The history of Sligo : town and county

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read it as the scan has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too. The passages are read off photographs of the page by machine, so a word here and there comes out wrong; they are kept as the reading produced them, so you can check any of them against the scan.

1. St. Attracta's settlement at Coolavin (Greagraighe)

   Coolavin · electoral division · Sligo

   After being dissuaded from Drumconnel, St. Attracta chose Greagraighe (now Coolavin) for her abode. The ancient name survives somewhat in the denominations of Greggans and Gregaduf. She selected a great thoroughfare because it afforded the most scope for her charity.

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   Whatever room for doubt there may be with regard to her parentage and native place there can he none as to her characteristic virtue. It was that love of the neighbour which is the fulfilment of the law ; and the moment she reached a place of safety, and was free to act, she devoted herself to the practice of this beneficent virtue. Soon after her arrival in the neighbourhood of Boyle, she desired to fix herself near Drumconnel — now commonly called Drum — where, it is said, her uterine brother, Conal, had a church ; but Conal regarding this intended settlement as a kind of encroachment on his own religious house, got St. Dachonna, of Eas Dachonna, now Assylin, to dissuade Attracta from the project, which that saint succeeded in doing, but not before she told him that his church and that of Conal would soon suffer great loss of revenue from the erection of a new monastery between them. Colgan erroneously places those churches of Dachonna and Conal, as well as the new monastery, in the county Galway, and tries hard to make good his contention ; but had he better knowledge of the county Roscommon ho would have seen that St. Conal's church was the church of Drumconnel, to the south of Boyle ; St. Dachonna's church, that of the place now called Assylin, to the north of Boyle, anciently called Eas Dachonna ; and the new monastery, the Cistercian abbey of Boyle, whose site lies exactly between these two churches. It was after this, Attracta chose for her abode Greagraighe, for so Coolavin was then called, the name still surviving somewhat in the denominations of Greggans and Gregaduf. The spot which she selected was a great thoroughfare at the time, and she selected it precisely because it afforded most scope for her comprehensive charity.f In the times she lived, travel-

   * Acta Sanctorum, p. 753 in Vita S. Cormaci.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 199

   As the companion tells it

   Whatever doubt surrounds her parentage or her native place, there is none about the virtue that defined her. It was love of the neighbour, the fulfilment of the law, and the moment she reached a place of safety and was free to act, she gave herself to that work. Soon after her arrival near Boyle, she wanted to settle near Drumconnel, now commonly called Drum, where her uterine brother Conal had a church. Conal saw her intended settlement as a kind of encroachment on his own religious house, and he got Saint Dachonna of Eas Dachonna, now Assylin, to dissuade her from the project. Dachonna succeeded, but not before Attracta told him that his church and Conal's would soon suffer great loss of revenue from the erection of a new monastery between them. Colgan later placed those churches of Dachonna and Conal, and the new monastery, in county Galway, and tried hard to make good his contention. Had he better knowledge of county Roscommon, he would have seen that Conal's church was the church of Drumconnel, south of Boyle; Dachonna's church was at the place now called Assylin, north of Boyle, anciently called Eas Dachonna; and the new monastery was the Cistercian abbey of Boyle, whose site lies exactly between those two churches. It was after all this that Attracta chose for her abode Greagraighe, as Coolavin was then called, the name still surviving somewhat in the denominations of Greggans and Gregaduf. She selected a great thoroughfare, and she chose it precisely because it afforded the most scope for her comprehensive charity.

2. 1659 Cromwellian-era census of Sligo town and county

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1659

   A 1659 census recorded the number of English and Irish inhabitants across townlands, parishes, and baronies of Sligo, along with the names of Tituladoes, revealing the drastic reduction of the population near the close of the Cromwellian regime.

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   The following Census (printed now for the first time), giving the number of inhabitants, English and Irish, in the townlands, parishes, and baronies of the county, together with the names of the Tituladoes, shows the desperate state to which the population of Sligo, town and county, was reduced in 1659, near the close of the Cromwellian regime.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 327

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, think on 1659. A census that year, printed for the first time, counted English and Irish inhabitants across the townlands, parishes and baronies of the county, and named the Tituladoes. It shows the desperate state to which the population of Sligo, town and county, had been reduced near the close of the Cromwellian regime.

3. Alderman Farrell, Lord Mayor, born in Collooney

   Collooney · townland · Sligo

   Alderman Farrell was born and educated in Collooney, living there until manhood before departing for Dublin. There he opened the famous seed shop of Fergus Farrell and Co. and rose to become Lord Mayor of the city at a time when that office rewarded personal worth and social standing.

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   Born and educated in Collooney, he continued to live there till he had arrived at the age of manhood, when he left for Dublin, opened there the famous seed shop of Fergus Farrell and Co., and rose to be Lord Mayor of the city at a time when that high office was the reward of personal worth and social standing, and not, as it sometimes became since, the outcome of intrigue and of the manipulation of wire-pullers.

   John Foster, another native of Collooney, died in Toronto in 1887, being, as was said in the newspapers, "the oldest and most esteemed magistrate" of the Dominion of Canada at the time of bis death. The name of his father will be found on the list, given in the Appendix, of the Suffering Loyalists of 1798.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 291

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, Alderman Farrell was born and educated. He continued to live there until he had arrived at the age of manhood, when he left for Dublin. There he opened the famous seed shop of Fergus Farrell and Co., and rose to be Lord Mayor of the city, at a time when that high office was the reward of personal worth and social standing, and not, as it sometimes became since, the outcome of intrigue and the manipulation of wire-pullers. John Foster, another native of the same place, died in Toronto in 1887, being, as the newspapers said, "the oldest and most esteemed magistrate" of the Dominion of Canada at the time of his death. His father's name will be found on the list of the Suffering Loyalists of 1798.

4. Ancient strand passes at Drumcliff, Sligo and Ballysadare

   near Drumcliff · parish · Sligo

   Before modern roads, the strands of Drumcliff, Sligo, and Ballysadare served as the common passes for their respective neighbourhoods. At Drumcliff there were two passes running from Finid and from Drumcliff Church to Doonierin; the short strand at Drumcliff was still traversed by pedestrians and vehicles at the time of writing.

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   As might be expected, the further we go back the worse we find the public roads of the county. At first they were mere frequented tracks rather than roads in the modern sense. In remote times the three strands of Drumcliff, Sligo, and Ballysadare, were the common passes for their respective neighbourhoods; On Drumcliff strand there were two passes — the long and the short one: the former running from Finidto Doonierin, and the latter from Drumcliff Church to Doonierin ; near the town of Sligo the fearsat or pass crossed from Standalone Point to Finiskin and Gibraltar ; on the Ballysadare strand there were three tracks — one from Carrowcrin or Kellystown to Streamstown, another from Carrowcrin to Larkhill, and the third from the same point to Beltra.

   We learn from the Book of Armagh, the oldest Irish record we possess, and from Colgan's Trias Thaumaturga, that Saint Patrick and his companions made use of these strands in their journeys ; and the Annals of the Four Masters, under the year 1536, in tracing the march of Hugh Dubh O'Donnell and his troops, brings them from Fined across the Drumcliff strand to Fearsat-Reanna-an-Liagain, now Standalone Point ; from Fearsat- Reanna-an-Liagain across the Sligo strand to Coolerra; and from Coolerra through the Ballysadare strand to Tireragh. All these routes were much used till recently ; and the short strand at Drumcliff is still traversed by pedestrians and vehicles of all kinds.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 301

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Drumcliff parish, this is ground that was a highway long before any road was built here. The further back you go, the worse the public roads of the county were. They were mere frequented tracks rather than roads in any modern sense. In remote times the three strands of Drumcliff, Sligo, and Ballysadare were the common passes for their respective neighbourhoods. On Drumcliff strand there were two passes, the long and the short. The long one ran from Finid to Doonierin. The short one ran from Drumcliff Church to Doonierin. Near the town of Sligo the fearsat, or pass, crossed from Standalone Point to Finiskin and Gibraltar. On the Ballysadare strand there were three tracks. One ran from Carrowcrin, or Kellystown, to Streamstown. Another from Carrowcrin to Larkhill. The third from the same point to Beltra. The Book of Armagh, the oldest Irish record, and Colgan's Trias Thaumaturga tell us that Saint Patrick and his companions made use of these strands in their journeys. The Annals of the Four Masters, under the year 1536, trace the march of Hugh Dubh O'Donnell and his troops. They came from Fined across the Drumcliff strand to Fearsat-Reanna-an-Liagain, now Standalone Point. From there they crossed the Sligo strand to Coolerra. From Coolerra they went through the Ballysadare strand to Tireragh. All these routes were much used until recently. The short strand at Drumcliff was still traversed by pedestrians and vehicles of all kinds.

5. Attacotti inhabited Leyney and Gailenga (Sligo and Mayo)

   Leyny · barony · Sligo

   O'Donovan noted that the Attacotti, a people who rebelled against their rulers' exactions and committed frightful excesses during the revolt, inhabited Leyney and Gailenga, districts comprising most of present-day Sligo and Mayo. The Attacotti were goaded into rebellion by the oppressive exactions of their chiefs.

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   With this and other like customs to struggle against, it is clear that the lower classes had much to complain of in regard to the chief; nor is it very surprising that they sometimes tried to defend themselves by attacking their taskmasters, after the manner of the Attacotti, who were goaded by the exactions of their rulers into rebellion, and who committed during the revolt the most frightful excesses on those who had oppressed them. It is well to remember what O'Donovan says in a note to the Book of Rights (p. 104), that these Attacotti inhabited Leyney and Gailenga, that is, the districts comprised, for the most part, in the present counties of Sligo and Mayo.

   The cosher, though commonly supposed to be an exclusively Irish custom, was not altogether unknown in England, at least in the time of Edward III. That monarch had a fancy for quartering himself and his followers occasionally on his well-to-

   Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 256

   As the companion tells it

   This barony of Leyny was once home to a people called the Attacotti. O'Donovan, in a note to the Book of Rights, says they inhabited Leyney and Gailenga, districts that make up most of present-day Sligo and Mayo. The Attacotti were goaded into rebellion by the oppressive exactions of their rulers. They turned on the chiefs who had burdened them, and during the revolt they committed the most frightful excesses on those who had oppressed them. The lower classes had much to complain of under their chiefs, and it is not surprising that they sometimes tried to defend themselves by attacking their taskmasters. The Attacotti did just that, rising against the men who had driven them too far.

6. Ballyconnell bleak landscape and cabin conditions

   Ballyconnell · townland · Sligo

   The tract around Ballyconnell is described as one of the coldest and bleakest bits of landscape in the county, with scraggy patches of sickly crops, open ditches half filled with putrid water, and low thatched cabins defended against Atlantic gales by networks of straw ropes fastened to iron or wooden spikes. The scene is set in striking contrast to the verdant and well-ordered demesne of Lissadell nearby.

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

   Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 19

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Ballyconnell, the land changes sharply. After passing Johnsport, named for a family called Johnes or Jones who lived there, the only relief in view is Knocklane, Broad Hill, a bright, regularly shaped conical elevation. Everything else around you is as dreary as could easily be found. The tract is devoid of every element of beauty, in contour or colour, treeless and shrubless, about the coldest and bleakest bit of landscape in the county. The effect strikes harder because you have just come through Lissadell, with its verdant undulating grass lands, its rich symmetrical tillage fields, its stone and mortar fences, and its numerous plantations. All of that stands in striking contrast with what appears in Ballyconnell. Here there are scraggy patches of sickly oats, potatoes, and cabbage, scraps of yellow withered grass, open ditches half filled with putrid water, and a string along the road of low thatched cabins. Each cabin is covered with a network of straw ropes, fastened to iron or wooden spikes stuck in the gables and sidewalls. All this elaborate defence against storms suggests the violence with which the Atlantic gales sweep often over this bare and exposed region, violence so terrible that a facetious jarvey

7. Ballymote Castle as MacDonogh headquarters

   Ballymote · town · Sligo · 1584

   After the MacDonoghs gained possession of Ballymote Castle, the chief of the family always occupied it as the headquarters of the Corran McDonoghs and the centre of authority in their territory. An Exchequer inquisition at Sligo in 1584 recorded that 16 quarters of the best land about Ballymote were set apart for maintaining the stronghold and its chief.

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   After the MacDonoghs had got possession of the castle of Ballymote, the chief of the family always occupied the place as the head-quarters of the Corran McDonoghs, and the source and centre of all authority in their territory. Ample provision was made for the maintenance of the stronghold and its chief; for an Exchequer inquisition, sped at Sligoin 1584, before John Crofton, informs us that 16 quarters of the best land about Ballymote were set apart for this service exclusively, and exempted from all other imposts, while the chief received an annual rent from the 34 remaining quarters of Corran, as well as from 13 quarters of Tirerrill, which 13 quarters were exchanged for Corran lands by the Clan Donogh of Tirerrill, the exchange being made by the two septs for mutual convenience. The lands are set out as follows in the grant of the Ballymote property, made in 1608 by James I. to Sir James Fullerton : —

   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

   As the companion tells it

   Ballymote in Sligo was the seat of the MacDonoghs. After they gained possession of the castle here, the chief of the family always occupied it as the headquarters of the Corran McDonoghs and the source of all authority in their territory. An Exchequer inquisition held at Sligo in 1584, before John Crofton, recorded the arrangements for keeping the stronghold and its chief. Sixteen quarters of the best land about Ballymote were set apart for this purpose alone, and exempted from all other charges. The chief also drew an annual rent from the 34 remaining quarters of Corran, and from 13 quarters of Tirerrill. Those 13 quarters had been exchanged for Corran lands by the Clan Donogh of Tirerrill, the two septs making the exchange for their mutual convenience. A later grant of the Ballymote property, made in 1608 by James the First to Sir James Fullerton, sets out the castle, manor, and town, with 22 quarters free from the King's compositions and other country burdens, as parcels of the demesne of the manor. The named lands include Rathdowney, Ballinanty, Cloghubber, Rosslean, Kinaghan, Knockglasse, Ballidooroe, Clonin, Ardconnell, Ardneglasse, and Ballibranan. Chief rents issued from further lands in Corran, among them Ballinespurr, Roscribbe, Lisnanagh, Rahinekilgie, Imleynaghten, Carrowreogh, and Knocke. The picture is of a castle sustained by a wide stretch of productive land, its chief supported by rents drawn across two territories, holding the centre of MacDonogh power in Corran.

