in the year 1618, a new grant from James I., of the castle, townland, and quarter of Tullyhugb.
Court Abbey, the ruins of which still remain in a well preserved condition, belongs to Mulnabreena, and must have been in its prime a truly imposing structure. It consists of a nave one hundred feet long, and twenty-four wide ; a southern transept thirty-six feet long, and twenty-three wide, and called, nobody can tell why, O'Brien's chapel ; and a central tower of

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 63

Ballintrillick Rivulet and Tenant Comfort on Gore Booth Estate

near Ballaghnatrillick · population centre · Sligo

The strip of Rossinver parish in Sligo consists mostly of rough upland but contains good soil along the banks of the Ballintrillick rivulet, which flows into the river Duff. Sir Henry Gore Booth is the landlord, and the houses and farms of the tenants show comfort apparent everywhere on his property.

Read the passage

This strip consists, for the most part, of rough upland, though it contains some good soil along the banks of the Ballintrillick rivulet, which flows into the river Duff. Sir Henry Gore Booth is the landlord ; and the houses and farms of the tenants show the comfort which appears everywhere on that gentleman's property.
Ballintrillick signifies the town of the Three Stones, and must have been so called from three memorial stones which once existed in the place, though they have not been there within living memory.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 29

Ballintubber Castle compared to Ballymote

Ballintober · townland · Cork · 1312–1340

Ballintubber Castle in Roscommon was among the neighbouring fortresses compared with Ballymote to demonstrate the superior construction of the Red Earl's castle. The comparison underscored Ballymote's distinction.

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

Ballymote Franciscan friary described as ruins

Ballymote · town · Sligo · 1604

The Franciscan abbey church of Ballymote was a ruin by the early seventeenth century, confirmed by the 1604 grant to Robert Leycester referring to 'the site, etc., of the late Franciscan friary of Ballimot.' A Pope's bust and tiara sculptured over the western gable door may have once contained a date but is now illegible.

Read the passage

The monastery hardly existed in 1391 ; and of this the absence of all preference to it in the Book of Ballymote is a strong proof The style, too, would point to the fifteenth century as the period of its erection. The Pope's bust and tiara sculptured over the door of the western gable, may have contained the date, but, if so, it is now illegible. The writer searched the Wadding MSS. in the house of the Franciscans, on Merchant's Quay, Dublin, but found they contain no reference whatever to Ballymote.
In the second volume of Grose's " Antiquities of Ireland " (page 76), the once famous Dr. Ledwich, who supplied the letterpress of the book, attempts an account of this church.* The readers of Dr. Lanigan will remember how mercilessly the famous author of " The Ecclesiastical History of Ireland " animadverts on the " ignorance, errors, and malevolence " of Ledwich, or, as he calls him, Lead- wig ; and the latter's remarks on Ballymote would alone warrant many of these animadversions.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 91

Ballysadare abbey and its McDonogh inmates

Ballysadare · townland · Sligo

The abbey of Ballysadare, like the McDonogh-founded convents, was rarely without members of the McDonogh family among its inmates. The family also supplied many secular clergy to the dioceses of Achonry and Elphin.

Read the passage

TheMcDonoghs have deserved as well of the church as of the country. To them religion is indebted for the convents of Ballindoon, Ballymote, Cloonymeghan, and Sligo — this last, though not originally built by them, being, when burned down in 1410, rebuilt and restored by Dermot McDonogh. These convents, as well as the abbey of Ballysadare, were rarely, if ever, without McDonoghs among their inmates ; while the secular clergy was recruited largely from members of the family, including Thomas MacMorrissy McDonogh, who died bishop of Achonry in 1398, and, very probably, Michael McDonogh, bishop of Kilmore, who died, and was buried at Lisbon in 1746, and several Parish Priests and Curates of the dioceses of Achonry and Elphin.
While speaking of the eminent ecclesiastics of the McDonogh family, we must not forget Manus McDonogh, of whom the Annals of Loch Ce, under the year 1504, contains this very laudatory obituary notice: " Manus, son of Brian McDonogh, i.e. J abbot of the monastery of the Trinity on Loch Ce, a man who was the preserving shrine and casket of the bounty and prowess of Erinn, and the man, who of all that had come down from Tomaltach-na-Cairge, had given and presented most to poets and musicians, and to men of every craft, died at Cill Diubhdhuin (Killadoon), et sepultus est in Trinity Island on Loch Ce; and this death of McDonogh 's son is a decapitating blow to the learned of Erinn."

