The history of the town and county of the town of Galway, from the earliest period to the present time (vol. n/a)

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. Murtagh O'Flahertie slain at Moycullen Castle

   Moycullen · town · Galway

   Moriertagh (Murtagh) O'Flahertie was killed in the castle of Moycullen by the sept of Edmund O'Flahertie, together with four of his sons. His grandfather Hug Oge, then O'Flahertie, was seized by the murderers and detained without food or drink until he died by famine at Moycullen.

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   heads of the family, and on 3d July, 1585, the lord deputy, at the instance of Rory O'Flahertie, issued a commission to examine into the causes of these feuds. Upon this occasion it appeared, that the territory of Gnobegg, or Knockbegg, was the ancient inheritance of Gilleduff O'Flahertie, who died seized thereof in his demesne as of fee, and, that he and his sons lived at the Moyculle, and were the O'Flaherties, and governors or chiefs of all the country ; and had services and duties out of every part of Gnobegg ; that he had an elder brother, that had no part or portion of Gnobegg, but had his portion, Gnomore ; that Gnobegg contained the towns of Moycullen, (the chief town in the same,) Clonduff or Cloy duff, Balle Mo. Gellevey, Theowre, Killehahine, Curraghduff, Cossowon or Oosshoone, Barna or Barney, Forbough, Spiddell, Coylrowny or Kylle-Rowe, Moyseragh or Moyaskrogh, Bocarna, Chayry, or Ogharry, Tollokihan or Tulkihan, Ballyquirke, Balleifculgoyrie or Hulgurney, Curcullen or Curculen, Leytermillanie or Letermylany, and Gaerinana, the island of Innyshe Mc. Fryan or Innishe McAtrire, with the lands in or of Connomara, Airdbeara, Ballinlenry or Baliinbury, Balle Ihry or Bade Iwile, and Rynvylehoway or Rynvyleohway : that the said Gnobegg was meared and bounded, from Srawan Icarwan or Srwan-Igravan, north, to Galway, south, saving the libertieis, and so along the river of Alley or Donkelly, west, to Galway, east : that Hugh More McGilleduff was son and heir to the said Mc. Killeduffe, and his best son, and was possessed of all Gnobegg ; and left Hughe Oge O'Flahertie, his son and heir, who died, seized of the said premises : he left them to his son and heir, Moriertagh or Murtagh O'Flahertie ; who left the said Rory, his only son and heir, by his wife, Evelyn ny Kirevan : that said Moriertagh was slain, in the castle of Moycullen. by the sept of Edmund O'Flahertie, viz. Bryan and Donell Crona, and the sept of Moriertagh Reogh, together with four of his sons, and that the said Hug Oge, then O'Flahertie, grandfather to the said Rory, was taken by the murderers ; and with them detained with-

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 42

   As the companion tells it

   Moycullen in Galway was the chief town of the O'Flaherties' territory of Gnobegg. Gilleduff O'Flahertie lived here and governed all the country, taking services and duties from every part of the land. His son and heir was Hugh More McGilleduff, and Hugh's son was Hughe Oge O'Flahertie. Hughe Oge left everything to his son and heir, Moriertagh, or Murtagh, O'Flahertie. Murtagh was slain in the castle of Moycullen by the sept of Edmund O'Flahertie, Bryan and Donell Crona, and the sept of Moriertagh Reogh. Four of his sons were killed with him. The murderers then seized Hughe Oge, who was O'Flahertie at that time and grandfather to Rory. They held him without food or drink until he died of famine at Moycullen. Rory was Murtagh's only son and heir, by his wife Evelyn ny Kirevan. On the 3rd of July, 1585, the lord deputy issued a commission to examine the causes of these feuds, at Rory's instance. The inquiry laid out the whole inheritance, how Gilleduff had held Gnobegg, and how the territory ran from Srwan-Igravan in the north to Galway in the south, and along the river of Alley or Donkelly in the west to Galway in the east. All of it had passed down through the one line, from Gilleduff to Hugh More to Hughe Oge to Murtagh, until the sept of Edmund broke that line in the castle here.

2. Richard II grants Galway charter to elect a sovereign

   Galway · city · Galway · 1396

   Due to ongoing attacks from enemies and rebels, the burgesses of Galway maintained men for defence at their own expense. Richard II granted letters patent on 26 January 1396, allowing them to annually elect a sovereign and enjoy the same liberties as Drogheda.