8. Belclare Castle and O'Donnell-Burke contest

   Belclare · townland · Sligo · 1512

   Belclare Castle, built by the O'Haras, later fell into the hands of the Burkes. In 1512 there was a spirited contest between the Burkes and O'Donnell for its possession. Imposing remains still stood, adding to the picturesqueness of the landscape.

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   We read of three castles as belonging to this parish. One of them, which was a timber structure, was erected by the Eaglish at Banada, about 1237, soon after they came to Connaught, and was burned down by Hugh O'Conor and O'Donnell, in 1265,* the year in which they burned the castle of Rxth Ard Creeve. Another, but of stone, owned by the O'Haras, and called generally Castle Carragh, but sometimes Castle Rock, stood on the slope of the mountain, not far from Beul an Easa river and pass, where a small fragment of it may still be seen. The third castle, that of Belclare, of which there are still imposing reraains, which add considerably to the picturesqueness of the landscape, was built, it is said, by the O'Haras, but fell in the course of time into the hands of the Burkes, between whom and O'Donnell there was a spirited contest for its possession ia 1512.t

   We have also an account of three old churches — those of Kilmacteige, Banada, and Glenavoagh. Whatever is known of Kilmacteige has been stated above. The Augustinian church of Banada was founded, according to Herrera, in the Alphabetum Augustinianum,J in the year 1423, in accordance with a Rescript of Martin V., who, in another Rescript, issued in 1430, conferred great privileges on the new establishment. This house belonged to the Eremites of Saint Augustine. The

   Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 79

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Belclare, there are the imposing remains of a castle that still adds to the beauty of the landscape. The castle of Belclare was built, it is said, by the O'Haras. In the course of time it fell into the hands of the Burkes, and in 1512 there was a spirited contest between the Burkes and O'Donnell for its possession. The book that tells us this also says the parish had two other castles. One was a timber structure erected by the Eaglish at Banada around 1237, soon after they came to Connaught, and it was burned down by Hugh O'Conor and O'Donnell in 1265. The other was a stone castle owned by the O'Haras, generally called Castle Carragh but sometimes Castle Rock, standing on the slope of the mountain not far from the Beul an Easa river and pass, where a small fragment of it may still be seen. But it is Belclare's castle that carries the story of the contest, the Burkes holding it, O'Donnell striving for it, in the year 1512.

9. Burial of Father Malachi Brennan at Cliffoney Church

   Cliffony · town · Sligo · 1888

   Father Malachi Brennan, Parish Priest for 52 years, died on 12 March 1888 in his 92nd year and was buried at Cliffoney church on 15 March before an immense congregation including Protestants who attended to show respect. He was widely admired across the dioceses of Elphin, Kilmore, and Achonry.

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   Father Malachi Brennan succeeded Father McHugh in 1836, and continued Parish Priest for the fifty-two following years. This worthy priest died on the 12th March, 1888, and was buried in Cliffoney church, on the 15th of that month, in presence of an immense congregation, including a goodly number of Protestants, who attended to testify their respect for the deceased. Born on the 6th January, 1797, Father Malachi was in his 92nd year at the time of his decease. Throughout his long clerical career, he was one of the most admired priests in Ireland, being a special favourite in the dioceses of Elphin, Kilmore, and Achonry — in Elphin as a priest of the diocese ; in Kilmore, as a near neighbour, living almost as much with the Kilmore clergy, as with his own ; and in Achonry, as sprung on the mother's side from that diocese, and regarded, in consequence, by Achonry priests as one of themselves.

   Numerous as were the friends he acquired through life, he never lost one, except by death or some other cause, that he could not control ; for the amiable and sterling qualities which first attracted people, showing themselves daily more and more on nearer acquaintance, constantly increased the

   Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 28

   As the companion tells it

   As the road passes through Cliffony in Sligo, this is the town where Father Malachi Brennan was laid to rest in March 1888. He served as Parish Priest for 52 years, having succeeded Father McHugh in 1836, and died on the 12th of March in his 92nd year. He was buried at the church here on the 15th before an immense congregation, including what the record calls "a goodly number of Protestants, who attended to testify their respect." He was one of the most admired priests in Ireland, cherished across three dioceses. In Elphin he served as a priest of the diocese, in Kilmore he was a near neighbour who lived almost as much with the Kilmore clergy as with his own, and in Achonry he was claimed as one of their own through his mother's side. He never lost a friend through life except by death or some cause beyond his control.

10. Carbury of the Battles

    Carbury · barony · Sligo

    The tract of Carbury was known in old writers as 'Cairbre na Cath' — Carbury of the Battles — suggesting it suffered even more conflict than the Barony of Corran. The epithet marks the district as a veritable shambles of ancient warfare.

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    Nor were these ghastly doings confined to the Corran portion of the present county. Carbury seems to have been, at least, equally afHicted ; for it is called, in old writers, Cairhre na Oath, that is, Carbury of the battles. It was a very unenviable distinction, and if that tract had stronger claims than Corran to the "bad pre-eminence " implied in the epithet, it must have been a veritable Haceldama {ager sanguinis), or shambles.

    As to the origin of the name Corran, some think it comes from the word corran, a reaping hook, because, they say, the district resembles a sickle in shape ; but, as a matter of fact, there is nothing whatever in the appearance of either the ancient or the modern Corran to remind one of that implement.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 83

    As the companion tells it

    This is the barony of Carbury. Old writers called it Cairbre na Cath, Carbury of the Battles, a name that sets it alongside the neighbouring Barony of Corran as a place of endless old conflict. The book says that if Carbury had stronger claims than Corran to that bad pre-eminence, it must have been a veritable shambles, an ager sanguinis, a field of blood. So the road here runs through a district that earned its name from warfare, and the old writers thought the title was well earned.

11. Carrickbanagher: rock of the peaks under Farrell tenure

    Carrickbanagher · townland · Sligo · 1650–1854

    Carrickbanagher, named for its two peaks or the O'Banaghan family, belonged to the McDonoghs in Celtic times. Under the Cromwellian regime, Morgan Farrell became its titulado and his descendants held it until selling the property in 1854 to Fergus Farrell, Lord Mayor of Dublin.

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    Carrickbanagher, or Carrickbanaghan — the rock of the peaks, or the rock of the O'Banaghans — is so-called either from the two peaks of Carane and Doonfin, prominent features in the townland, or from the family of the O'Banaghans who formerly occupied the tract. In Celtic times the place belonged to the McDonoghs. Under the Cromwellian regime, Morgan Farrell became its Titulado; and with the tenacity which formed the leading characteristic of the Usurpers, he held to it in spite of all the efforts made under Charles 11. to dislodge him, and passed on his interest in it to his descendants. It was only in 1854 they parted with the property, selling it that year to the then Lord Mayor of Dublin, Fergus Farrell, one of the old Annaly or Longford stock like themselves, but of a different branch;

    Under the fostering care of the Lord Mayor and his worthy son, Mr. Edward Farrell, B.L., Carrickbanagher and its inhabitants have greatly prospered. In 1878 the writer was able to praise, in Ballysadare and Kilvarnet, the landlord and tenants of Carrickbanaghan, as second in the performance of their respective duties to the landlord and tenants of no other estate in the county ; and it is a striking fact, that the same praise is still due to one and the other, after the lapse of ten of the most eventful years through which the country has passed, more especially in regard to the owners and occupiers of land.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 190

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is Carrickbanagher, the rock of the peaks, or perhaps the rock of the O'Banaghans. The name comes either from the two peaks of Carane and Doonfin, prominent features in the place, or from the O'Banaghan family who once occupied this tract. In Celtic times it belonged to the McDonoghs. Under the Cromwellian regime, Morgan Farrell became its titulado, and he held to it with the tenacity that marked the Usurpers, in spite of all efforts made under Charles 2 to dislodge him. He passed his interest on to his descendants. It was only in 1854 that they parted with the property, selling it that year to Fergus Farrell, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, one of the old Annaly or Longford stock like themselves, but of a different branch. Under the Lord Mayor and his son, Edward Farrell, a barrister-at-law, Carrickbanagher and its people greatly prospered. In 1878 the writer was able to praise the landlord and tenants here as second in the performance of their duties to no other estate in the county. The same praise was still due after ten of the most eventful years the country had passed through, especially regarding owners and occupiers of land.

12. Castle of Coolea forfeited by Ferdoragh McDonogh

    Coolea · townland · Cork · 1593

    The castle of Coolea, near Ballinakille, was a McDonogh work forfeited in 1593 by Ferdoragh McDonogh, attainted of high treason. Parts of the eastern gable and sidewalls still stand.

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    4. The castle of Coolea, near Ballinakille, was a work of the McDonoghs; and according to an Exchequer inquisition of Elizabeth, sped in 1593, it was forfeited by Ferdoragh McDonogh, chief of his name, who was attainted of high treason. A good part of the eastern gable and of the sidewalls still stands.

    5. The castle of Bricklieve, lying between Lough na Leihy and Keash, belonged to the McDonoghs,t and passed from them to Gilbert Green, by whom it was occupied in 1593. A small fragment remains.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 125

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stood the castle of Coolea, near Ballinakille. It was a McDonogh work. An Exchequer inquisition of Elizabeth, dated 1593, records that it was forfeited by Ferdoragh McDonogh, chief of his name, who was attainted of high treason. A good part of the eastern gable and of the sidewalls still stands.

13. Cathal Oge O'Connor builds stone bridge at Ballysadare

    Ballysadare · townland · Sligo

    Cathal Oge O'Connor of Sligo, regarded as the most chivalrous chief of his period, built a stone and mortar bridge over the river of Ballysadare, one of the first in Ireland. He also erected houses in stone and wood that earned the admiration of annalists.

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    evil of the period was the reckless wars which were constantly on foot, in which neither age nor sex was spared, in which churches were destroyed with as little scruple as private houses, and in which enormities like those that occurred in Glean Fathroimhe (see Vol, II., p. 145), were often perpetrated. Cathal Oge O'Connor of Sligo was counted the most chivalrous and enlightened chief of his period, and yet, our annalists record of him that he harried both church and territory, and that a couple of months before his death, he not only devastated Meath, but " burned fourteen churches." (Vol. I., p. 94.) Still, under his rule, there was great material progress in and around Sligo ; for he built a stone and mortar bridge — one of the first in Ireland — over the river of Ballysadare, and erected houses in stone and wood, which have elicited the warm admiration of all our annalists,

    Froude, in his English in Ireland (Vol. I., p. 15), writes : — ''There has been always a difficulty in understanding how, among a lawless people, the churches and monasteries escaped destruction." It is hard to tell where or how this historian acquired his notions of the conduct of the Irish in regard to their churches. It was not, certainly, in the authentic annals of the country, which witness in every page to the wholesale destruction of those sacred structures by our ancestors. The real difficulty in connexion with this matter is to understand how Christians could burn a church, as they constantly did, with as little scruple as they would burn a barn.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 314

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ballysadare, Cathal Oge O'Connor of Sligo built a stone and mortar bridge over the river, one of the first in Ireland. He was counted the most chivalrous and enlightened chief of his period, and under his rule there was great material progress in and around Sligo. He also erected houses in stone and wood, which earned the warm admiration of all the annalists. Yet the same annalists record that he harried both church and territory. A couple of months before his death, he not only devastated Meath but, in the words of the source, "burned fourteen churches." The period was marked by reckless wars, in which neither age nor sex was spared, churches destroyed with as little scruple as private houses, and enormities like those at Glean Fathroimhe often perpetrated. The writer of this history takes issue with Froude, who in his English in Ireland wrote that there has always been a difficulty understanding how, among a lawless people, the churches and monasteries escaped destruction. The author says it is hard to tell where Froude acquired his notions of Irish conduct regarding churches. It was not, certainly, in the authentic annals of the country, which witness in every page to the wholesale destruction of those sacred structures. The real difficulty, the writer says, is understanding how Christians could burn a church, as they constantly did, with as little scruple as they would burn a barn.

14. Church of Achonry seized by laity, no trace of religion

    Achonry · townland · Sligo

    Father Wolf's letter reports that the church of Achonry (Accadensis) was held by force by laymen, with no trace of religion remaining. He suggested that Eugenius O'Hart, through his influence and friends, might recover the church for worship.

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    "in the church of Achonry, on the Gospel side of the high altar," — a statement from which we may infer that he succeeded in restoring this church to public worship, which was one of the benefits expected from his appointment, according to Father Wolf's letter : — " The church of Accadensis is held by force, and is in the hands of the laity, and not one trace of religion is left there, but, by the influence of Eugenius and the power of his friends, the church might be recovered." *

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 56

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stands what was once the church of Achonry. Father Wolf wrote that it was held by force, in the hands of the laity, with not one trace of religion left there. He suggested that by the influence of Eugenius O'Hart and the power of his friends, the church might be recovered for worship. A later statement places someone on the Gospel side of the high altar in this church, suggesting it was indeed restored to public worship, which was one of the benefits expected from his appointment.

15. Church of Aghanagh founded by Saint Patrick

    Aghanagh · townland · Sligo

    The church of Aghanagh, or Echenach ('place of horses'), was one of the first churches erected in the county, founded according to the Annotations of Tirechan by Saint Patrick, who placed Bishop Maneus and Gentene over it. A local tradition holds that Bishop Maneus was connected to the parish.