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 124

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here once stood the abbey of Ballysadare, which was rarely, if ever, without members of the McDonogh family among its inmates. The McDonoghs were great patrons of religion in this part of the country. They built or restored the convents of Ballindoon, Ballymote, Cloonymeghan, and Sligo — that last one burned down in 1410 and was rebuilt by Dermot McDonogh. They also supplied many secular clergy to the dioceses of Achonry and Elphin, including Thomas MacMorrissy McDonogh, who died bishop of Achonry in 1398, and very probably Michael McDonogh, bishop of Kilmore, who died and was buried at Lisbon in 1746. One of their most celebrated churchmen was Manus McDonogh, abbot of the monastery of the Trinity on Loch Ce. The Annals of Loch Ce, under the year 1504, record his death in a laudatory obituary, calling him a man who was the preserving shrine and casket of the bounty and prowess of Erinn. The annals say that of all who had descended from Tomaltach-na-Cairge, he had given most to poets and musicians and to men of every craft. He died at Killadoon and was buried on Trinity Island on Loch Ce, and the annals describe his death as a decapitating blow to the learned of Erinn.

Cairns on the summits near Keash hill

near Kesh · population centre · Sligo

On the south side of the Bricklieve mountains, near the hill of Keash, several conical green summits rise from the range. On four or five of these summits sit mounds or cairns, conspicuous from the north but invisible from the south.

Read the passage

received. It is four or five miles long, and about one mile wide at the bottom of its sloping sides, being boimded on the east by Lough Arrow, on the west by the hill of Keash, on the south by the mountain of the Curlews, and on the north by that of Bricklieve — a name, however, never applied by the people to the range when speaking of the south side of the mountain, though given to it commonly by them when talking of the north side. The south side of Bricklieve is green to the top, and resembles not a little a series of hills, standing out in considerable relief from the body of the range, with conical summits in some places, notably near the hill of Keash. On four or five of these summits are mounds or cairns, conspicuous enough from the north, hut not visible from the south.
The valley is traversed longitudinally by two roads. One of these, the northern, which is called the Green-road, from its beicg grass grown, winds along the mountain, about half-way ■up the slope, and is hardly ever used, at present, even by footmen, being quite impassable for vehicles. The other to the south, a modern one, runs by the foot of the Curlews on to Keash through Ballinafad, Corradoo, and Toomour, the ground being rather uneven, lying low at Ballinafad, rising at Carradoo, and sinking again in the neighbourhood of Toomour. Excepting the part of Corradoo where Mr. Owen Phibbs' pleasant villa stands in the midst of young and thriving plantations, the whole of the road passes through rough, and in great part, boggy land. Though the valley deserves a visit for the view of its physical features, more especially the curiously outlined surface of the northern side, with its crest of shining green grassy cones, the place does not derive its chief interest from physical peculiarities, but from religious associations.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 166

Cornelius O'Mochairg, abbot of Boyle, linked to Killaraght

Killaraght · townland · Sligo · 1448–1472

Cornelius O'Mochairg, abbot of Boyle, was appointed bishop on 10 November 1448 and held the see until his death in 1472. He belonged to a family connected with Killaraght.