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   were received, saved, comforted and relieved), lay exposed on all sides as well to Irish enemies as English rebels, so that the burgesses of the said town and others dwelling therein, and coming thereunto, dare not, without great conduct, come to the said town either by land or by water, or go out of the same to traffic and transact other necessary business, and that the said burgesses, for the safe custody of the said town against the malice of the said enemies and rebels, had continually, day and night, maintained and supported in the said town, divers men for defence, at their own proper charges, i3 the manifest impoverishment of their estate, in aid of the relief and encouragement of the town aforesaid, and in order that merchants and others might be the more induced and encouraged to dwell and inhabit in the said town, for the better resistance of the malice of the said enemies and rebels; by hi3 letters patent, dated at Dublin, the twenty-sixth day of January, in the nineteenth year of his reign, of his special grace, granted and gave licence, for himself and his heirs, as much as in him lay, to the provost and co-burgesses of the said town of Galway, that they and their heirs and successors, co-burgesses therein, might thenceforth, annually, for ever, from year to year, of their common assent, elect among themselves one sovereign of the said town, and that the said sovereign, when he should be by them so elected, that is to say, after the first election of such sovereign, before the said provost of the said town, and every year afterwards before the sovereign of the said town, in the year last preceding, should take a corporal oath, well and faithfully to rule and govern the town aforesaid, and to maintain the laws of the said late king, and the good customs of the said town, used and approved of, and all other things whatsoever concerning the office of such sovereign, in any such borough, rightly for the good government and benefit of the said town, to do and execute : and moreover, he granted, for himself and his heirs, to the said co-burgesses and their heirs and successors, burgesses there, that no merchant or other person whatsoever, whether foreign or native, of what state or condition soever he should be, who should not be continually resident in the said town, and sworn as a co-burgess of the same, to support and sustain, from time to time, all burthens in the

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 265

   As the companion tells it

   Galway, on the road ahead of you, was a town that lay exposed on all sides to Irish enemies and English rebels. The burgesses who lived there dared not come and go by land or water without great conduct. They could not safely go out to traffic or transact their necessary business. For the safe custody of the town against the malice of those enemies and rebels, the burgesses had continually, day and night, maintained divers men for defence, at their own proper charges, to the manifest impoverishment of their estate. They did this in aid of the relief and encouragement of the town, and so that merchants and others might be the more induced to dwell and inhabit there, for the better resistance of the malice of the said enemies and rebels. King Richard the Second, by his letters patent dated at Dublin, the twenty-sixth day of January, in the nineteenth year of his reign, granted and gave licence to the provost and co-burgesses of the town of Galway. They and their heirs and successors might thenceforth, annually, for ever, from year to year, of their common assent, elect among themselves one sovereign of the town. The sovereign, when elected, was to take a corporal oath, well and faithfully to rule and govern the town, to maintain the laws of the king and the good customs of the town used and approved of. The king also granted that no merchant or other person, foreign or native, of whatever state or condition, who was not continually resident in the town and sworn as a co-burgess to support and sustain all burthens, should enjoy those liberties.

3. 1731 penal visitation against Galway Catholics

   Galway · city · Galway · 1731

   The House of Lords ordered Galway mayor Walter Taylor to report all mass-houses, priests, nunneries, friaries, and popish schools in the town. Sheriffs were directed to apprehend Catholic clergy and suppress religious houses.

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   pleased te signify that major-general Wynne should be sent to Galway to command the forces quartered there for the defence of the town in case of an invasion." The general accordingly took the command on the 27th of March, 1719; and, having reviewed the fortifications, and put the town into a state of defence, he transmitted a full account of the condition and state of the entire to government, by whom several other repairs and improvements were directed. No attempt having been made by the enemy, as was apprehended, the strict military regulations then established in the garrison were by degrees laid aside. In the year 1725, a new commission of array issued, and the deficiencies of officers and men in the town militia were filled up. The inhabitants from thence enjoyed an interval of peace until the year 1 73 1 , when they endured the most severe penal visitation which had taken place for many years before, but which was also the last of the kind ever since experienced. On the 6th of November, in that year, an order was made by the house of lords, that Walter Taylor, esq. then mayor of the town, should return an account of all the mass-houses in the town, and which of them had been built since 1st Geo. I. and what number of priests officiated in each, and also an account of all private mass-houses and popish chapels, and all commonly reputed nunneries and friaries, and what number of friars and nuns were in each, and what popish schools were within the town. The mayor accordingly issued his warrants to the sheriffs, requiring them to apprehend and commit all popish archbishops, bishops, jesuits friars, and all other popish eccelesiastical persons whom they should find within the town and county thereof; and likewise to suppress all monasteries, friaries, nunneries, and other popish fraternities and societies. Upon return of their proceedings to the house, their lordships, "could not omit observing, that the insolence of the Papists throughout the nation is very great. "35 A particular detail of this visitation will be found in the accounts of the different religious foundations of the town, which are contained in another part of this volume. 36 From the proceedings and resolutions of the house of lords, it would appear as if all its fancied apprehensions of danger from the Catholics had arisen from this part of the kingdom, and particularly from Galway, to which its attention was principally directed. But these instances of persecution, which, for some time past, had been much more