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    The church of Aghanagh, or Echenach,* was one of the first erected in the county, being founded, according to the Annotations of Tirechan,t by Saint Patrick. Over it the saint placed Bishop Maneus and Gentene.J There is a tradition in the parish and neighbourhood, that while Bishop Maneus was

    * Equorum locus vel pastus. — Act. Sanct.^ p. 399. t Bocumenta ex libro Armachano, p. 85.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 165

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stands what was once the church of Aghanagh, or Echenach, the place of horses. It was one of the first churches erected in the county. According to the Annotations of Tirechan, Saint Patrick founded it and placed Bishop Maneus and Gentene over it. A tradition in the parish holds that Bishop Maneus was connected to this place.

16. Collooney Castle, first stone structure in county

    Collooney · townland · Sligo

    The Castle of Collooney was the first stone and mortar structure erected in County Sligo. It was followed by the castles of Sligo, Templehouse, Ardcree, Banada, and Buninna, while fine stone houses existed in the town of Sligo by 1396.

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    Habitations, of the people, II. 455. Placed formerly within raths or forts, 456. Material of these raths no criterion of their age, 456. Meaning of the word "gran" or * ' grania," 457. Some Irishmen may have never put a head under a roof in remote times, 458. Condition of the west of Ireland, as reported in 1517, 459. Castle of Collooney, the first stone and mortar structure erected in the county, 460. Castles of Sligo, Templehouse, Ardcree, Banada, Buninna, follow, 460. Fine stone houses in the town of Sligo in 1396. The troubles of 1641, 1689, and the Penal Laws, arrest the erection of good houses, 461. Most of the existing houses built since the beginning of the century, 462. The islands of the county formerly inhabited, 463. Improvements, 11. 586. Houses of the town of Sligo, towards the close of last century, I. 330-331.

    Hamilton, Sir Frederick, I. 153. His principles, 154. His irruption into Sligo, 155. Burns the town and massacres the inhabitants, 156. Sir Frederick, impervious to religious feeling, 157. His attitude towards Protestants, 158. His leading characteristics, 159, 509.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 340

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here once stood the first stone and mortar structure erected in County Sligo. Collooney Castle was that structure. Before it, people placed their habitations within raths or forts. The material of these raths gave no clear sign of their age. Some Irishmen may have never put a head under a roof in remote times. After Collooney, the castles of Sligo, Templehouse, Ardcree, Banada, and Buninna followed. By 1396, fine stone houses stood in the town of Sligo. Then came the troubles. The conflicts of 1641 and 1689, and the Penal Laws, arrested the erection of good houses across the county. Most of the existing houses were built since the beginning of the century. The islands of the county were formerly inhabited. That is what the record holds about this place and the building that came before all the others in stone.

17. Cromwellian dispossession of Tireragh families after 1641

    Tireragh · barony · Sligo · 1641–1656

    The events of 1641 led to the ruin of the O'Dowds, MacSweenys, MacDonnells, and all old Irish families with estates in Tireragh. They were deprived of their patrimonial possessions and left houseless and penniless, while their lands were given to Cromwell's soldiers and officers as local proprietors or 'Tituladoes.'

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    The year 1641, so fatal to the Irish, led to the ruin of the O'Dowds, the MacSweenys, the MacDonnells, and all the other old Irish who had estate or beneficial interest in the lands of Tireragh. With the exception of David O'Dowd, who was transplanted to a small estate in Coolcarny by a decree of the Loughrea Commissioners, dated 4th August, 1656, all the Irish of the district were deprived of their patrimonial possessions, and thrown houseless and penniless on the world — many of them having to beg for the means of subsistence from door to door over the lands which shortly before they owned or occupied. Their places were given by the Commou wealth authorities to Cromwell's soldiers and officers, several of whom were constituted local proprietors, or, to use the term of the time, Tituladoes,

    These Tituladoes had scopes of land in each of the parishes

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 212

    As the companion tells it

    This barony of Tireragh was once held by the old Irish families who had estate and beneficial interest in its lands. The year 1641, so fatal to the Irish, led to their ruin. The O'Dowds, the MacSweenys, the MacDonnells, and all the others lost everything. With one exception, every Irish person in the district was deprived of their patrimonial possessions and thrown houseless and penniless on the world. Many had to beg for the means of subsistence from door to door over the lands which shortly before they owned or occupied. The single exception was David O'Dowd, who was transplanted to a small estate in Coolcarny by a decree of the Loughrea Commissioners dated the 4th of August, 1656. Their places were given by the Commonwealth authorities to Cromwell's soldiers and officers, several of whom were constituted local proprietors, or, to use the term of the time, Tituladoes. These Tituladoes had scopes of land in each of the parishes.

18. Cromwellian tituladoes in Kilmorgan parish

    Kilmorgan · townland · Sligo · 1649–1660

    Under the Commonwealth, John Duke, Robert Duke, John Geale, Donnell Conellan, John Clifford, Edward Hill, Henry Bierast, and John Houlder served as tituladoes in Kilmorgan parish. By the time of writing, none of these Cromwellian settlers except the Dukes had descendants remaining in the parish.

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    Tituladoes in the parish, but not one of these Cromwellians, except the Dukes, has now a descendant in Kilmorgan.

    The parish of Kilmorgan is thinly inhabited, without town or even village worthy of the name. Half a mile or so to the north-east of Kilmorgan old church stand two or three houses, known popularly as Tighe's Town, which may be mentioned as the birth-place of several respectable persons of the name of Tighe, including four brothers, each of whom might serve as a model in his particular line of life : Very Rev. Canon Tighe, the zealous and genial Parish Priest of Ballymote, who died in 1876 full of years and honours ; the late Alderman James Tighe of Sligo, remarkable through life for enterprise and integrity as a merchant, and ability and honesty as a local politician ; Mr. Thomas Tighe, who may be stated in passing, was the father of Rev. Denis Tighe of Chicago, and who, though he lived and died in his native place, was not less noted for manly worth and christian virtues than the priest and alderman ; and Mr. Edward Tighe of Mullaghcorra, who still survives, and still illustrates in his own person all the high qualities, intellectual, moral, and social, of his worthy brothers.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 97

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in the parish of Kilmorgan, a handful of Cromwellian settlers held land as tituladoes under the Commonwealth. Their names were John Duke, Robert Duke, John Geale, Donnell Conellan, John Clifford, Edward Hill, Henry Bierast, and John Houlder. By the time the history was written, not one of these men except the Dukes had a descendant left in Kilmorgan. The parish is thinly inhabited, without town or village worthy of the name. About half a mile to the north-east of Kilmorgan old church stand two or three houses known as Tighe's Town. It was the birthplace of several respectable persons of the name of Tighe, including four brothers. Canon Tighe, parish priest of Ballymote, died in 1876 full of years and honours. Alderman James Tighe of Sligo was noted through life for enterprise and integrity as a merchant and ability and honesty as a local politician. Thomas Tighe, father of Reverend Denis Tighe of Chicago, lived and died in his native place, noted for manly worth and Christian virtues. And Edward Tighe of Mullaghcorra still survived at the time of writing.

19. Father Fallon imprisoned on Aran Islands

    near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway · 1641–1662

    Father James Fallon, Vicar Apostolic of Achonry, was arrested in Iar Connacht, plundered of his books, and held prisoner on the Aran Islands, in Galway, and on Inishbofin. After years of captivity he was released on condition he appear in court when summoned, and died in August 1662.

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    From trials such as these he was destined to pass to still greater, for he was finally driven from his hiding place, captured

    * The Portrait of a Pious Bishop ; or, The Life and Death of the Most Rer. Francis Kirwan, Bishop of Killalla. Translated from the Latin, by John Lynch, Archdeacon of Tuam. With Introduction and Notes, by C. P. Meehan, €.C., p. 242. Edition of 1884 ; Dublin : James Duffy & Co., Ltd.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 60

    As the companion tells it

    On the Aran Islands, Father James Fallon, Vicar Apostolic of Achonry, was held prisoner after his arrest in Iar Connacht and the plundering of his books. He was also held in Galway and on Inishbofin. After years of captivity he was released on condition he appear in court when summoned. He died in August 1662.

20. Father Prendergast's sermons draw Sligo townspeople to convent

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1810–1819

    In the second decade of the nineteenth century, a Dominican friar named Father Prendergast attracted most of Sligo's townspeople to the convent with his eloquent sermons, leaving the parish chapel nearly empty. Local critics compared him favourably to Father Filan.

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    Father Filan's fame in Sligo as a preacher, did not cease with his departure from the town, nor with his departure from life ; for long after he was gone to his reward ; long after the " silver cord was broken, and the golden fillet shrank back," a leading topic of conversation in Sligo continued to be the silvery tones and the golden thoughts of the great Achonry preacher. In the minds of all he ranked as a perfect model of the pulpit orator; and when, in the second decade of the century, an eloquent Dominican, Father Prendergast, attracted by his sermons most of the townspeople to the convent, and left the parish chapel nearly empty, the highest praise bestowed on him by local critics was, that he approached nearer to^Father Filan than anybody else had ever done in Sligo.

    This distinguished Achonry priest died in 1830, and was buried, as has been stated above, in Drumahillan graveyard, where the following inscription appears on his tombstone: —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 73

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, there is a story from the second decade of the 1800s. Father Filan had been a famous preacher here, and long after he left the town, people still talked about his silvery tones and golden thoughts. He ranked in everyone's mind as the perfect model of a pulpit orator. Then a Dominican friar called Father Prendergast began preaching at the convent, and his sermons drew most of the townspeople there, leaving the parish chapel nearly empty. The highest praise local critics could give Prendergast was that he came closer to Father Filan than anybody else ever had in Sligo. Father Filan himself died in 1830 and was buried in Drumahillan graveyard, where an inscription appears on his tombstone.

21. First stone castle in County Sligo at Collooney

    Collooney · townland · Sligo · 1124

    The first castle of stone and mortar in County Sligo was built at Collooney, attributed to Turlough O'Conor, then King of Connaught. No other stone castle in the county was likely erected until after the Anglo-Norman arrival.

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    All this time there was hardly a stone house in the county except some churches, which served not only for places of worship, but sometimes for ecclesiastical residences * sometimes for prisons or fortresses,t and often for storehouses of provisions.J The first castle of stone and mortar in the county was built at Collooney,§ no doubt, by Turlough O'Conor, who was then King of Connaught ; and no other, in all likelihood, was erected till after the arrival of the Anglo-Normans. The Annals of the Four Masters record that the Barons of Erin came to Connaught in 1237 and "commenced erecting castles there." || In 1245 Maurice Fitzgerald built the castle of Sligoj^f in 1263 Walter Burke erected the castle of Templehouse or Ath Angaile;** and about the same time he and other English constructed timber castles in Leyney and Tireragh, at Rath Ard creeve, Banada, Buninna, and other places ; took forcible possession of these districts ; and expelled the O'Haras, O'Dowds, and other hereditary chiefs.

    While these structures were building, no improvement could be made in the residences of the people, as the country was in a state of constant war. Nor is there any reason to think that such houses as existed in the town of Sligo, between the fourteenth and the seventeenth century, came near, either in appearance or value, to those which were burned down in 1396, and which the Four Masters extol so highly for their

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 251

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1124, the first castle of stone and mortar in all of County Sligo was built. At that time, there was hardly a stone house in the county except for some churches, which served not only as places of worship, but sometimes as ecclesiastical residences, as prisons or fortresses, and often as storehouses for provisions. This castle at Collooney was built, no doubt, by Turlough O'Conor, who was then King of Connaught. No other stone castle in the county was likely erected until after the arrival of the Anglo-Normans. The Annals of the Four Masters record that the Barons of Erin came to Connaught in 1237 and, in the words of the source, commenced erecting castles there. In 1245, Maurice Fitzgerald built the castle of Sligo. In 1263, Walter Burke erected the castle of Templehouse, or Ath Angaile. About the same time, he and other English constructed timber castles in Leyney and Tireragh, at Rath Ard creeve, Banada, Buninna, and other places. They took forcible possession of these districts and expelled the O'Haras, the O'Dowds, and other hereditary chiefs. While these structures were being built, no improvement could be made in the residences of the people, as the country was in a state of constant war.

22. Fitzmaurice's linen enterprise at Ballymote

    Ballymote · town · Sligo · 1778

    Mr. Fitzmaurice built a castle-style establishment and encouraged linen manufacturing at Ballymote, even taking his £7,000 annual rents in linen. By Arthur Young's 1778 visit, 90 looms were operated by Protestant weavers from the north, but the venture ultimately proved unprofitable compared to land improvement.

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    Still his labours bore little fruit ; for though 90 looms were in the orthodox hands of as many " Protestant weavers from the north," at the date of Arthur Young's visit to Ballymote, in 1778, that honest writer winds up his account of Mr. Fitzmaurice's doings with the suggestive words : — '* After all I see every reason to assert, that a gentleman, for a shilling he will ever make by manufactory, will profit a guinea by the improvement of land ; have rascals to deal with in one line, and honest men in the other.

    After this the business declined, and it was nearly extinct in 1833, when the property passed by sale from Lord Orkney, to Sir Robert Gore Booth, the bargain, it is said, being struck over the dinner table at Annaghmore, where the host, Major O'Hara, played the part of the mutual friend at the fair, and " split the difference " between the earl and the baronet.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 89

    As the companion tells it

    In Ballymote, Mr. Fitzmaurice built a castle-style establishment and set about encouraging linen manufacturing. He took his £7,000 annual rents in linen. By the time Arthur Young visited in 1778, there were 90 looms in the hands of Protestant weavers from the north. But Young saw clearly what the venture was worth. He wrote that "a gentleman, for a shilling he will ever make by manufactory, will profit a guinea by the improvement of land; have rascals to deal with in one line, and honest men in the other." After this the business declined. It was nearly extinct by 1833, when the property passed by sale from Lord Orkney to Sir Robert Gore Booth. The bargain, it is said, was struck over the dinner table at Annaghmore, where the host, Major O'Hara, played the part of mutual friend and "split the difference" between the earl and the baronet.

23. G'Finan libel trial at Sligo Assizes, March 1837

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1837

    The libel case of Bishop G'Finan against Mr. Cavendish, proprietor of the Castlebar Telegraph, was tried at the Sligo Assizes in March 1837, memorable for the eminence of counsel and rank of witnesses. The Bishop remitted the £500 damages after Cavendish made a proper apology.