Read the passage

CoRisELius O'MoCHAi^, abbot of Boyle, was appointed on the 10th November, 1448, and held the see to 1472, in which year he died. He belonged, no doubt, to the family of that name connected with Killaraght.
Egbert Wellys, a Franciscan Friar, succeeded Cornelius in 1473. He was consecrated at Rome, in the church of the Hospital of the English ('' ecclesia Hospitalis Anglorum "), by the Archbishop of Malta. The date of Dr. Wellys* death is not known.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 54

Dominican convent of Sligo founded by Anglo-Normans

Sligo · town · Sligo

The Anglo-Normans, having wrested County Sligo from native chiefs, founded major religious establishments including the Dominican convent of Sligo. This is noted as a positive cultural contribution alongside their political domination.

Read the passage

A somewhat similar condition of society to what is here supposed may be found in the county, as in most of Ireland, through all the middle ages. The two antagonistic principles of anarchy and culture were constantly and vigorously at work ; the former showing itself in petty wars, raids, and family quarrels ; and the latter, chiefly in the multiplication of religious houses and the extension of their influence. It is admitted that the invasions of the Danes and Anglo-Normans introduced new elements of mischief, but it would be a mistake to set down their influence as all evil. Excepting the attack on Innismurray, which did not extend to the mainland, there is nothing to show that the Danes had anything to do with the county, good or bad ; and as to the Anglo-Normans, if they wrested the county from the native chiefs and held it for a hundred years, it must not be forgotten that they founded great religious establishments, like the Dominican convent of Sligo ; -while the castle of Sligo, which Maurice FitzGerald erected, and the other castles erected by the Bourkes through the county, if they helped the invaders to terrorize the inhabitants, served also to diffuse enlarged ideas of architecture and other arts among the natives, and even to bring home to them the necessity of providing some such places for themselves.
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

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 314

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town whose medieval story runs in two directions at once. The Anglo-Normans wrested County Sligo from the native chiefs and held it for 100 years, but they also founded great religious establishments here, including the Dominican convent of Sligo. Maurice FitzGerald erected the castle of Sligo, and the Bourkes put up castles across the county. Those fortresses helped the invaders hold the land, but they also carried new ideas of architecture and craft among the people. The record calls the two forces at work through the Middle Ages anarchy and culture: petty wars and raids on one side, religious houses and their growing influence on the other. Sligo saw both. We read that Teige O'Connor was assassinated in the castle of Sligo by Donnell O'Connor with his own hand, and there was sacrilegious murder and robbery at the abbey of Drumcliff. The source sums up the age bluntly: the invaders brought new elements of mischief, but it would be a mistake to set down their influence as all evil.

Dromore West Poor Law Union headquarters

Dromore West · population centre · Sligo

Dromore West served as the headquarters of one of the county's Poor Law unions, covering 96,985 acres with 3,129 houses and a population of 17,849. This reflects the administrative infrastructure of famine-era poverty relief in the area.

Read the passage

Dromore West, in this parish, is the head-quarters of one of the Poor Law unions of the county — the area of the union being 96,985 acres, the number of houses 3,129, and the population 17,849.
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.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 223

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dromore West, this was the headquarters of one of Sligo's Poor Law unions, part of the administrative infrastructure for famine-era poverty relief. The union covered 96,985 acres, contained 3,129 houses, and had a population of 17,849. That is all the record holds for this place.

Easky parish: Dabhach Fharannam and controversial discussion

Easky · town · Sligo

Easky parish contained Dabhach Fharannam and Castletown, and was the site of a controversial discussion. Parish priests and a dispute between Father Flannelly and Dr. O'Finan are noted.

Read the passage

Easky, Parish of, II. 412. Ddbhach Fharannam in, 413, 414. Castletown, 414. Controversial discussion, 415. Parish Priests of, 416. Father Flannelly and Dr. O'Finan, 416. Bridge of Easky, 556.
Eccles, Captain, G.M., II. 52.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 338

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Easky in Sligo. This parish included Dabhach Fharannam and Castletown, and was the scene of a controversial discussion involving Father Flannelly and Dr. O'Finan, both listed among the parish priests of Easky.