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 141

   As the companion tells it

   Galway was a town that knew how to hold its peace when it had to. After Major-General Wynne reviewed the fortifications in 1719 and put the town into a state of defence, no invasion came. The strict military rules in the garrison were laid aside by degrees. In 1725 a new commission of array filled the gaps in the town militia, and the inhabitants enjoyed an interval of quiet. That quiet ended in 1731. On the 6th of November the House of Lords ordered Walter Taylor, then mayor of Galway, to return an account of every mass-house in the town, and which of them had been built since the first year of George the First, and what number of priests officiated in each. He was to account for all private mass-houses and popish chapels, all commonly reputed nunneries and friaries, and how many friars and nuns were in each, and what popish schools were within the town. The mayor issued his warrants to the sheriffs. They were to apprehend and commit all popish archbishops, bishops, jesuits, friars, and all other popish ecclesiastical persons found within the town and county. They were likewise to suppress all monasteries, friaries, nunneries, and other popish fraternities and societies. When the sheriffs returned their proceedings, the lords could not omit observing, in their own words, "that the insolence of the Papists throughout the nation is very great." It seemed as if all the House's fancied apprehensions of danger from Catholics had arisen from this part of the kingdom, and particularly from Galway.

4. Annaghkeen and the origin of the name Ulick, first Mac William Eighter

   Annaghkeen · townland · Galway

   Sir William or Ulick, called Ulicus de Anaghkeen, was the first Mac William Eighter. His son Rickard gave rise to the name Clanrickard, whose descendants founded several branches of this powerful and widely extended family.

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   of Blake and Athy; and, in the commotions occasioned by them, several of the later were slain. The church of Saint John of Jerusalem, which belonged to the knights templars, and stood contiguous to the chapel of Saint Nicholas, was suppressed in 1324. In the same year Sir William Leigh de Burgh died, and was interred in the abbey of Saint Francis, founded by himself. He left seven sons; the eldest of whom, Sir William or Ulick, 30 called Ulicus de Anaghkeen, was the first Mac William Eighter. He had a son named Rickard (from whom the name Clan-Rickard originated), whose three sons, Sir William or Ulick, (the progenitor qf the earls of Clanricarde,) Thomas and John, 31 were founders of several branches of this powerful and widely extended family.

   William, the third Earl of Ulster, survived his grandfather Richard but seven years. He was basely assassinated by his own attendants, at his castle of Carrickfergus in 1333, leaving an only daughter, Elizabeth, to inherit his vast possessions. 32 This circumstance occasioned a revolution, memor-

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 51

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, a name was born that carried through generations of one of Ireland's most powerful families. In 1324, Sir William Leigh de Burgh died and was buried in the abbey of Saint Francis, which he had founded himself. He left seven sons. The eldest was Sir William, or Ulick, called Ulicus de Anaghkeen, and he became the first Mac William Eighter. The name Ulick stuck to him from this place, and through him it entered the family's long story. He had a son named Rickard, and from Rickard the name Clan-Rickard began. Rickard had three sons: Sir William, also called Ulick, who became the progenitor of the earls of Clanricarde, and Thomas and John. Together, these three were founders of several branches of what the record calls a powerful and widely extended family. From Annaghkeen, the name Ulick and the line of Clanricarde spread outward, down through the generations that followed.

5. Archbishop Burke breaks open Galway church doors, 1648

   Galway · city · Galway · 1648

   In 1648, Archbishop John Burke of Tuam, after his dispute with the nuncio, caused the church doors in Galway to be broken open. He was obliged the following day to sign a declaration that he did not intend to interfere with the liberties of the college.

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   ever since the suppression. "24 About this time a vacancy having occurred in the parish of Clare, the archbishop of Tuam refused to admit a priest presented by Walter Lynch, the warden, except on these conditions: 1st, that the archbishop should approve of him; 2nd, that he should be obedient to the provincial and diocesan synods and statutes; 3rd, that he should give no contradiction to the archbishop's visitation, correction, procuration, etc.; 4th, that he should give under his hand to be obedient to his lordship's sentence touching the controversy between them. These disagreements occasioned violent personal animosities between the contending ecclesiastics, who proceeded to excommunication on both sides. They at length agreed to submit to the fianl determination of the bishops of Elphin and Clonfer", the vicar apostolic of Kilmacduagh, Sir Lucas Dillon, knt., one of the supreme council, and Richard Martin, esq., mayor of the town, who finally succeeded in composing their differences. 25 The warden and vicars soon after obtained a grant from the corporation of three parts in eight of the tithes, both great and small, within the town, to ' recompense them for the profits of their livings, expended since the troubles in repairing the church and college-house, and paying £40 yearly to one of their body for preaching every Sunday in the church.'' — Of their collegiate rights and privileges the clergy and inhabitants were always specially careful, but they were particularly so against any infringement of the see of Tuam. This feeling was forcibly evinced in 1648. when John Burke, the then archbishop, after his dispute with the nuncio (vide page 125), caused the church doors to be broken oper ; he was obliged on the following day to sign a declaration "that, by so doing, he did not intend to interfere with the liberties of Jis »ollege." — The important changes, which soon afterwards took place, gave a respite to these clerical contentions; they were, however, resumed after