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    The case was tried at the Sligo Assizes of March, 1837, and is memorable not only for the matter sub judicej but much more for the eminence of the counsel engaged, the rank of the witnesses examined, and not a few of the incidents that came up during the proceedings.

    The Bishop cared nothing for the damages, and, the moment a proper apology was made him by Mr. Cavendish, remitted them, in a long letter written from Rome of which this opening sentence may be quoted : — " I hasten to assure you. Sir, that I cannot think for a moment, after the step which you have taken, certainly without any solicitation from me, and, I trust,

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 225

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town saw a memorable libel trial in March 1837, when Bishop G'Finan sued Mr. Cavendish, the proprietor of the Castlebar Telegraph. The case is remembered not for the matter itself but for the eminence of the counsel engaged and the rank of the witnesses examined. The Bishop cared nothing for the damages, and the moment Cavendish made a proper apology he remitted the full £500. He wrote a long letter from Rome, opening with the words, "I hasten to assure you, Sir, that I cannot think for a moment, after the step which you have taken, certainly without any solicitation from me."

24. Hill of Keash and Battle of Ceis Corainn

    near Kesh · population centre · Sligo

    The Hill of Keash was associated with the Battle of Ceis Corainn. The grave of the chiefs who fell in the battle was noted in the area. St. Kevin of Glendalough had connections to Toomour in the union.

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    Keash, Union of, II. 201 . The Phibbs family, 202. The Hill of Keash, 204-5. Battle of Ceis Corainn, 206. Grave of the chiefs who fell in the battle, 207. St. Kevin of Glendalough and Toomour, 208-9. Religious and secular interest of Toomour. Succession of Parish Priests, 215. Anecdote of Father Rickard Fitzmaurice, 216.

    Kerins, Father, II. 487.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 342

    As the companion tells it

    The Hill of Keash is tied to the Battle of Ceis Corainn. The grave of the chiefs who fell in that battle was noted in the area. St. Kevin of Glendalough had connections to Toomour in the union of Keash.

25. Inishmurray ancient abbey, church, and statue of St. Molash

    Inishmurray · townland · Sligo

    Inishmurry contained a rude abbey, a church, and other old buildings traditionally said to have been erected by St. Molash and St. Columbkill. A wooden statue of St. Molash was kept in a cell on the island, daubed with red paint by the inhabitants to make him look handsome.

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    " Inismurray is a rock rising out of the sea, which goes sloping gently and like steps to the edge of the water on the east side towards the main shore, but on the west is high, craggy, and all precipice, with some small heads 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. About 130 acres are covered with a thin soil of about 5 or 6 inches deep, which produces grass to feed about 4 or 5 cows, as many horses, and 30 sheep ; there is also some arable land that produces about 20 barrels of corn, besides some garden stuflf; the houses are 5 in number, and as many barns j and the inhabitants 45 or 46, including children. They are all fishermen, and sell their cargoes on the mainland. They have inhabited this island, from father to son, for upwards of 600 years, and when crowded send the supernumerary to seek their fortune on shore ; they only speak Irish, except one man and an old woman ; they are very hospitable to strangers, will treat and lodge them without reward ; they love Colonel Irwin (by whose means they have been exempted from some county charges), and who, every year, pays them a visit, by which they never lose. There is an abbey, as it is called, very rude, a church, and some other old buildings, said to have been erected by St. Molash and Columbkill ; the figure, or statue, in wood, of the first, they have there in a cell, and have daubed him all over with red paint to make him look handsome. Mr. Bigarry described his holiness upon the spot. They have many traditions, which were all gathered in Irish by our interpreter, and filled some pages of paper.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 26

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Inishmurray there is a rock rising out of the sea. The east side slopes gently down to the water like steps, but the west is high and craggy, all precipice, with small heads advancing into the sea. The waves have worn great holes through the rock, not unlike ancient arches, and in tempestuous weather the sea roars through them. About 130 acres are covered with a thin soil only 5 or 6 inches deep. It feeds about 4 or 5 cows, as many horses, and 30 sheep. There is some arable land too, producing about 20 barrels of corn, and some garden produce. There are 5 houses and as many barns, and the inhabitants number 45 or 46, including children. They are all fishermen, selling their cargoes on the mainland. They have lived on the island from father to son for upwards of 600 years, and when they grow too crowded, they send the supernumerary to seek a fortune on the shore. They speak only Irish, except for one man and an old woman. They are very hospitable to strangers, treating and lodging them without reward. They love Colonel Irwin, by whose means they have been exempted from some county charges, and he pays them a visit every year, by which they never lose. On the island there is an abbey, as it is called, very rude, a church, and some other old buildings, said to have been erected by St. Molash and St. Columbkill. The wooden statue of St. Molash they keep in a cell, and they have daubed him all over with red paint to make him look handsome. Mr. Bigarry described his holiness upon the spot. They have many traditions, which were gathered in Irish by an interpreter, and filled some pages of paper.

26. Inishmurray monastic traditions and dependence on Aughris

    Inishmurray · townland · Sligo

    The island of Inishmurray carries traditions linking it to saints Muredach and Molaise. A tradition throughout the diocese of Killala holds that St. Muredach, patron of Killala, was buried on the island and thus gave it its name. The island was dependent on the priory of Aughris, as confirmed by a 1584 Exchequer inquisition.

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    While keeping this requirement in mind, the writer is led to believe, first, that Muredach of Inismurray is Muredach of Killala, a belief which is confirmed by the tradition throughout the diocese of Killala, that the patron of the diocese was buried in Inismurray, and thus gave the island its name ; f and, second, that Molaise of Inismurray, is no other than Molaise, the founder of Aughris, a fact which seems to follow clearly from the dependence of the island on Aughris.

    It is strange that this dependence, which is the key to the history of Inismurray, has not been noticed before, though the proofs of it are abundant in official documents. In an Exchequer inquisition, sped at Sligo in 1584, under Sir John Crofton, the

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 18

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Inishmurray, there is an island whose name carries a saint's story. Tradition throughout the diocese of Killala holds that Muredach, patron of the diocese, was buried on this island, and that his burial gave the place its name. The writer argues that Muredach of Inishmurray is the same Muredach of Killala. He also argues that Molaise of Inishmurray is no other than Molaise, the founder of Aughris. This connection follows from the dependence of the island on Aughris. That dependence is the key to the history of Inishmurray, though the writer finds it strange no one noticed it before, since proofs of it are abundant in official documents. An Exchequer inquisition, held at Sligo in 1584, under Sir John Crofton, confirmed the tie.

27. James I grants Kilross and Lough Gill islands to Crofton, 1618

    near Lough Gill · lake or lakes · Kerry · 1618

    On 18 July 1618, William Crofton of Templehouse received from James I a grant of the site of the chapel or cell of Killrose, along with land adjoining Inishkilleghan (also called Gallagher's Island or Cottage Island) in Lough Gill. These possessions later passed to the Perceval family through marriage.

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    On the 18th July, 1618, William Crofton, of Templehouse, received from James I. a grant of the " site of the chapel or cell of Killrosse, and 2 quarters of land adjoining the island Inishkilleghan (called now commonly Gallagher's Island, sometimes Cottage Island, and, occasionally, Bullock Island), in Lochgill, near the town of Sligo, and certain other small islands there."* These, with the other possessions of William Crofton, passed to the Perceval family by the marriage of George Perceval, youngest son of Sir Phillip Perceval, to Mary, daughter and heiress of William Crofton, The owners of the parish in 1633 were William Crofton, Sir Thomas Wenman, the McDonoghs, Rev. Mr. Dodwell, and Donogh O'Connor.

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 132

    As the companion tells it

    Lough Gill holds an old grant from the summer of 1618. On the 18th of July that year, William Crofton of Templehouse received from James I a grant of the site of the chapel or cell of Killrose, and two quarters of land adjoining the island Inishkilleghan in the lake. That island was called commonly Gallagher's Island, sometimes Cottage Island, and occasionally Bullock Island. The grant also covered certain other small islands there. These possessions, along with the other lands of William Crofton, later passed to the Perceval family through marriage. George Perceval, youngest son of Sir Phillip Perceval, married Mary, daughter and heiress of William Crofton, and so the grant came into their hands. By 1633 the owners of the parish were William Crofton, Sir Thomas Wenman, the McDonoghs, Reverend Mr. Dodwell, and Donogh O'Connor. The adjoining parish on the south, Ballysummaghan, was called Drumdoney in the Survey of 1633. It appears in an Exchequer inquisition of the 15th of James I under the alias Dromdrayne, meaning the ridge of the blackthorn. The present name comes from the O'Summaghan family, anglicised as Somers, who were formerly very numerous in the district. Several of them are named in James I's pardon of Sir Donogh O'Connor and the other inhabitants of the county of Sligo. In the Survey of 1633, Knocknagee in this parish is recorded as the inheritance of Donogh O'Connor, mortgaged to Andrew Crean. He leases it to his son John, who sets it to Thomas O'Summaghan and John Darragh O'Laghna, fosterers. Dunally, Bloomfield, and Castle Neynoe are in this parish, and Castle Neynoe contains an imposing castellated house.

28. Killoran named for female saint Luathrenna

    Killoran · parish · Sligo

    The place-name Killoran derives not from St. Oran but from a female saint named Luathrenna or Luathren, a daughter of Colman and descendant of Kien, ancestor of the O'Hara family. Colgan states her festival falls on 8th June and she is honoured in the church of Kilueren in the district of Corran (ancient name for present-day Leyney).

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    Though Major "Wood Martin * and one of the Ordnance Survey Letter Writers, take Killoran to signify Oran's church, this is not the true signification ; for the word comes from a female saint named Luathrenna, or Luathren, and not from St. Oran. This is clear from a note which Colgan appends to his life of St. Cormac,f and in which he gives the genealogy of Luathren as a daughter of Colman, who was a descendant of Kien, the ancestor of the O'Hara family. In the same note Colgan states that her festival falls on the 8th June, and that she is honoured on that day " in the church of Kilueren and district of Corran," meaning by Corran, the present Leyney, as Leyney was anciently so called. In an inquisition taken before Richard Boyle, at Bally mote, in 1593, the place is given as

    * History of Sligo, p. 108.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 31

    As the companion tells it

    The parish of Killoran in Sligo takes its name not from St. Oran, as Major Wood Martin and an Ordnance Survey writer supposed, but from a female saint called Luathrenna, or Luathren. Colgan sets this out in a note to his life of St. Cormac, giving her genealogy as a daughter of Colman, who was descended from Kien, the ancestor of the O'Hara family. He states that her festival falls on the 8th of June, and that she is honoured on that day, in his words, "in the church of Kilueren and district of Corran." Corran was the ancient name for what is now called Leyney. An inquisition taken before Richard Boyle at Ballymote in 1593 also records the place, though the passage cuts off before giving its findings.

29. MacDonogh family of Creevagh retained lands despite confiscations

    Creevagh · townland · Sligo · 1600–1713

    A branch of the MacDonogh family flourished at Creevagh in the parish of Kilmactrany and managed to retain a good part of their possessions despite the seventeenth-century confiscations that robbed all others of the name. Counsellor Terence MacDonogh of Creevagh was MP for the borough of Sligo in King James' Parliament and died in 1713.

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    Counsellor Terence McDonogh, sometimes called Tarlough Caech, or, Terence the Blind, or the one-eyed, was the most distinguished Catholic of his time in the county. He came of a branch of the McDonoghs that flourished at Creevagh, in the parish of Kilmactrany, and that managed to retain a good part of their possessions, in spite of those confiscations of the seventeenth century, which robbed all others of the name. The Counsellor was member for the borough of Sligo in King James' Parliament, and was probably the most able man that ever represented the borough.

    Though a lawyer, and in large practice, he took up the sword, and continued to use it while the conflict between James and AVilliam lasted ; and we find him in Ballymote Castle at the head of a small garrison in 1689, and later in the same year, in command of some Connaught men who made an irruption into the north — a movement which savoured more of courage than of prudence. On this occasion the Counsellor was made prisoner in Fish Island in the Erne,* but soon after he and

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 120

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here at Creevagh, a branch of the MacDonogh family flourished and managed to hold on to a good part of their possessions, despite the confiscations of the seventeenth century that stripped all others of the name. Counsellor Terence MacDonogh, sometimes called Tarlough Caech, or Terence the Blind, or the one-eyed, was the most distinguished Catholic of his time in the county. He served as member for the borough of Sligo in King James' Parliament, and was probably the most able man that ever represented the borough. Though a lawyer in large practice, he took up the sword while the conflict between James and William lasted. In 1689 he was found in Ballymote Castle at the head of a small garrison, and later that same year he led Connaught men in a raid into the north, a movement that savoured more of courage than of prudence. On that occasion the Counsellor was made prisoner on Fish Island in the Erne. He died in 1713.

30. Mendicant orders' houses across County Sligo

    Ballymote · town · Sligo

    Mendicant orders established houses serving as centres of spiritual life: Dominicans at Sligo, Ballindoon, and Cloonymeaghan; Franciscans at Ballymote and Court; Augustinians at Banada; and Carmelites at Knockmore in Coolavin.

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    We must not omit to mention that the Mendicant Orders, after their introduction, co-operated zealously in this movement: their houses — those of the Dominicans at Sligo, Ballindoon, and Cloonymeaghan ; of the Franciscans, at Ballymote and Court ; of the Augustinians, at Banada; and of the Carmelites, at Knockmore, in Coolavin — serving constantly as so many centres of spiritual life in their respective localities.