Hill of Keash in Fenian legend and folklore

near Kesh · population centre · Sligo

The hill of Keash in the parish of Toomour is the subject of a Fenian tale known as Britghean Cheise Corainn, the enchanted place of Keash Corran. It is the most remarkable object in the parish and holds a significant place in the legends and folklore of the people.

Read the passage

The most remarkable object in the adjoining parish of Toomour is the famous hill of Keash. The part this hill has had in the legends and folk lore of the people, may be inferred from the fact, that it forms the subject of one of the Fenian Tales, under the name of Britghean Cheise Corainn, the enchanted

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 107

Holy wells at Ballynakill, Tawnagh, and Drumcolumb

Drumcolumb · townland · Sligo

Near each of the churches of Ballynakill, Tawnagh, and Drumcolumb there is a holy well. These wells form part of the ecclesiastical landscape of the Riverstown union of parishes.

Read the passage

Near each of the churches of Ballynakill, Tawnagh, and Drumcolumb, there is a holy well ; and close by the site of Drumcolumb building, there is a ravine with precipitous sides, within which Mass used to be said in the Penal times ; and it is told that, when a shower came on, the men present, in order to keep the rain ofi" the altar, stuck their walking sticks on the overhanging bank, and taking off their coats, fixed them on the sticks, themselves being, in consequence, obliged to worship in their shirt sleeves.
The existing Protestant church of Kilmacallane, at Kiverstown, was built in 1817 on a gift of £900, and a loan of £500. Previously to the erection of this edifice, the old Catholic church of Tawnagh was used for Protestant worship, the interior being plaistered so as to hide away all memorials of its original destination. It was only a few years ago, on some of the plaster falling off, a holy water stoup was found in situ. The addition of a porch and vestry was made to the building in 1768, when, as an inscribed slab inserted in the western gable informs us, John Dodd and William Cooper were churchwardens.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 138

Killaraght Hospital and Half Parish Origins

Killaraght · townland · Sligo

The half parish of Killaraght historically belonged to the territory of Moylurg and not Leyney. It was incorporated into the diocese of Achonry due to the hospital of Killaraght.

Read the passage

monastery of Ballysadare, as it is indebted to the hospital of Killaraght, for the half parish of Killaraght, which, of old, belonged to the territory of Moylurg, but never to that of Leyney. And, while speaking of these modifications, it may be noticed that Coolcarney — comprising the two parishes of Attymas and Kilgarvan, in the diocese of Achonry, were originally a portion of the diocese of Killalla.
The following list of the bishops of Achonry, though beginning only with Melruan O'Ruadhan, in the 12th century, and lacking, no doubt, more than one name after his time, will be found more perfect than any that has been given to the public up to this : —

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 49

Lieutenant Michael McDonogh of Colloony

Collooney · townland · Sligo

The Act of Settlement names Lieutenant Michael McDonogh of Colloony as one of the men from County Sligo who served abroad under the king's ensigns.

Read the passage

those "who served beyond seas under the king's ensigns," *' Lieutenant Brian MacDonogh, of Sligo, Lieutenant Turlough (Terence) McDonogh, of the county Sligo, Ensign Christopher Mac Donogh, of same, Lieutenant John McDonogh, of Cusca, in the county Sligo, and Lieutenant Michael McDonogb, of Colloony, in the county Sligo."
And it should not be forgotten, that at the battle of Fontenoy, so glorious for the Irisb, a Mac Donogh particularly distinguished himself, for he advanced in front of his countrymen to the famous charge, and having been singled out for attack by a brave British officer, he closed with the officer, disabled him, and made him prisoner in the sight of the two armies, the episode, according to the historians of the battle, being taken as an omen of ill luck for the English, and as an earnest of victory for the Irish brigade and the French army.*

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 119

Lord Palmerston's improvements in Ahamlish

Ahamlish · parish · Sligo

The parish of Ahamlish has scenery and soil noted by Carlyle. Lord Palmerston made improvements in the parish, which also includes Inismurray island.