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 202

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up through Galway now, where in 1648 Archbishop John Burke of Tuam had the church doors broken open. The roots of the trouble went back to a dispute over a parish vacancy in Clare. The warden, Walter Lynch, presented a priest, but the archbishop refused to admit him unless he met four conditions. First, the archbishop should approve of him. Second, he should be obedient to the provincial and diocesan synods and statutes. Third, he should give no contradiction to the archbishop's visitation, correction, procuration, and so on. Fourth, he should give under his hand to be obedient to the archbishop's sentence touching the controversy between them. These disagreements bred violent personal animosities between the contending ecclesiastics, and they proceeded to excommunication on both sides. At length they agreed to submit to the final determination of the bishops of Elphin and Clonfert, the vicar apostolic of Kilmacduagh, Sir Lucas Dillon, one of the supreme council, and Richard Martin, mayor of the town, who finally succeeded in composing their differences. The warden and vicars soon after obtained a grant from the corporation of three parts in eight of the tithes within the town, to recompense them for profits expended since the troubles in repairing the church and college-house, and paying 40 pounds yearly to one of their body for preaching every Sunday. The clergy and inhabitants were always careful of their collegiate rights and privileges, particularly against any infringement by the see of Tuam. That feeling was forcibly evinced in 1648, when John Burke, after his dispute with the nuncio, caused the church doors to be broken open. He was obliged the following day to sign a declaration, in the source's words, "that, by so doing, he did not intend to interfere with the liberties of the college."

6. Athenry destroyed by Mac-an-Earlas, 1575

   Athenry · town · Galway · 1575

   New works and improvements commenced at Athenry under Sir Henry Sidney's government were destroyed by the Mac-an-Earlas in 1575. The place remained almost deserted until 1584 when former inhabitants petitioned for support to rebuild.

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   with walls from an early period : the castle and abbey were built by the Birmingham family, and there are still considerable remains of the entire. During the government of Sir Henry Sidney, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth,' several new works and improvements were commenced ; but they were destroyed by the Mac-an-Earlas in 1575, and the place remained almost deserted until the year 1584, when Robert Fowle, John Brown, and otbers of the former inhabitants, petitioned the queen's council in England for such encouragement as would enable them to bring over English artisans and tradesmen to settle in the town, to rebuild and improve it, and also to support sufficient force for its future protection. This petition, together with observations on each article by the privy council of Ireland, to whom it was referred, were of the following tenor :

   The humble petition of Robert Fowle John Brown, Gent, with dyvers other associates answered and allowed.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 83

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Athenry, this was a place with walls from an early period. The castle and abbey were built by the Birmingham family, and considerable remains still stand. During the government of Sir Henry Sidney, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, new works and improvements were commenced here. But they were destroyed by the Mac-an-Earlas in 1575, and the place remained almost deserted until 1584. In that year, Robert Fowle, John Brown, and others of the former inhabitants petitioned the queen's council in England for encouragement to bring over English artisans and tradesmen to settle in the town, to rebuild and improve it, and to support sufficient force for its future protection. The petition was referred to the privy council of Ireland, with observations on each article. It was, in the words of the record,

7. Augustine Kirwan founded charity school for poor boys

   Galway · city · Galway · 1783–1791

   Warden Augustine Kirwan established a subscription fund and founded a school for the instruction and clothing of indigent boys in Galway. He died in 1791 and a marble monument was erected to his memory in the parish chapel.