    This state of things continued till the Reformation ; nor was there much practical change under Henry YIII. ; while Elizaoeth, in the early part of her reign, showed herself disposed to wink at the private practice of the Catholic religion, and accordingly allowed Sir Donnell O'Connor to maintain priests^ in the Abbey, provided only they were secular priests, a condition probably added, in this and some other cas.es,* merely to save appearances.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 232

    As the companion tells it

    Ballymote was one of the places where the mendicant orders set down roots in County Sligo. The Franciscans had their house here, and at Court. The Dominicans were at Sligo, Ballindoon, and Cloonymeaghan. The Augustinians were at Banada, and the Carmelites at Knockmore in Coolavin. These houses served as centres of spiritual life in their localities. That state of things continued until the Reformation. There was little practical change under Henry the Eighth. In the early part of her reign, Elizabeth showed herself disposed to wink at the private practice of the Catholic religion. She allowed Sir Donnell O'Connor to maintain priests in the Abbey, provided only they were secular priests, a condition probably added merely to save appearances.

31. Milmo remittances relieve distress in Collooney and Ballymote

    Collooney · townland · Sligo

    Don Patricio Milmo, a Sligo-born emigrant to Mexico, sent large financial remittances to the parishes of Collooney and Ballymote upon hearing reports of local distress. The two parishes were those with which his family was most immediately connected.

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    with his own brother, Mr. Daniel Milmo, who, as every one that knows him would expect, is as great a favourite almost in his adopted country as he is in his native Sligo, where he is so much esteemed and respected. And this regard he well deserves, for he never misses an opportunity of doing a good turn to Sligo men, be they rich or poor ; and, as an instance, when the report of local distress reached him, a few years ago, he lost no time in sending large remittances to CoUooney and Ballymote, the two parishes with which his family was more immediately connected.

    As many Sligo people are already aware, Don Patricio is the son-in-law of the late famous Mexican General Vidauri, who, under the republic, was Governor of Nuevo Leon and Coahuila, and, under Maximilian's short-lived empire, was President of his Council of Ministers. About three weeks after the execution of Maximilian, this distinguished general was shot by orders of the revolutionist, Diaz, on the 8th July, 1867.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 294

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, the parishes of Collooney and Ballymote received help from a man who had left Sligo for Mexico. Daniel Milmo emigrated and became as great a favourite in his adopted country as he was in his native Sligo, where he was esteemed and respected. He deserved that regard, for he never missed an opportunity to do a good turn for Sligo men, rich or poor. When word reached him of local distress a few years ago, he lost no time sending large remittances to these two parishes, the ones his family was most immediately connected with. Daniel's brother was Don Patricio Milmo, son-in-law of the famous Mexican General Vidauri. Vidauri was Governor of Nuevo Leon and Coahuila under the republic, and President of the Council of Ministers under Maximilian's short-lived empire. About three weeks after Maximilian's execution, the revolutionary Diaz ordered Vidauri shot, on the 8th of July, 1867.

32. Monsignor McManus's early life in Geevagh and Sligo

    near Geevagh · population centre · Sligo

    Monsignor McManus, who died in Baltimore in 1888, lived in Geevagh with his uncle Rev. Bernard McManus and later attended Mr. Charles O'Connor's school in Sligo town. He was remembered as a beloved figure whose funeral in America drew vast crowds and Cardinal Archbishop attention.

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    The mention, in the foregoing list, of Reverend Bernard McManus brings to mind his nephew, the late Monsignor McManus of Baltimore, who died in that city on the 2Sth of February, 1888, being then in the sixty-ninth year of his age. Though a native of Roscommon, he lived so long in the county Sligo, first, in Geevagh with his uncle, and next, in the town of Sligo, as pupil in Mr. Charles O'Connor's school, that the county has a claim to a portion of the honour which the life of this worthy priest reflects on every place with which he was ever connected.

    It is not going a hair's-breadth too far to say, that no priest of America, either in the present, or in any past generation, was more admired and loved through life, or more lamented at death, than Monsignor McManus. Not to mind now other evidence, what occurred at his death supplies abundant proof of

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 149

    As the companion tells it

    Geevagh, which the road passes through or near, was home for a time to Monsignor McManus of Baltimore. Though a native of Roscommon, he lived so long in County Sligo that the county has a claim to a portion of the honour his life reflects on every place with which he was connected. First he lived here with his uncle, Reverend Bernard McManus. Then he went to the town of Sligo as a pupil at Mister Charles O'Connor's school. He died in Baltimore on the 28th of February 1888, in his sixty-ninth year. No priest of America, in any generation, was more admired and loved through life, or more lamented at death, than he was. What occurred at his death supplies abundant proof of that.

33. Myles MacDermott, Prince of Coolavin, dies 1793

    Coolavin · electoral division · Sligo · 1793

    Myles MacDermott, commonly called the Prince of Coolavin, died at Coolavin on 7 January 1793. The Anthologia Hibernica praised his extensive information, easy manners, and hospitable turn of mind, noting he was respected throughout Ireland and endeared to a numerous acquaintance.

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    patent of the re-grant by James I. in 1618 to Brian Mac- Dermot covers, as John D'Alton states, sixteen skins of parchment;* while during all this time they occupied a position, as chiefs of Moylurg, second to none in the province — making often and unmaking kings of Connaught at their pleasure,t exercising always a powerful and, generally, a decisive influence on the deliberations and the acts of neighbouring chiefs, and furnishing the Church with so many bishops and priests that they have an incontestable right to be counted the leading ecclesiastical family of Connaught. Though they have courted privacy since they settled in Coolavin, such of them as came before the public have exhibited the high moral, intellectual, and patriotic qualities of their ancestors. Myles M'Dermott, who died in 1793, was respected throughout Ireland for his own sake and the sake of his family. Of him the Anthologia Hibernica, in its number for January, 1793, says : — " Died on the 7th January, at Coolavin, Co. Sligo, Myles Mac- Dermott, Esq., commonly called the Prince of Coolavin, a gentleman whose extensive information, easy manners, and hospitable turn of mind proved his noble descent, and endeared him to a numerous and respectable acquaintance, who now sincerely deplore his loss."

    His son, Dr. Hugh M'Dermott, was universally respected, and was described by those who knew him best as an " inflexible patriot," and ''the source of liberality and knowledge.''^ Much against his will he was mixed up in the controversy that took place between Rev. Dr. O'Conor and the historian, Mr. Francis Plowden ; and in letters of his on this occasion written in 1801 and 1802, some from Coolavin and some from Booterstown, he proves himself a man of talent and culture as v/ell as of conscience and honour. At the great Catholic Con-

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 193

    As the companion tells it

    The road takes you through Coolavin in Sligo, a place tied to the MacDermott family for centuries. They were chiefs of Moylurg, second to none in the province, making and unmaking kings of Connaught at their pleasure, and exercising a powerful influence on neighbouring chiefs. They furnished the Church with so many bishops and priests that they have been called the leading ecclesiastical family of Connaught. A patent of re-grant by James I in 1618 to Brian MacDermot covered sixteen skins of parchment. Myles MacDermott, who died in 1793, was respected throughout Ireland for his own sake and the sake of his family. The Anthologia Hibernica, in its number for January 1793, recorded that he died on the 7th of January at Coolavin. He was commonly called the Prince of Coolavin. The journal described him as a gentleman whose extensive information, easy manners, and hospitable turn of mind proved his noble descent, and endeared him to a numerous and respectable acquaintance who sincerely deplored his loss. His son, Dr. Hugh McDermott, was universally respected. Those who knew him best called him an inflexible patriot and the source of liberality and knowledge. Against his will he became mixed up in a controversy between Rev. Dr. O'Conor and the historian Francis Plowden. In letters written in 1801 and 1802, some from Coolavin and some from Booterstown, he proved himself a man of talent and culture, and of conscience and honour.

34. National school expansion in Drumcliff parish

    near Drumcliff · parish · Sligo · 1860–1882

    In 1860 Drumcliff parish had only one National school, housed in a wretched thatched cabin, but by the time of writing there were eleven fine schools connected to the National Board. Lady Gore Booth and Sir Henry Gore Booth provided sites at nominal rent, including one at Ballyweeleen in 1878 and two at Carney in 1882.

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    Education is in as flourishing a state, in the parish of Drumcliff, as religion. In 1860 there was only one National school in the parish, and that in a wretched thatched cabin, whereas, at present, there are eleven fine schools, all in connexion with the National Board, the Parish Priest being, in every case, both patron and manager. At first there was great difficulty in getting sites for the houses, but, by degrees, the difficulty diminished, and has now nearly disappeared. It is only fair, to Lady Gore Booth and Sir Henry, to state that this better state of things is owing very much to their action and example. In 1878 Sir Henry gave a site, at a nominal rent, for a school-house at Ballyweelen, and, in 1882, when he was yachting in the Arctic Ocean, Lady Gore Booth, by his authority, signed, with her own hand, a lease for a site of two schools in Carney, and performed her delegated function with such singular good-will and graciousness, that her co-operation enhanced, infinitely, in the estimation of all concerned, the value of her husband's kind and generous act.

    The following is, as far as could be ascertained, the succession in the parish, of the clergymen of the late Established church : —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Drumcliff parish in Sligo, where the schools tell a story of change. In 1860 there was only one National school in the whole parish, and it sat in a wretched thatched cabin. By the time of writing there were eleven fine schools, all connected to the National Board, with the Parish Priest as patron and manager in every case. At first there was great difficulty getting sites for the schoolhouses, but that difficulty diminished over the years and had nearly disappeared. The better state of things owed much to Lady Gore Booth and Sir Henry Gore Booth. In 1878 Sir Henry gave a site at a nominal rent for a schoolhouse at Ballyweeleen. In 1882, when he was yachting in the Arctic Ocean, Lady Gore Booth, by his authority, signed with her own hand a lease for a site of two schools in Carney. She performed her delegated function with such singular good-will and graciousness that her co-operation enhanced, in the estimation of all concerned, the value of her husband's kind and generous act.

35. Old church of Achonry and fertile soil

    Achonry · townland · Sligo

    The land immediately surrounding the old church of Achonry had a reputation for extraordinary fertility, with local inhabitants claiming that grass cropped by cattle by day was restored by night. A folk belief held that a hay fork dropped on the bare field overnight would be covered with grass by morning.

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    The soil of the parish is, in general, of medium quality ; while much of what lies in the immediate neighbourhood of the old church of Achonry, has the reputation of being equal in fertility to the best land in the country. The inhabitants tell you, sa luxuriant is the growth of grass there, that what is cropped by the cattle during the day, is more than restored by the rest and moisture of the night, like that of which Virgil speaks : —

    *' Et quantum longis carpent armenta diebus Exigua tantum gelidus ros nocte reponet."+

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 61

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here lies the old church of Achonry. The parish soil is generally medium quality, but the land close to the old church has a reputation for fertility equal to the best in the country. The inhabitants say the grass grows so thick that what the cattle crop by day is more than restored by the rest and moisture of the night, like that of which Virgil speaks.

36. Six Kelly priests buried at Dromard graveyard

    Dromard · townland · Sligo · 1816

    Father John Kelly, who died in 1816, is buried in the graveyard of Dromard alongside five other priests of his name and lineage—Fathers Bryan, Thadeus, John (2), and William—who served in different missions but were all conveyed for interment to Dromard, the head-quarters of the Kelly family.

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    The succession, in more recent times, of pastors in Dromard is Rev. Hugh Deane, Rev. John Kelly, Rev. P. Dowdican, Right Rev. Dr. Conway, Rev. M. A. Conway, and Rev. Patrick M'Nulty, the present incumbent. Father Deane held the parish in the last quarter of the eighteenth century. Father John Kelly succeeded him, and died in 1816. According to Father M*Nulty, who has the history of Tireragh, and, more especially, its ecclesiastical history, at his fingers' ends, this Father John Kelly is buried in the graveyard of Dromard, by the side of five other priests of his name and lineage — Fathers Bryan, Thadeus, John (2), and William — who had served in different missions of the diocese, but were all conveyed for interment to Dromard, the head-quarters of the Kelly family.

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 218

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Dromard there is a graveyard where six priests of the Kelly family lie buried. Father John Kelly held this parish after Father Hugh Deane, who had served in the last quarter of the eighteenth century. Father Kelly died in 1816, and according to Father McNulty, who knows the ecclesiastical history of Tireragh well, he is buried in the graveyard of Dromard by the side of five other priests of his name and lineage. They were Fathers Bryan, Thadeus, John, and William. One of them was a second Father John. They had served in different missions of the diocese, but all were conveyed for interment to Dromard, the head-quarters of the Kelly family. After Father Kelly died in 1816, Father Peter Dowdican followed him. Father Dowdican served for thirty-three years and died on the 21st of June, 1848. He built the parish church on a site granted by the Jones of Banada, and Dr. MacHale dedicated it in 1828.

37. Stone-alone-Point and the Reanna-an-Liagain ford

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    The writer identifies Reanna-an-Liagain on the Sligo river with Stone-alone-Point, translating the Irish term 'liagain' as a pillar stone standing by itself. This fearsat or ford was the only one ever used on the Sligo river, leading from Drumcliff to Coolerra.

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    derive from a Fomorian chief named Liagain, who, they allege, was slain there by Luigh the Longhaaded ; but both O'Donovan and Hennessy pronounce this derivation fanciful, and render the Irish phrase into the English words, the " pass of the point or promontory of the pillar stone." There can be no doubt that this is the correct interpretation of the phrase; and if any doubt remained it would be removed by the local rendering of the Irish into the English words Standalone or Stone-alone- Point. Stone-alone-Point expresses with sufficient exactness the idea of the Irish term liagain, that is, pillar stone, or a stone standing up by itself and detached from others.