Read the passage

Ahamlish, Parish of ; error about the name, II. 29. Carlyle on the scenery and soil of, 30. Lord Palmerston's improvements in, 3.3, 34, 35. Inismurray island, 38, 39, 40, 41. Muredach and Molaise, 46. Effects of a trip across the Sound, 49. Grange and Thomas Soden, 52. Succession of Parish Priests, 53. Of Protestant Incumbents, 55. Ballintrillick, 56.
Aidan, Saint, of Cloonoghill and Monasteredan, II. 380, 381.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 333

As the companion tells it

You are coming through the parish of Ahamlish. The writer Thomas Carlyle remarked on the scenery and soil here, and Lord Palmerston made improvements across the parish. Ahamlish also takes in Inismurray island, out in the Sound.

Moygara Castle compared to Ballymote

Moygara · townland · Sligo · 1312–1340

Moygara Castle in Coolavin was one of the neighbouring castles compared unfavourably with Ballymote's superior construction. The comparison highlighted the Red Earl's workmanship at Ballymote.

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

Nicholson bequest for Knocknarea school

near Knocknarea · mountain or mountain range · Sligo

A Mr. Nicholson left £120 a year for a school at Knocknarea, and the Incorporated Society likely obtained this bequest, as there appeared to be no other school in that neighbourhood to which the money could go. The Primrose Grange School itself likely stood on the Nicholson estate.

Read the passage

There is reason to believe that the Incorporated Society got hold, too, of the £120 a year, which a Mr. Nicholson left " for a School at Knocknarea," as there seems to be no other school in that neighbourhood to which the money could go. And, very likely, the Society had a free grant also of the land on which the Primrose Grange School stands, as it lay on the Nicholson estate.
With such resources at the disposal of the Incorporated Society, one would expect to find all the boys of Primrose Grange supported on the foundation, whereas most of them

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 248

As the companion tells it

As you pass Knocknarea in Sligo, the mountain carries a small piece of educational history. A Mr. Nicholson left 120 pounds a year for a school here, and the Incorporated Society likely took hold of that bequest, since there seemed to be no other school in the neighbourhood to which the money could go. The Primrose Grange School probably stood on the Nicholson estate itself, the land likely given as a free grant. Yet with such resources at the Society's disposal, you might expect all the boys there to have been supported on the foundation, whereas most of them were not.

Orange meetings in Sligo and nearby towns

Sligo · town · Sligo

The writer, a clergyman, attributes any revival of Ribbonism in the district to the provocation offered by Orange meetings constantly held in Sligo, Collooney, Riverstown, Ballymote, and other places, apparently under the patronage of local gentry.

Read the passage

Whether this is so or not, it is certain that the great plea of justification, put forward in behalf of Eibbonmen, is the alleged necessity of humble Catholics being thus united in order to be the better able to make head against the violence of Orange enemies. The writer's personal experience leads him to rely on the bona fides of this statement ; for having, about twenty years ago, on occasion of a startling outrage which took place in his parish, and which had its cause in secret societies, preached against such societies in each of his three chapels, and pledged before the altar on their knees every man, woman, and young person in the congregations to renounce and discourage, in every way open to them, those secret confederacies, he was often remonstrated with by well-meaning but simple persons for advising a proceeding which would, it was alleged, leave poor Catholics at the mercy of their worst enemies ; and if Ribbonism should have since in any way revived in the district, of which the writer knows nothing, the revival would certainly be due to the provocation offered by the Orange meetings constantly held in Sligo, Collooney, Kiverstown, Ballymote, and other places, under, it would appear, the patronage of the local gentry.
To obtain a clearer idea of the state of the county in regard to crime, in the earlier years of this century, it will be well to refer for a moment to the cases commonly coming at the time before the judge of assize, as they are recorded in the books of the Clerk of the Crown. We learn from this official authority, that these were : — First, breaking forcibly into private houses and taking out of them the property of the owners — money, meal, butter, potatoes, linen, flax, wearing apparel, and other personal and household goods — and we shall be within the mark if we say that between eighty and ninety per cent, of all the grave cases brought before the judges consisted in such offences; secondly, demanding money on the high-road and taking it forcibly from the person ; thirdly, administering un-