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   Warden Bermingham died in 1 747, universally regretted. He was succeeded by the reverend Hyacinth Bodkin, a pious and learned divine, who survived but a short time, having died in the year 1749. On his death the reverend Marcus Kir wan, of Dalgan, was elected; but this gentleman having given some dissatisfaction to the lay-patrons, the reverend Anthony Blake, of Dunmacreena (who was afterwards titular archbishop of Armagh and Catholic primate of Ireland), was elected in his place : and this, it is said, was the only instance in which any of the wardens had been dispossessed since the Reformation. Doctor Blake erected the parish chapel in Middle-street about 1752, and was succeeded in 1755 by Francis Kirwan, who filled the chair with honour to himself and benefit to the town until his death, which happened in June, 1770; when the reverend John Joyes, of Oxford, in the county of Mayo, was elected. This gentleman continued warden until February, 1783, when he departed this life, leaving behind him the reputation of a good and pious pastor, always zealous in the cause of religion, and particularly so in the reproval of public vice and immorality. He was succeeded by the reverend Augustine Kirwan,6 a divine possessed of every virtue which adorns the clerical character, and whose piety, meekness, and unceasing benevolence will be long remembered. Amongst many other praiseworthy acts, he established a subscription fund, and founded a school for the instruction and clothing of indigent boys, in which numerous poor children are still carefully taught the rudiments of education and the

   cedi solitas Suffragan eis Episcopis, dispensandi in gradibus prohibitis, turn affinitatis, quoties tales casus occurrent.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 210

   As the companion tells it

   Galway has long been a place where the care of the poor was taken seriously by those who held authority in the Church. In February 1783, Warden John Joyes died, remembered as a good and pious pastor, zealous in the cause of religion and particularly in the reproval of public vice and immorality. He was succeeded by the reverend Augustine Kirwan, a divine described as possessing every virtue that adorns the clerical character, whose piety, meekness, and unceasing benevolence would be long remembered. Among his many praiseworthy acts, Kirwan established a subscription fund and founded a school for the instruction and clothing of indigent boys. In it, numerous poor children were carefully taught the rudiments of education. The school was a charity, sustained by the subscriptions of those who could give, and it clothed as well as taught the boys who came through its doors. Kirwan died in 1791. A marble monument was erected to his memory in the parish chapel, a lasting tribute to a man whose benevolence had touched the lives of the town's poorest children. His time as warden was short, but the school he founded carried on after him, and the record of his good works endured in the memory of the people of Galway.

8. Burial fees and privileges at St. Nicholas's Church and dissolved monasteries

   Galway · city · Galway

   Under Edward VI's grant, the wardens retained possession of the burial grounds of the dissolved monasteries of St. Francis, St. Dominick and St. Augustine in Galway, farming them out to undertakers with set charges for interment. The Lynches, D'Arcys, Brownes and Frenches had privilege of burial in St. Nicholas's Church, with the Kirwan family's claim disputed.

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   Warden's ground adjoining . 0 13 4 Bodv of the abbey . ..068 Without the precincts . , 0 2 8| For any interment in the church of St. Nicholas, usually applied to the use of the parish . . 10 0 0 It is said that the following families only have privilege of burial in the church, viz. : the Lynches, D'Arcys, Brownes and Frenches : according to some the Kirwan family is also entitled ; but, according to others, their claim has been always disputed.

   16 The following was the mandate which issued to the" mayor on this occasion : — -

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 198

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, St. Nicholas's Church holds an old burial story. Under Edward the Sixth's grant, the wardens kept the burial grounds of the dissolved monasteries of St. Francis, St. Dominick and St. Augustine, farming them out with set charges for interment. Only the Lynches, the D'Arcys, the Brownes and the Frenches had the privilege of burial inside the church itself. The Kirwan family claimed the same right, but others say their claim was always disputed.

9. Catholic inhabitants readmitted to Galway

   Galway · city · Galway · 1708–1711

   In April 1708, Colonel John Eyre, Governor of Galway, received government directions to allow the Catholic inhabitants of Galway to return to their dwellings and resume markets, as fears of a Pretender invasion had passed. A detachment had also been sent to the islands of Arran. The Catholics remained undisturbed until March 1711, when the mayor was ordered to secure Catholic priests in the town.

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   strong detachment was also sent to the islands of Arran; but on the 15th of April following, colonel John Eyre, the Governor, received directions from government "to admit the popish inhabitants of Galway to return to their dwellings, and to continue in the town, as formerly, and to suffer the markets to be kept and held there, as before tthe late directions were given to the contrary, all apprehensions of any invasion from the Pretender being quite over. "24 From thence they remained undisturbed until the 22nd of March, 1711, when the mayor, in a despatch from the secretary of state, concerning some French prisoners then in his custody, was ordered "to cause the popish priests in Galway to be secured;" and in a subsequent despatch to set those prisoners at liberty, he received their excellencies thanks for his good services in respect of the popish clergy, accompanied by an assurance that they were extremely well pleased with his zeal and management therein, and expressing their hopes that he would continue his "endeavours to banish the priests, those enemies to our constitution, out of that town, and cause those you have apprehended to be prosecuted at law with the utmost rigor." That these denunciations were not unattendd to, may be safely concluded : each succeeding mayor, as his best recommendation to the notice of government, exerted himself to surpass his predecessors in persecuting these defenceless objects of political wrath. Obstacles, however, sometimes occurred to defeat or delay those relentless proceedings. An instance of this nature took place in the year 1714; when Robert Blakeney, who was thn mayor, informed the secretary of state, "that one James French, a regular popish clergyman, had lain in gaol a long time, committed for high treason for returning from beyond seas after being transported, but that he could not be tried for want of a Protestant jury of freeholders." Obstructions of this nature, however, were soon after removed by the interference of the legislature,, which appears to have constantly kept a vigilant eye upon this town, as containing the most considerable and respectable Catholic community of any other then in the kingdom.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 136