    The reader will observe that the writer identifies Reanna-an- Liagain with Stone-alone-Point, which has not been done before. O'Donovan thought, at first, that this Point was on the Drumcliff river, and, later, that it lay on the Sligo river, but without being able to indicate the exact spot The writer rests his identification on the facts : — first, that the Fear sat- Reannaan- Liagain is certainly on the Sligo river, as it leads from Drumcliff to Coolerra (Four Masters, 1536) ; secondly, that this fearsat or ford was the only one ever used on that river ; and thirdly, that Stone-alone-Point is the manifest translation of Reanna-an-Liagain.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 302

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are near Stone-alone-Point, the English for the Irish Reanna-an-Liagain, a pillar stone standing by itself, detached from others. Some once derived the name from a Fomorian chief called Liagain, said to have been slain there by Luigh the Longheaded, but O'Donovan and Hennessy called that fanciful. The correct reading is the pass of the point or promontory of the pillar stone. The fearsat, or ford, of Reanna-an-Liagain lay on the Sligo river, leading from Drumcliff to Coolerra. It was the only ford ever used on that river. O'Donovan first thought the Point was on the Drumcliff river, and later placed it on the Sligo river, though he could not fix the exact spot. The writer here makes the identification with Stone-alone-Point for the first time, resting it on three facts: the ford is certainly on the Sligo river, it was the only one ever used there, and Stone-alone-Point is the manifest translation of Reanna-an-Liagain.

38. Stone altar and glass chalices in the mountains of Tirerrill

    Tirerrill · barony · Sligo

    Colgan's Vita Tripartita records a tradition that a stone altar with four glass chalices could be found hidden underground in the mountains of Tirerrill, suggesting the presence of Christians there before St. Patrick's time.

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    "And Patrick instructed Ailbhe regarding a stone altar in the mountain of Ui-Ailella underground, and four glass chalices at the four corners." — Hennessy's Translation of the Vita Tripartita in Miss Cusack's Life of Saint Patrick, page 401.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 230

    As the companion tells it

    In the barony of Tirerrill, tradition holds that a stone altar lies hidden underground in the mountains, with four glass chalices at its four corners. The Vita Tripartita records Patrick instructing Ailbhe about this altar. Some read it as a sign that Christians were in this land before Patrick's own coming.

39. Union Wood as Sligo's finest natural forest

    Union Wood · wood · Sligo

    Union Wood has been marked as a natural forest in old maps and surveys, with still-abundant trees despite years of daily cartloads being drawn to the Chemical Works of Collooney and McNeile's factory in Sligo.

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    The best timber habitat in the county is Union Wood, which has been marked in all our old maps and surveys as a natural forest. The trees are still very abundant, though four or five carts have been daily drawing them for several years to the Chemical Works of Collooney, and to the Messrs. McNeile's factory, Sligo : to say nothing of the sales constantly made to customers on the spot.

    Like^ the other tracts of ^the county ,"Union Wood suffered severely in the great storm of 1884, the ravages of which are still visible in the fallen timber lying in all directions about» Uprooted trees were to be met with everywhere, but more especially at a spot called Castle Yiew, on the south-eastern side near the top of the ridge. If the whole wood looked like a Titanic battlefield, strewn with dead bodies, the spot, referred to, resembled the camp or citadel where the last great struggle came off, the place being filled with corpses of, huge firs, oaks, and beeches ; many lying flat on the ground ; some in collision, like two gladiators locked in deadly embrace, but each unable to bring the adversary under ; some decapitated, some with arms torn quite off, or hanging by the side ; and some with whole perches of soil and rock, like gigantic shields firmly clutched by the roots, and still held up in defence or protection over the prostrate body.*

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 116

    As the companion tells it

    A natural forest marked on old maps and surveys, Union Wood is called the best timber habitat in the county of Sligo. The trees are still very abundant, even though for several years four or five carts a day have been drawing timber out to the Chemical Works of Collooney and to McNeile's factory in Sligo, with sales constantly made to customers right there on the spot. The wood suffered severely in the great storm of 1884, and the damage is still visible in fallen timber lying in all directions. Uprooted trees could be seen everywhere, but most of all at a place called Castle View, on the south-eastern side near the top of the ridge. The whole wood looked, in the book's words, like a Titanic battlefield, strewn with dead bodies. That spot resembled a citadel where the last great struggle took place, filled with the corpses of huge firs, oaks, and beeches. Many lay flat on the ground. Some were in collision, like two gladiators locked in deadly embrace, each unable to bring the other down. Some were decapitated, some had arms torn off or hanging by the side. Some still held whole perches of soil and rock in their roots, like gigantic shields, raised over the prostrate body.

40. MacDermot chairs dinner for O'Connell

    Coolavin · electoral division · Sligo · 1843

    Charles MacDermot of Coolavin chaired a complimentary dinner given to Daniel O'Connell by the inhabitants of County Sligo in 1843, sharing the admiration of the people with the Liberator.

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

    The present head of the family. The MacDermot, is, as every one knows, conspicuous among the foremost members of the bar for ability and integrity. Ex- Solicitor-General, and the first figure in the various causes celebres of the day, he has already passed through all the high positions hitherto open to him, and passed through them with equal advantage to the people and the State ; and one need be no prophet to tell that he is sure, before long, to reach the highest place in his great profession, and, having reached it, to fill it with his accustomed exceptional efiiciency and dignity.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 194

    As the companion tells it

    Coolavin in County Sligo was the home of Charles MacDermot, a man who kept mostly to the quiet duties of a country gentleman, though he had talents that suited him for public life. He had a natural eloquence that drew high praise from Daniel O'Connell on more than one occasion. In 1836, when Lord Mulgrave made his famous tour, MacDermot took a prominent part in honouring him and composed some of the addresses presented to him in this neighbourhood. Then in 1843, he occupied the chair at a complimentary dinner given to O'Connell by the inhabitants of the county. That day he divided with the Liberator himself the admiration and respect of the people. The book that records this also notes that the later head of the family, known as The MacDermot, was conspicuous among the foremost members of the bar for ability and integrity. He served as Ex-Solicitor-General and was the first figure in the various celebrated causes of his day, having passed through all the high positions open to him with equal advantage to the people and the State.

41. Ardtermon Castle, built by the O'Harts

    Ardtermon · townland · Sligo · 1633

    Ardtermon Castle is a conspicuous roofless structure whose name signifies the height of the termon or church lands belonging to the religious of Drumcliff. Though generally attributed to the Gores, the 1633 Survey indicates it was built by the O'Harts, the old owners of Ardtermon. The Gores later occupied it before moving to Lissadell.

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    The most striking artificial object about this place, is the conspicuous roofless structure, called Ardtermon Castle, Ardtermon, signifying the height of the termon or church lands, which belonged in the past to the religious of Drumcliff. It is generally taken to be an erection of the Gores, but it appears that it was built by the O'Harts, the old owners of Ardtermon ; for the Survey of 1633, in describing the place, states, "A good

    22 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stands Ardtermon Castle, a conspicuous roofless structure. The name signifies the height of the termon, the church lands that belonged to the religious of Drumcliff. People generally attribute it to the Gores, but the Survey of 1633 shows it was built by the O'Harts, the old owners of Ardtermon. The Gores later occupied it before moving to Lissadell.

42. Ballinafad thatched chapel built 1760

    Ballinafad · townland · Sligo · 1760

    A thatched chapel at Ballinafad was built in 1760 by Father Michael Reynolds of Ballindoon at his own expense, one of the earliest chapels erected in Sligo after the Penal days. An inscription on the altar stone recorded that the priest also used it as his own abode, likely to evade persecuting laws.

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    Before the erection of this church the place of public worship was the old thatched chapel, built in 1760 by Father Michael Reynolds of Ballindoon, as the following curious inscription on a slab which formed the altar stone of the chapel, and which still exists, informs us : — " This house was built in the year 1760 by Father Michael Reynolds of Ballindoon at his own expense, for his own abode, and shelter of the faithful." If not the first, this old building was one of the first, chapels put up in the county since the Penal days ; and the words of the inscription, " for his own abode," would imply that the priest resided in it, which he did, no doubt, for the purpose of evading the persecuting laws still in force, on the old principle that " a man's house is his castle."

    Father Quinn's successor in Ballinafad is Father Geraghty, who has erected the fine parochial house which stands near the church. It is a pity that a site a little further east was not selected, as the windows would thus command one of the best views in the county.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 169

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in Ballinafad, a thatched chapel was built in 1760 by Father Michael Reynolds of Ballindoon. He built it at his own expense. An inscription on the altar stone, which still existed when the account was written, recorded his words: "This house was built in the year 1760 by Father Michael Reynolds of Ballindoon at his own expense, for his own abode, and shelter of the faithful." If not the first, it was one of the first chapels put up in the county since the Penal days. The phrase "for his own abode" suggests the priest lived in the building, which he no doubt did to evade the persecuting laws still in force, on the old principle that a man's house is his castle. A later priest, Father Geraghty, successor to Father Quinn in Ballinafad, erected a parochial house near the church.

43. Ballymote Castle restored and repaired by John de Karrev, 1346

    Ballymote · town · Sligo · 1346

    In 1346, Ballymote Castle was 'restored and repaired' by John de Karrev, who left a garrison in the place. The castle was also known by the alternative name Clerevoyse, according to Friar Clyn's Annals of Ireland.

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    driven into it by MacDermot, where, after a little, they ratified terms of peace ; while, in 1346, it was " restored and repaired " by John de Karrevv, who left a guard in the place.*

    The castle fell into the hands of the Sligo O'Connors soon after the Burkes had to abandon it, for we find it called, in 1348, " the fortress of Rory O'Connor," who was then the head of that family. By the O'Connors it was committed to the keeping of the MacDonoghs, in whose hands, in spite of some efforts of the Burkes to recover possession, it continued down to 1577, when it " was taken by Saxons in treachery,"t but recaptured by the MacDonoghs before the end of the year.J

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 84

    As the companion tells it

    Ballymote is a town with a castle at the heart of its story. In 1346, the castle was, in the words of the record, "restored and repaired" by John de Karrevv, who left a guard in the place. Before that, people had been driven into it by MacDermot, and after a little, they ratified terms of peace there. The castle did not stay long in de Karrevv's hands. By 1348 it was called the fortress of Rory O'Connor, then head of the Sligo O'Connors. The O'Connors gave it into the keeping of the MacDonoghs, and there it stayed, in spite of efforts by the Burkes to take it back, down to 1577, when it, again in the record's words, "was taken by Saxons in treachery," but the MacDonoghs recaptured it before the end of the year.

44. Catholic oratory at Longford, built by the Croftons

    Longford · town · Longford · 1689

    A small chapel or 'cell' at Longford, with walls hung with a crucifix and richly carved heads of saints, was likely an oratory erected by one of the Catholic Croftons, probably Henry Crofton who owned the place in 1689. The Croftons, unlike many Cromwellian settler families, were generally free from hostility to Catholics.

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    The " CELL," Miss Owenson tells us, is "a small chapel, whose almost unimpaired walls are hung with a crucifix, and the richly carved heads of many of the saints." This cell was, no doubt, an oratory erected by some of the Catholic Croftons, probably by Henry, who owned the place in 1689.

    The Croftons came to Ireland in pre-Cromwellian times, and, unlike some of their neighbours — the Joneses, the Woods, the Irwins, and others, who accompanied Oliver — they have been, as a rule, free from that hostility to Celts and Catholics, which forms the distinguishing attribute of the genus Cromwellianum, Sir James Crofton, who died in 1849, was a special favourite of the Catholics of the county in his day.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 216

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Longford, there was once a small chapel here whose walls were hung with a crucifix and what a contemporary described as "richly carved heads of many of the saints." It was likely an oratory built by one of the Catholic Croftons, probably Henry Crofton, who owned the place in 1689. The Croftons were unusual among settler families. Unlike the Joneses, the Woods, and the Irwins who came over with Oliver Cromwell, they were generally free from hostility to Catholics. Sir James Crofton, who died in 1849, was a particular favourite of the Catholics of the county.

45. Creevagh residence of Counsellor Terence McDonogh

    Creevagh · townland · Sligo

    Counsellor Terence McDonogh of Creevagh was noted as the best patron and friend of the learned Roderick O'Flaherty when O'Flaherty was neglected by his countrymen. McDonogh employed his professional earnings to relieve distress among neighbours, both priests and people.

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    MacDonogh was noted for open-handedness, almost as much as for rare abilities ; and the large sums he received in the practice of his profession, were employed in relieving the distress of his neighbours, as well priests as people. Nor were his benefactions confined to the county Sligo ; for we learn from the Preface to Holy's translation of O'Fiaherty's Ogygia (p. xi.), that " Counsellor Terence McDonogh, of Creevagh, was the * best patron and best friend ' of Roderick O'Flaherty, at a time when that learned man was shamefully neglected by the rest of his countrymen."

    The " Great Counsellor/' as he was commonly called, died in 1713, and was buried under the tower in Ballindoon Abbey, where a monument, four feet eight inches high, and two feet ten inches wide, stands over his grave, and bears the following inscription : —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 122

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here was the home of Counsellor Terence McDonogh of Creevagh, a man remembered for open-handedness almost as much as for his rare abilities. The large sums he earned in his profession went to relieve the distress of his neighbours, priests and people alike. His generosity was not confined to Sligo. In the preface to Holy's translation of O'Flaherty's Ogygia, we learn that McDonogh was the best patron and best friend of the learned Roderick O'Flaherty, at a time when that scholar was shamefully neglected by the rest of his countrymen. They called him the Great Counsellor. He died in 1713 and was buried under the tower in Ballindoon Abbey, where a monument stands over his grave, four feet eight inches high and two feet ten inches wide.

46. Erasmus Smith estate lands in Sligo parishes

    near Drumcliff · parish · Sligo · 1641–1855

    The Sligo estate of Erasmus Smith comprised 2,199 acres across the parishes of Drumcliff, Calry, and St. John's, with a gross rental of £627 4s 9d. By 1855 only £70 was expended in the county—the salary of the Lungy school teacher—and by the time of writing even that expenditure had ceased altogether.

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    It appears from the evidence taken before the Endowed Schools, Ireland, Commission, that the Sligo estate of Erasmus Smith is 2,199 acres, 8 roods, and 26 perches, the gross rental amounting to £627, 4s. 9d. Of this large rental the only sum expended in the county at the date of the Commission (1855) was £70, the annual salary of Mr. Ward, who taught the Lungy school for the Governors of the Erasmus Smith Board ; and the surprise of the Commissioners at this state of things may be inferred from a question put by them to the Rev. Mr. Shone, which, with the reverend gentleman's answer, is thus reported in the Minutes of Evidence : " Is the result this, that for Sligo, out of the estates held by the Governors, all the contribution is the salary of the Master ? — The result is, that is all they give as regards education in the town of Sligo." If the Commissioners were so struck by this extraordinary disproportion between the Sligo income and expenditure, they would be still more surprised, if they lived now, to find that, while the large income continues the same, the expenditure has ceased altogether, not one farthing of the sums received being given back in any shape to the county.