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 263

As the companion tells it

Coming through Sligo now. A clergyman who wrote the history of this town and county said that if Ribbonism ever revived in the district, the blame would lie with the Orange meetings constantly held here and in Collooney, Riverstown, Ballymote, and other places, apparently under the patronage of the local gentry. He spoke from experience. About twenty years before writing, after a startling outrage in his parish caused by secret societies, he preached against them in each of his three chapels and had every man, woman, and young person kneel before the altar and pledge to renounce those confederacies. People came to him afterwards, well-meaning but simple folk, saying he was leaving poor Catholics at the mercy of their worst enemies. The Ribbonmen themselves claimed their only justification was the need to make head against the violence of Orange enemies, and the clergyman said he trusted the bona fides of that statement. He also recorded what crime looked like in the county in the earlier years of the century. Between 80 and 90 percent of the grave cases before the judges of assize consisted of breaking forcibly into private houses and taking the owners' property, money, meal, butter, potatoes, linen, flax, wearing apparel. Other common cases were demanding money on the high-road and taking it forcibly from the person.

People of Leyney characterised as thieves by Arthur Young

Leyny · barony · Sligo · 1776–1800

Arthur Young's Tour, approximately one hundred years before the text's writing, described the people of Leyney as so vicious and expert in thievery. This was cited as evidence of dishonest practices among the Irish population.

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

Rev. John Murtagh Parish Priest of Curry 1704

Curry · townland · Sligo · 1704

Reverend John Murtagh was Parish Priest of Curry in 1704. The names of his successors throughout the eighteenth century are lost; the first identified Parish Priest in the nineteenth century was Father McNamara, a native of the diocese.

Read the passage

Reverend John Murtagh was Parish Priest of Curry in 1704. The names of his successors through all the eighteenth century are lost ; and the first Parish Priest, in the nineteenth century, we meet with, was Father Mc^N'amara, a native of the diocese

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 71

Rev. Michael Filan's grave at Charlestown

Charlestown · town · Mayo · 1828

Rev. Michael Filan, elder brother of James Filan, was parish priest of Kilbeagh and died in 1828 aged 42. He was buried in the graveyard near Charlestown, with a gravestone bearing a Latin inscription.

Read the passage

Father James Filan's elder brother, Michael, was Parish Priest of Kilbeagh, where he died in 1828, and was buried in the graveyard near Charlestown, the monumental stone under which he lies, bearing the inscription : —
*' Gloria in Excelsis Deo.

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 72

Riverstown Catholic church built 1801

Riverstown · town · Sligo · 1801–1876

The Catholic church in Riverstown was built in 1801 by Reverend Bryan Kelly, who raised a slated structure around an old thatched chapel on the same site. Father Owen Feeny, who died in 1876, was buried in this church.

Read the passage

In this ecclesiastical 'union there are four churches — two Catholic and two Protestant — in use at present for public worship. Of the Catholic churches, one stands in Riverstown, and the other in Sooey. The Eiverstown building dates from the year 1801, when the Reverend Bryan Kelly raised the existing slated structure round an old thatched chapel, which occupied the same site. The Sooey church is more modern, being built in 1837 by Reverend Luke Cullinan, who preferred the present situation, as adjoining the high road, to the hill of Sooey, where the old chapel was, and where some remains of it may still be seen. Father Cullinan died in 1850, and was buried in Sooey chapel. The preceding Parish Priest of Sooey, Father Patrick DujBfy, was buried in Kilty cloghan.*
Except Father Owen Feeny, P.P., who died in 1876, and was buried in Riverstown church, the incumbents of the Riverstown union were interred in Templemore. Father Bryan Kelly's pastorate lasted from 1782 to 1803. The stone that covers his grave in Templemore bears the inscription : —

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 136

St. Columba founds churches at Emlaghfad, Drumcliff

near Drumcliff · parish · Sligo

Saint Columba journeyed through the district and founded the churches of Emlaghfad in Corran, Drumcliff in Carbury, and Drumcolumn in Tirerrill.