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you are moving through a city where Catholic fortunes shifted sharply. In April 1708, Colonel John Eyre, the Governor of Galway, received government directions to admit the Catholic inhabitants to return to their dwellings and continue in the town as formerly, and to allow the markets to be kept and held there as before. All apprehensions of an invasion from the Pretender were quite over. A strong detachment had been sent to the islands of Arran as well. From that point the Catholics remained undisturbed until the 22nd of March 1711, when the mayor, in a despatch from the secretary of state concerning French prisoners then in his custody, was ordered to cause the Catholic priests in Galway to be secured. The mayor received thanks for his good services regarding the Catholic clergy, along with an assurance that the government was extremely well pleased with his zeal and management, and expressing their hopes that he would continue his endeavours to, in their words, "banish the priests, those enemies to our constitution, out of that town." Each succeeding mayor then exerted himself to surpass his predecessors in persecuting these, as the book calls them, defenceless objects of political wrath. Obstacles sometimes occurred. In 1714, Robert Blakeney, then mayor, informed the secretary of state that one James French, a regular Catholic clergyman, had lain in gaol a long time, committed for high treason for returning from beyond seas after being transported, but could not be tried for want of a Protestant jury of freeholders. The legislature soon after removed obstructions of that nature, keeping what the book describes as a vigilant eye upon this town, as containing the most considerable and respectable Catholic community of any other then in the kingdom.

10. Clanricarde arrives in Galway but refused a garrison

    Galway · city · Galway · 1650

    The Marquis of Clanricarde, who succeeded as lord deputy, arrived in Galway and knighted the mayor Sir Oliver Oge French. However, he could not prevail on the inhabitants to admit a garrison or troops except under their own control.

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    The town was no sooner freed from this dreadful visitation, than it became involved in all the distracting politics of th« times. The marquis of Ormond, having determined upon leaving the kingdom, arrived here in the beginning of December, accompanied by lord Inchiquin, colonels Vaughan, Wogan, Warren, and about twenty other persons of distinction, all of whom sailed from Glaneinagh, in the bay, on board the Elizabeth, of Jersey, a small frigate of twenty-four guns, and, after a hard passage of three weeks, landed at Perose, in Basse Bretagne. At the same time, a large Dutch ship, called the Seven Stars, sailed from Kilcolgan, which arrived at another port in France. The marquis of Clanricarde. who succeeded as lord deputy, soon after arrived in town, and knighted the mayor, Sir Oliver Oge French; but he could not, however, prevail on the inhabitants to admit a garrison, or any number of troops, but what should be entirely under their own control.

    In the latter end of February, Stephen de Henin, abbe of St. Catherine, and ambassador from the duke of Lorrain, arrived in the bay of Galway, with offers of assistance and relief for the nation. The marquis of Clanricarde, as soon as he was apprised of his coming, repaired to

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 104

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Galway, you are passing through a city that in 1650 stood at the centre of Ireland's troubles. The Marquis of Ormond, having decided to leave the kingdom, arrived here at the beginning of December, accompanied by Lord Inchiquin, Colonels Vaughan, Wogan, Warren, and about 20 other persons of distinction. All of these sailed from Glaneinagh, in the bay, aboard the Elizabeth of Jersey, a small frigate of 24 guns, and after a hard passage of 3 weeks landed at Perose in Basse Bretagne. At the same time, a large Dutch ship called the Seven Stars sailed from Kilcolgan and arrived at another port in France. The Marquis of Clanricarde, who had succeeded as lord deputy, arrived in town soon after and knighted the mayor, Sir Oliver Oge French. But he could not prevail on the inhabitants to admit a garrison or any number of troops except what should be entirely under their own control. In the latter end of February, Stephen de Henin, abbe of St. Catherine and ambassador from the duke of Lorrain, arrived in the bay of Galway with offers of assistance and relief for the nation.

11. Commemorative medal struck for surrender of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1691

    The capitulation of Galway was commemorated by a medal bearing the arms of Galway and an inscription declaring Galway 'the last refuge but one of the rebels and the French,' surrendered with all its magazines and ships to William III after much slaughter.