    454 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 248

    As the companion tells it

    You are passing through Drumcliff parish, one of three Sligo parishes where the Erasmus Smith estate held lands. The estate ran to 2199 acres across Drumcliff, Calry, and St. John's, with a gross rental of £627, 4 shillings and 9 pence. By 1855 the only sum spent back in the county was £70, the salary of Mr. Ward, who taught the Lungy school for the Governors of the Erasmus Smith Board. The Endowed Schools Commissioners were so struck by this that they asked the Reverend Mr. Shone whether the result was that all the contribution to Sligo was the salary of the master. His answer was that that was all they gave as regards education in the town of Sligo. By the time the book was written, even that had stopped. Not one farthing of the sums received was being given back in any shape to the county.

47. Erenaghs of Killerry church, MacOglaigh family

    Killerry · townland · Sligo · 1333–1416

    Three erenaghs of Killerry church, all named MacOglaigh, are mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters at dates 1333, 1363, and 1416, suggesting the office had become hereditary in this family by the thirteenth century. The 1416 entry records the death of Thomas Mac-an-Oglaigh, Erenagh of Cill-Oiridh and chief Professor of Law in Connaught.

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    churches of the couaty. It must have beea an establishment of some importance, as we find three of its erenaghs mentioned at different times by the Four Masters, one under the year 1333, another at 1363, and the third at 1416. The name in each case is MacOglaigh, so that it would appear that the office of erenagh had become hereditary in this family in the thirteenth century. The entry of the Annals, at the last mentioned date, which is complimentary to the individual mentioned, of whom it speaks so highly, and to the house to which he belonged, runs thus : " Thomas Mac-an-Oglaigb, Erenagh of Cill-Oiridh, and chief Professor of Law in Connaught, died after the victory of penance."

    As not unfrequently happened to other churches, the church of Killerry was once the scene of a sacrilegious outrage. In a conflict which took place in 1346 between Ualgarg O'Rorke and Rory O'Connor, the former, having been worsted, fled for sanctuary to Killerry church, but his pursuers, the O'Connors and McDonoughs, set fire to the building, and slew him as he rushed out through the door to escape the fire. Unfortunately this was not an isolated sacrilege of the kind, for we read often in the Annals accounts of similar occurrences, the onodus agendi being always the same : first, to fire the church, and then to slay the enemy when he tried to get away from the burning building.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 171

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stands what was once the church of Killerry, an establishment of some importance. The Annals of the Four Masters mention three of its erenaghs by name, one under the year 1333, another at 1363, and the third at 1416. In each case the name is MacOglaigh, so it appears the office of erenagh had become hereditary in this family by the thirteenth century. The annal entry for 1416 is complimentary to the man it records. It speaks highly of him and of the house to which he belonged. It reads: "Thomas Mac-an-Oglaigh, Erenagh of Cill-Oiridh, and chief Professor of Law in Connaught, died after the victory of penance." The church of Killerry was also the scene of a sacrilegious outrage. In 1346 a conflict took place between Ualgarg O'Rorke and Rory O'Connor. O'Rorke, having been worsted, fled for sanctuary to Killerry church. His pursuers, the O'Connors and McDonoughs, set fire to the building and slew him as he rushed out through the door to escape the flames. This was not an isolated sacrilege. The Annals often record similar occurrences, the pattern always the same: fire the church first, then slay the enemy when he tried to get away from the burning building.

48. Gore-Booth family reside at Lissadell

    Lissadell · street · Cork

    The Gore-Booth family came to reside at Lissadell and were described as one of the highest families in the country. Sir Henry and Lady Gore Booth were noted for charity and benevolence.

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    of Collooney, I. 17. Goodman, Very Rev. Dr., I. 284. His natural and acquired gifts ; an instance of, 285. His grave in Holy Cross Convent, 287. Gore-Booth family : they come to reside at Lissadell, II. 11. The family one of the highest in the country, 14. Sir Paul Gore, 15. Sir Robert Gore Booth, 16. Sir Henry and Lady Gore Booth's charity and benevolence, 17-18. Colonel Henry and Sir Francis Gore friendly to the royal cause in the 17th century, I. 172. Propensities of the family — a Lady Gore, II. 14. The Gore Booths and Ballymote, 171. Gore, Mr. E., M.R.I.A., F.R.A.S., a

    distinguished astronomer, II. 355. Graham, Mr., Astronomer in Markrea Observatory, II. 529.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 339

    As the companion tells it

    This is Lissadell, where the Gore-Booth family came to reside. They were described as one of the highest families in the country. The record names Sir Paul Gore and Sir Robert Gore Booth among them. Sir Henry and Lady Gore Booth were noted for their charity and benevolence. In the 17th century, Colonel Henry and Sir Francis Gore were friendly to the royal cause. The family also had connections to Ballymote.

49. Landscape of Achonry parish: hills, valley, and River Moy

    Achonry · townland · Sligo

    The parish of Achonry features a great level plain east of Tubbercurry and two notable hills, Mucklety and Knocknashee, praised for their picturesqueness and colouring. A beautifully curved valley between Knocknashee and the Ox Mountains is described as the birthplace of the River Moy, which flows through Leyney, Gallen, and Tyrawley to the sea at Killala.

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    The parish of Achonry divides the south of Le3mey with the parish of Kilmacteige, and stretches, on the south, to Bellaghy, and on the north, to Tireragh. The scenery of the parish, though inferior to that in the lower part of the county, has some striking features of its own. The great plain to the east of Tubbercurry, level as a sheet of water, and stretching away to the horizon, is not without an element of the grand ; the two hills of Mucklety and Knocknashee, more especially the latter, are hardly inferior to any elevation of the county for picturesqueness of outline and richness of colouring ; while the finely curved valley between Knocknashee and the Ox mountains strikes the eye by its beauty, and impresses the imagination as the parent and nurse of the Moy, protecting the tiny infant, while he is getting strength to face the open, where he soon acquires those imposing proportions in which he moves irresistibly along through Leyney, Gallen, and Tyrawley to his rendezvous, with the sea at Killalla. The area of the parish consists of two pretty equal divisions — one moor and mountain, and the other pasture and arable land ; the latter, however, daily gaining on the former, thanks to the industry of the people, and a fine limestone sub-soil, which facilitates and aids the work of reclamation. The result is, that in several places, where, some fifty years ago, there was little but primeval heath and jungle, with, here and there, a mud, or a wattle hut, which served, no one knows how, for family habitation, there are now considerable scopes of good grass and corn land, with some solid stone and slated houses, built in great part quite recently, and with money borrowed

    HISTORY OF SLIGO. 9^

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 47

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here lies the parish of Achonry, which divides the south of Leyney with the parish of Kilmacteige, stretching south to Bellaghy and north to Tireragh. The scenery, though said to be inferior to that in the lower part of the county, has some striking features of its own. The great plain to the east of Tubbercurry lies level as a sheet of water, stretching away to the horizon, and is not without an element of the grand. Two hills rise from this landscape, Mucklety and Knocknashee, and Knocknashee especially is hardly inferior to any elevation of the county for picturesqueness of outline and richness of colouring. Between Knocknashee and the Ox Mountains lies a finely curved valley that strikes the eye by its beauty. It impresses the imagination as the parent and nurse of the River Moy, protecting the tiny infant while he is getting strength to face the open, where he soon acquires those imposing proportions in which he moves irresistibly along through Leyney, Gallen, and Tyrawley to his rendezvous with the sea at Killala. The parish itself consists of two pretty equal divisions. One is moor and mountain. The other is pasture and arable land, and that latter is daily gaining on the former, thanks to the industry of the people and a fine limestone sub-soil that facilitates and aids the work of reclamation. Some 50 years ago there was little here but primeval heath and jungle, with here and there a mud or wattle hut that served, no one knows how, for family habitation. Now there are considerable scopes of good grass and corn land, with some solid stone and slated houses, built in great part quite recently, and with money borrowed.

50. Lough Talt identified as Lough Mac Farry of the Annals

    near Lough Talt · lake or lakes · Sligo · 1225

    O'Rorke argues that Lough Talt and Glan na Voagh are the Lough Mac Farry and Glean na Mochart of the Four Masters, where the sons of Roderic O'Conor were stationed in 1225. He rejects O'Donovan's identification with Templehouse Lake on geographic and onomastic grounds.

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    There is good reason to believe that the parish of Kilmacteige was the scene of some stirring events mentioned in the Four Masters, though not referred hitherto by any writer to that locality. In describing, under the year 1225, hostilities between the sons of Roderic O'Conor, and Hugh, the son of Cathal Croderg, the Annals say that the sons of Eoderic were stationed near Lough Mac Farry, in Glean na Mochart. In a note to this entry, O'Donovan gives it, as his opinion, that Lough Mac Farry is the old name of Templehouse lake ; but this opinion is devoid of all probability ; first, because the lake of Templehouse is situated in the centre of a great plain and not in a glen of any kind ; second, because the old name of Templehouse lake was, as we have seen. Lough Awnally ; and, third, because it lies several leagues away from the places which are said to have been occupied by the forces in quest of the sons of Roderic. These places are Meelick, Kilkelly, and Coolcarny, all three in the county Mayo, and not far from Lough Talt and Glan na Voagh, which would appear to be the lake and the glen of the Four Masters — Lough Talt being the modern alias of Lough Mac Farry, and Glan na Yoagh a corruption of Glean na Mochart. After changing the M of Mochart into V, a change frequent in Irish words, and softening the sound of rt in the end of Mochart, the pronunciation of both words becomes the same, or almost the same.

    * "Statistical Account of Kilmacteige." — By Rev. James Nelligan, Rector and Vicar.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 75

    As the companion tells it

    This lake has a case behind it. Some believe Lough Talt is the Lough Mac Farry named in the Four Masters. The connection was made by a writer called O'Rorke, who set it out in his history of Sligo. Under the year 1225, the Annals describe hostilities between the sons of Roderic O'Conor and Hugh, the son of Cathal Croderg. The Annals say the sons of Roderic were stationed near Lough Mac Farry, in Glean na Mochart. Another scholar, O'Donovan, had given his opinion that Lough Mac Farry was the old name of Templehouse Lake. O'Rorke rejects that on three grounds. First, Templehouse Lake sits in the centre of a great plain, not in any glen. Second, the old name of Templehouse Lake was Lough Awnally. Third, Templehouse Lake lies several leagues from the places said to have been occupied by the forces in quest of the sons of Roderic. Those places are Meelick, Kilkelly, and Coolcarny, all three in the county Mayo, and not far from Lough Talt and Glan na Voagh. O'Rorke argues that Lough Talt is the modern alias of Lough Mac Farry, and that Glan na Voagh is a corruption of Glean na Mochart. He notes that changing the M of Mochart into V, a change frequent in Irish words, and softening the sound of rt at the end of Mochart, makes the pronunciation of both words the same, or almost the same. So the lake you are passing may hold the ground where the sons of Roderic O'Conor stood in 1225.

51. Naper family Cromwellian settlers at Tubbercurry

    Tobercurry · town · Sligo · 1650–1721

    The Naper (or Neper) family, Cromwellians of good social standing, lived in Tubbercurry from the mid-seventeenth century. Archy Naper was Titulado of Cnockroe in the parish of Ballysummaghan under the Commonwealth and obtained 308 acres in the Curry portion of Achonry parish.

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    A family variously named Naper, Neper, Niper, of good social standing, lived in Tubbercurry in the latter half of the seventeenth century, and during a considerable part of the eighteenth. They were Cromwellians ; and Archy Naper, the head of the family in this country, was Titulado of Cnockroe, in the parish of Ballysummaghan, under the Commonwealth. He had also obtained 308 acres in the Curry portion of the parish of Achonry as a debenture, the fee-simple of which he seems to have sold to Cornet Cooper, retaining, apparently, a leasehold or other substantial interest in the property.

    The James Niper, gent., of the county Sligo, that figures on the list of the persons attainted by James the Second's Parliament of 1689, was, no doubt, a son of Archy. In his will, which is dated 1st June, 1721, he signs himself James Neper, of Tobercory, and by it he nominates his nephew, Henry Meredith^ of Sessucomon; James Neper, of Tobercory; and Charles Meredith, of Mollane, his executors; and Joshua Cooper, oi Marcrue (Markree), as " overseer of his will and testament."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 66

    As the companion tells it

    Tobercurry was home to a family variously called Naper, Neper, and Niper, people of good social standing who arrived as Cromwellians and lived here through the latter half of the 1600s and much of the 1700s. The head of the family in Ireland was Archy Naper, Titulado of Cnockroe in the parish of Ballysummaghan under the Commonwealth. He also obtained 308 acres in the Curry portion of the parish of Achonry as a debenture, the fee-simple of which he seems to have sold to Cornet Cooper, retaining apparently a leasehold or other substantial interest in the property. A James Niper of county Sligo appears on the list of persons attainted by James the Second's Parliament of 1689, no doubt a son of Archy. In his will, dated the 1st of June 1721, he signs himself James Neper of Tobercory, and names as executors his nephew Henry Meredith of Sessucomon, James Neper of Tobercory, and Charles Meredith of Mollane. He appoints Joshua Cooper of Markree as overseer of his will and testament.

52. Origin of Inis-na-Lainne crannoge name

    near Drumcliff · parish · Sligo · 561

    Mag Lainne, the only northern casualty at the Battle of Cooldruman, was killed or drowned crossing the Drumcliff river, leaving his name to the stream. The eastern crannoge of the Drumcliff river, Inis-na-Lainne, derives its name from him.