Read the passage

Saint Columba next made a journey through the district, and founded while on his way, or a little later, the churches of Emlaghfad in Corran, Drumcolurab in Tirerrill, and Drumcliff in Carbury.J
Shortly after this the famous Saint Finian of Clonard visited Connaught, and, in conjunction with Saint Nathy, established the church and monastery of Achonry.§

Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 231

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drumcliff parish in Sligo, you are travelling the same district that Saint Columba once journeyed through. He founded the church of Drumcliff in Carbury, along with the churches of Emlaghfad in Corran and Drumcolumn in Tirerrill.

The history of Sligo : town and county

The stories, best first

Achonry Parish as a former diocese

Aghanagh Church lands and the Phibbs family

Ancient church site at Lissadell

Annual charity bazaars in Sligo town

Ballysadare parish youths achieve distinction in public service

Billa bridge built by cesspayers of Leyny

Bishop Cormac O'Tarpy buried at Mellifont Abbey

Bishop Durcan consecrated at Church of the Assumption, Collooney

Carricknahorna Nunnery and St. Patrick's church conjecture

Collooney: village, rapids, waterfall, and churches

Coolea castle fragmentary remains

Crosses and stations around Inismurray margin

Danish attack on Inishmurray

Dilapidated cromlech on the Ballindoon slope

Duel at Cleveragh: Counsellor Wynne and John Martin

Easky bridge of three arches built 1818

Holy Cross Convent, Sligo — Eugene O'Hart's noviciate and priorship

James I grants Ballymote to Sir James Fullerton, 1608

Kilvarnet parish demesnes and mountain scenery

Longford O'Dowd: chief seat of the O'Dowds

Oldest bridges of Sligo, Ballysadare and Collooney

Panoramic mountain vista from the Court over Benbulbin and Carbury coast

Rathcormac church built and improved by clergy

Rev. Valentine bequest for Frankfort charity school

Riverstown: the only town in the union

Scots assault Sligo Castle walls

Sencheal Dumaighe identified with Corradooey

Sligo Castle erected by Maurice FitzGerald

Sligo town as centre of scenic and antiquarian region

St. Barbara's Well near Tubber Araght

St. Molaise's well on Inismurray

St. Paul's Protestant Church built and restored

Templehouse castle not a Templar work; events of 1641

Unmarked graves of priests in Keash Parish Church

Ballysadare Salmon Fishery under Scott management

Cascades of the Owenmore at Ballysadare

O'Connors grant Grange to Boyle monastery

Tully castle held by Clifford, granted by James I

Ballintrillick Rivulet and Tenant Comfort on Gore Booth Estate

Ballintubber Castle compared to Ballymote

Ballymote Franciscan friary described as ruins

Ballysadare abbey and its McDonogh inmates

Cairns on the summits near Keash hill

Cornelius O'Mochairg, abbot of Boyle, linked to Killaraght

Dominican convent of Sligo founded by Anglo-Normans

Dromore West Poor Law Union headquarters

Easky parish: Dabhach Fharannam and controversial discussion

Hill of Keash in Fenian legend and folklore

Holy wells at Ballynakill, Tawnagh, and Drumcolumb

Killaraght Hospital and Half Parish Origins

Lieutenant Michael McDonogh of Colloony

Lord Palmerston's improvements in Ahamlish

Moygara Castle compared to Ballymote

Nicholson bequest for Knocknarea school

Orange meetings in Sligo and nearby towns

People of Leyney characterised as thieves by Arthur Young

Rev. John Murtagh Parish Priest of Curry 1704

Rev. Michael Filan's grave at Charlestown

Riverstown Catholic church built 1801

St. Columba founds churches at Emlaghfad, Drumcliff