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    When the news of the capitulation of Galway arrived in England, it gave infinite satisfaction to the queen and ministry, and the articles were soon after ratified by their majesties. The event was perpetuated by a medal, on which is represented a bust of the king crowned with laurel, and inscribed with his usual titles. On the top of the reverse are the arms of Galway fixed against two palm branches, placed on saltire between a cap and a bible, the emblem of liberty and religion. The bottom is ornamented with two laurel branches twined together, and the area of the field filled with the following inscription: — "Galloway rebellium et Gallorum penultirnum refugium, post plurimas strages Gulielmo III. magno restitutori religionis et libertatis, cum armamentariis simul ac navibus redditur." — ."Galway, the last refuge but one of the rebels and the French, is, after much slaughter, surrendered, with all its magazines and ships, to the great William III. the restorer of religion and liberty."

    17 Some time after the restoration of peace in the kingdom, Sir Walter Blake, of Menlo, bart. petitioned king William, stating, that during the siege of Galway, he was second colonel in the earl of Clanricarde's regiment, then garrisoned in the town; that on the surrender he submitted himself to his majesty's government, and received a commission for raising a regiment of foot in his service ; that he was the first Roman Catholic in Ireland that received his majesty's commission, for Limerick was not at the time reduced, and most of the garrison of Galway (according to the provision in the articles of capitulation) went thither, except himself n-ul some others, who were afterwards officers in his regiment ; that until the surrender of Limerick he was stationed oh the frontiers, between bis majesty's

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 132

    As the companion tells it

    Galway gave itself up in 1691, and the news of its capitulation arrived in England to what the record calls infinite satisfaction to the queen and the ministry. The articles were soon ratified by their majesties. To mark the event a medal was struck. It bears a bust of the king crowned with laurel, inscribed with his usual titles. On the reverse are the arms of Galway fixed against two palm branches, placed on saltire between a cap and a bible, the emblem of liberty and religion. The bottom is ornamented with two laurel branches twined together, and the field carries an inscription. In English it reads: Galway, the last refuge but one of the rebels and the French, is, after much slaughter, surrendered, with all its magazines and ships, to the great William III, the restorer of religion and liberty. Some time after peace returned to the kingdom, Sir Walter Blake of Menlo petitioned King William. He stated that during the siege of Galway he was second colonel in the earl of Clanricarde's regiment, then garrisoned in the town. On the surrender he submitted himself to the king's government and received a commission for raising a regiment of foot. He was the first Roman Catholic in Ireland to receive the king's commission, for Limerick was not yet reduced. Most of the garrison of Galway went to Limerick, as the articles of capitulation provided, except Blake and some others who became officers in his regiment. Until the surrender of Limerick he was stationed on the frontiers.

12. De Burgho revolt and seizure of Galway territory

    Galway · city · Galway · 1333

    Sir William and Sir Edmund de Burgho declared independence, seized the De Burgho territory, and divided it, with Galway and the country to the Shannon falling to Sir William. They adopted Irish language, dress, names, and laws, and Sir William took the title 'lord of the town' of Galway.

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    heing the two most powerful of the family, entered into a confederacy, fleclared themselves independent, and then took possession of the entire territory; on the division of which the town of Galway, with the country to the Shannon, fell to the lot of Sir William. Aware, however, that by the course of the laws of England they would be deprived of their illegal acquisitions, they at once shook off obedience to those laws, renounced their allegiance to the crown, and came to a determination of protecting their newly acquired possessions, if necessary, by force. Their next care was to conciliate the natives in their favour; to effect which, they discontinued the use of the English language, threw off their English dress, and adopted both the language and apparel of the Irish. They next changed their names : Sir William adopted the title of Mac William Eighter, and Sir Edmund that of Mac William Oughter : they then embraced the Irish laws, transmitted their possessions in the course of tanistry and gavelkind; and Mac William Eighter, having taken possession of Galway, thenceforward took the title of lord of the town. \

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 53

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Galway, a city with a revolt in its past. In 1333, two brothers of the De Burgho family, Sir William and Sir Edmund, declared themselves independent and seized the entire De Burgho territory between them. On the division, the town of Galway and the country west to the Shannon fell to Sir William. Knowing that English law would strip them of what they had taken, they renounced their allegiance to the crown and resolved to hold their gains by force if needed. To win over the native Irish, they gave up the English language and dress, adopted Irish speech and clothing, and changed their names. Sir William became Mac William Eighter and Sir Edmund became Mac William Oughter. They embraced Irish laws, passing their lands by tanistry and gavelkind, and Sir William, holding Galway, took the title, in the words of the source, "lord of the town."