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    We thus find the true origin of Inis-na-Lainne, the Irish name given to the eastern crannoge of Drumcliff river. In a foot-note, under the year 1029, in his Four Masters, O'Donovan translates Inis-na-Lainne Sword Island, but quotes no authority for the translation, which shows the etymology to be only a guess. Inis-na-Lainne is then the Island of Lainne, or, as he is called in the Annals of Tighernach, of Lana ; and so the epithet na lann, that qualifies Calry Laithim in the

    * Clironicon Scotorum, Sub anno 561.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Drumcliff parish, you are near the river that carries an old story. In 561, after the Battle of Cooldruman, Mag Lainne, the only northern casualty, was killed or drowned crossing this river, and the stream took his name. The eastern crannoge of the Drumcliff river, Inis-na-Lainne, means the Island of Lainne. O'Donovan later guessed it meant Sword Island, but gave no authority for that.

53. Partnership tenure in Aughris

    Aughris · townland · Sligo · 1676

    The Tripartite Indenture records Rowland James and his partners holding a partnership farm in the quarter of Aughris in Tireragh. Under this system, the whole farm was divided into large fields for tillage, milch cows, and young stock, which were held and used in common by all partners.

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    The tillage farms were generally held in partnership, or, as the people expressed it, " in means," half a dozen persons or so taking a farm of a hundred or two hundred acres, and then subdividing it among themselves, so that each had only a small quantity, rarely exceeding ten acres Irish. This system showed itself in and round Sligo, as also in a portion of Tireragh, near a hundred years before the time mentioned by Arthur Young; for in the Tripartite Indenture between Strafford, Radcliffe, and Doctor Leslie, there is mention of several such partnerships ; as, for instance, those *' of Dermot McHenry and partners," in Carrick, now" called Carrick Henry, from this Dermot McHenry ; of "Edward Gilgan and partners/' in Inismulclohy, alias the Coney island ; and of *' Rowland James and partners," in the quarter of Aughris, in Tireragh.

    Under this tenure the whole farm was cut up into three or four large fields or stretches, one for tillage, another for milch cows, and a third, and sometimes a fourth, for horses, asses, and young stock. Each of the fields was held and used in common by all the partners, so that all grazed their cows in one field, all

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 253

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in Aughris, Rowland James and his partners held a partnership farm, recorded in the Tripartite Indenture of 1676 between Strafford, Radcliffe, and Doctor Leslie. The people called this system holding a farm "in means," where half a dozen or so took a farm of a hundred or two hundred acres and subdivided it among themselves. The whole farm was cut into three or four large fields, one for tillage, another for milch cows, and a third, sometimes a fourth, for horses, asses, and young stock. Each field was held and used in common by all the partners, so all grazed their cows in one field and all worked the tillage ground together. This system showed itself in and round Sligo and in a portion of Tireragh, near a hundred years before Arthur Young wrote about it. Similar partnerships appear in the same indenture, such as Dermot McHenry and partners in Carrick, and Edward Gilgan and partners in Inismulclohy, the Coney Island.

54. Slaughter of O'Healy at Castleore

    Castleore · townland · Sligo · 1389

    In 1389, Owen O'Rorke and the sons of Cathal Oge O'Connor went to Castleore where they met and defeated the cavalry of Muinter Healy. Manus O'Healy and others were slain in the conflict.

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    However, it is much more likely that the structures of Ardnasbrack and Caronagh are sepulchres, though, if so, there is nothing to show, at least conclusively, whose graves they are. In treating of megalithic remains of this class, Irish archasologists commonly take them to be pre-historic, an opinion for which no proof is adduced, and which seems a mere guess. One is then free to hold, as the writer does, that such monuments date from historic times, and some of them even from a time sufficiently modern ; and with regard to the two under consideration, there is considerable ground for thinking that they come from the year 1389, and stand over the remains of members of the O'Healy family, a powerful family of the district, who were slain on the spot by the O'Rorkes and O'Connors, as is thus recorded in the Four Masters sub anno : — " Owen O'Rorke, and the sons of Cathal Oge (O'Connor), went to Caislen-an-Uabhair (Castleore), where they were met by the cavalry of Muinter Healy. These were defeated, and Manus O'Healy and others

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 129

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Castleore, in 1389, Owen O'Rorke and the sons of Cathal Oge O'Connor arrived. They were met by the cavalry of Muinter Healy, a powerful family of the district. The cavalry were defeated, and Manus O'Healy and others were slain. The Four Masters recorded it: "Owen O'Rorke, and the sons of Cathal Oge, went to Caislen-an-Uabhair, where they were met by the cavalry of Muinter Healy. These were defeated, and Manus O'Healy and others." The writer of the history of Sligo suggests that the megalithic structures at Ardnasbrack and Caronagh may be sepulchres standing over the remains of members of the O'Healy family, slain on the spot. Irish archaeologists commonly take such monuments to be pre-historic, but the writer argues there is no proof for that view, and holds that some date from historic times, even from a sufficiently modern period.

55. St. Columba granted three sites in Tireragh by chief Tipraid

    Skreen · parish · Sligo · 574–600

    The Life of St. Farannan relates that when Columba visited Tireragh after the convention of Drumceat, the chief Tipraid granted him three places: Killchuana, Altfarannan, and Cnoc-na-maoile. The last, after a church was erected on the spot, became Serin-Adamnan, now Skreen.

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    The church was built on a site previously granted to Saint Columba. The Life of St. Farannan (Act. Sanctorum, p. 337,) relates that, when Columba visited Tireragh, after the convention of Drumceat, Tipraid, the chief of Tireragh, granted him three pleasant (amcena) places, one called, in later times, Killchuana, another Altfarannan, and the third Cnoc-na-maoile ; the last name, after the erection of a church on the spot, being changed into Serin- Adamnan, now Skreen.

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 217

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through the parish of Skreen, you are passing through a place whose story goes back to Columba himself. After the convention of Drumceat, Columba visited Tireragh, and the chief Tipraid granted him three pleasant places: Killchuana, Altfarannan, and Cnoc-na-maoile. A church was erected on that third site, and its name changed to Serin-Adamnan, which became Skreen. Adamnan's name lingers elsewhere in the neighbourhood too. Over the Dunmoran stream there is a flag, nine feet long and nine inches broad, called Droiched-Awnan, the Bridge of Awnan or Adamnan. Near the church there is a well called Tubber Awnan, with a stone monument over it.

56. Tom Corkran and makeshift Mass at Ballinacarrow

    Ballynacarrow · population centre · Sligo

    Tom Corkran kept a large business establishment in Ballinacarrow and was called the 'Mayor of Ballinacarrow' for his local influence. In his early days there was no Catholic chapel in the village, so he placed a room of his house at the disposal of the priest for celebrating Mass on Sundays and holidays.

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    Mr. Bourke Corkran's father's family is a local one, his grandfather being Tom Corkran, who kept a large business establishment in Ballinacarrow, and who in his day was popularly called the "Mayor of Ballinacarrow," from his influence being paramount in the village and neighbourhood. In Tom Corkran's early days there was no Catholic chapel in Ballinacarrow, and he placed a room of his house at the disposal of the priest and the flock on Sundays and holidays, where

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 292

    As the companion tells it

    In Ballynacarrow, Tom Corkran ran a large business establishment and was popularly called the Mayor of Ballinacarrow, so great was his influence in the village and neighbourhood. In his early days there was no Catholic chapel in Ballinacarrow, so he placed a room of his own house at the disposal of the priest and the flock on Sundays and holidays.

57. St. Patrick's first labours in Tireragh after crossing the Moy

    Tireragh · barony · Sligo

    According to local tradition, St. Patrick began his labours in County Sligo in Tireragh after crossing the Moy from Tyrawley, then moved to Carbury where he erected a church.

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

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 230

    As the companion tells it

    This is Tireragh, the barony the road takes you through. Local opinion here says this was the first part of County Sligo to receive the faith from Saint Patrick. The story goes that he began his labours here after crossing the Moy from Tyrawley. From Tireragh he moved on to Carbury, and there he erected a church.

58. Book of Kells charter grants Leyney townlands to pilgrims

    Cloonacool · townland · Sligo · 1100–1140

    An ancient Irish charter from the Book of Kells, dating before 1140, records the grant of two townlands of Leyney—Baile Ui Uidhrin and Baile Ui Chomhgain with their mills—to God, Columbkille, and pilgrims' support. The townlands likely lie in the district of Mulnabreena or Cloonacool, and Baile Ui Chomhgain may refer to Kilcummin.

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    cum molendino.f " The family of Kells have granted for the support of pilgrims Ardcamma, i.e., Baile Ui Uidhrin with its mill, and with all its land, and Baile Ui Chomhgain, with all its land, and with its mill, to God and to Columbkiile, and to the Bishop O'Oellaigh, the senior of all the men of Meath, and to Maelmaine O'Uobhartaigh, head of the Disert, on the third of the Ides of November, the feast of Martin, in the year when the kine and swine perished by a pestilence. Here are the chiefs who made this grant, namely, Muredhach O'Clucain, abbot of Kells ; Conaing O'Breslen, the priest ; Guaire O'Clucain, the lector ; Aedh, the son of Mac Rachtogan, the vice-erenagh. In the presence of many distinguished laymen, i.e., in the presence of Tiernan

    * See under Union of Keash.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 69

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Cloonacool, an old charter from the Book of Kells records a grant made before 1140. The family of Kells granted two townlands of Leyney for the support of pilgrims. The words name them: "Baile Ui Uidhrin with its mill" and "Baile Ui Chomhgain with its mill," to God and Columbkille, to Bishop O'Kellaigh, senior of all the men of Meath, and to Maelmaine O'Robhartaigh, head of the Disert. The grant fell on the third of the Ides of November, the feast of Martin, in the year when the kine and swine perished by a pestilence. Muredhach O'Clucain, abbot of Kells, Conaing O'Breslen the priest, Guaire O'Clucain the lector, and Aedh son of Mac Rachtogan the vice-erenagh made this grant in the presence of many distinguished laymen, among them Tiernan.

59. Decline of Ballysadare mills and mass emigration

    Ballysadare · townland · Sligo

    After Middleton and Pollexfen succeeded Culbertson and ran the mills successfully for years, the great contraction of business in recent times reduced employment from five or six score men to barely half a dozen. Most tradesmen and labourers of Ballysadare emigrated to America or across the Channel.

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    The Messrs. Middleton and PoUexfen, who succeeded Mr. Culbertson in Ballysadare, worked these extensive concerns energetically and successfully for many years ; and while the great wheels of their mills were at work, the wheel of fortune, as if it were part of the machinery, moved prosperously for Ballysadare and the neighbourhood. Owing to the great contraction, almost the stoppage, of the business in recent years, there are scarce half a dozen men employed where there were formerly sometimes five or six score; and as the yards of Mr. Joseph Clarence and Mr. James M'Donogh, the well known builders, are proportionally slack in work, the village of Ballysadare has become deserted, most of its tradesmen and labourers having gone to America or across the Channel.

    332

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 178

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ballysadare, the mills once ran so well that the whole place seemed to turn with them. Middleton and Pollexfen took over from a Mr. Culbertson and worked the mills energetically for years, and while the great wheels turned, fortune turned too, as if it were part of the machinery. But business contracted, almost stopped, in recent times. Where there were sometimes five or six score men employed, there are now scarce half a dozen. The builders' yards of Mr. Joseph Clarence and Mr. James McDonogh went slack in proportion. The village became deserted, most of its tradesmen and labourers having gone to America or across the Channel.

60. Inishmurray cashel and monastic cells

    Inishmurray · townland · Sligo

    Within the cashel on Inishmurray are cold, solitary cells where early Christian hermits shut themselves away from the world to commune with God and pray for their fellow men. The earth of the enclosure consists largely of the remains of these devoted figures, and the fire of faith spread from this place to the mainland endures to the present day.

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    But these extravagances cannot affect the genuine claims of the island to our respect and veneration ; and the reverent visitor to the area within the cashel, who ponders on the history of that sacred spot ; who thinks of the many holy souls, that, with a fervour equal to that of John the Baptist, fled the world, betook themselves to this desolate place, and shut themselves up in those cold, solitary, and sombre cells, that they might commune alone with God, and pray, uninterruptedly, for themselves and their fellow men ; who feels that the earth on which he treads, consists, for the most part, of the remains of these devoted men ; and who looks back to the time when that fire of faith, which Christ came to cast upon the earth, was carried from this enclosure, as from a furnace, to the mainland, and there spread around so effectively, that it lasts in undiminished heat and brightness, to the present day, must have his soul moved to its lowest depths by the associations of the spot, and must feel as if he heard, directed to himself, the words formerly addressed by God to Moses, '' Put the shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground."

    When the monks quitted Inismurray is nowhere stated. Very probably they abandoned it about the beginning of the fourteenth century, the O'Connors having, by that time, fully established their rule over Carbury. As the monks had come at first to the island in the wake of the Tireragh chiefs, and had lived there under their protection, it was natural enough that they should quit the place when these chiefs were driven definitively out of the territory.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoto00oror, Chapter 18

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Inishmurray, there is a cashel, a stone enclosure, and within it cells where early Christian hermits once shut themselves away from the world. These were holy souls who fled the world with a fervour equal to that of John the Baptist. They betook themselves to this desolate place and shut themselves up in cold, solitary, and sombre cells, that they might commune alone with God and pray, uninterrupted, for themselves and their fellow men. The earth within the enclosure consists, for the most part, of the remains of these devoted men. From this place, a fire of faith was carried to the mainland, as from a furnace, and there it spread around so effectively that it lasts in undiminished heat and brightness to the present day. The book says that anyone who ponders on this must feel as if he heard the words formerly addressed by God to Moses: "Put the shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." When the monks quitted Inishmurray is nowhere stated. Very probably they abandoned it about the beginning of the 14th century, the O'Connors having by that time fully established their rule over Carbury. The monks had come at first to the island in the wake of the Tireragh chiefs and had lived there under their protection. It was natural enough that they should quit the place when these chiefs were driven definitively out of the territory.