13. De Burgos seize earl of Ulster's estates in Connaught

    Galway · city · Galway · 1333

    Upon the premature death of the earl of Ulster, the chiefs of the junior De Burgo branches, residing principally in the districts now forming counties Galway and Mayo, seized his estates to prevent them falling to a stranger through marriage with the heiress.

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    able, not only as it related to this family in particular, but also as it concerned our town and the entire province. The De Burgos, though hitherto generally steadfast in their allegiance to the crown of England, while the heads of the name frequently filled the highest offices of the state, were henceforth, for a period of nearly three centuries, at continual variance with the government, frequently rising in arms, and openly setting its authority at defiance. Immediately upon the outrageous and premature death of the earl of Ulster, the chiefs of the junior branches of the family, then residing in Connaught, and principally in the extensive districts comprehending the present counties of Galway and Mayo, dreading that all his possessions Would fall into the hands of some stranger, through a marriage with the heiress, took advantage of the favourable opportunity that offered for seizing on his estates. Accordingly, Sir William or Ulick, before alluded to, and Sir Edmund Albanach, or the Scot, (ancestor of the earls of Mayo,)

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 52

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is where the De Burgo story turned in 1333. The earl of Ulster died, suddenly and young, and the chiefs of the junior branches of the family, living here in Connaught and across what are now counties Galway and Mayo, moved fast. They feared his lands would pass to a stranger through marriage with the heiress, so they seized his estates outright. The De Burgos had been steadfast in their allegiance to the English crown, with members often holding the highest offices of the state. After this, they spent nearly three centuries in continual variance with the government, frequently rising in arms and openly setting its authority at defiance. Sir William, or Ulick, and Sir Edmund Albanach, called the Scot, ancestor of the earls of Mayo, were among those who took hold of the estates.

14. Dissolved monasteries adjoining Galway granted to corporation

    Galway · city · Galway · 1578

    By patent dated 11 September 1578, following letters under the queen's own hand commending the loyalty of Galway's inhabitants, the corporation was granted leases in reversion of the possessions of the dissolved monasteries of St. Francis, St. Augustin and St. Dominick adjoining the town, along with parsonage, fishing and cocket rights.

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    assizes, juries, or other civil duties, outside the town. The customs, as contained in the grant of Richard II. were confirmed with many additions, but were directed, however, to be applied to the murage and pavage of the town. The mayor, sheriffs, burgesses and corporation were authorized, from time to time, to assemble in arms, and to pass and go with flags, displayed in hostile array, to any country, island, arm of the sea, or other place whatsoever, to take, recover and punish all robberies, felonies and crimes commited against them. The mayor and recorder, for the time being, were created justices of the peace and gaol delivery within the town, the franchises, liberties and suburbs thereof; and no other was to exercise like power therein; nor was any other officer of the queen, her heirs, or successors, to have any authority whatsoever within the town : power was given to have a prison and keeper thereof; and, finally, all privileges enjoyed by the city of Waterford and the town of Drogheda, were fully granted. 8 The queen's bounty did not stop, even after the extension of these ample privileges, but was further extended by patent, dated 11th September, 1578, in pursuance of letters under her own hand, stating, The veary good commendacon made unto us, for divers respects, of our loving subjects of our town of Galway, for their dutyfulness and good services sondry times constantly showed, as occasions have been offered, for which we would they should be considered and encoradged:" the corporation was accordingly granted leases in reversion of the possessions of the dissolved monasteries of St. Francis, St. Augustin and St. Dominick, adjoining the town; the parsonage, fishing and cocket; and as much land as should amount to the yearly value of 100 marks, nearest the town, and most commodious to them. These, with other grants to the wardens and vicars, and particular encouragement to individuals, were the marks of the royal recompence and favor to the inhabitants for their sufferings and loyalty in those perilous times. 9

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 78

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town that received a notable royal gift in 1578. By patent dated 11 September of that year, Queen Elizabeth granted the corporation leases of the possessions of three dissolved monasteries adjoining the town: St. Francis, St. Augustin, and St. Dominick. The grant followed letters written in the queen's own hand, which praised what she called the dutyfulness and good services of Galway's inhabitants, shown on various occasions. Along with the monastery lands came parsonage, fishing, and cocket rights, and as much land nearest the town as would amount to 100 marks a year. These grants, together with others to wardens and vicars and encouragement given to particular individuals, were described as marks of royal recompense for the sufferings and loyalty of the inhabitants in perilous times. The wider charter of the same period had already given the corporation sweeping powers: the mayor and recorder were made justices of the peace and gaol delivery within the town, and no other officer of the queen was to have authority there. The corporation could assemble in arms and go with flags displayed to any place to punish robberies and felonies committed against them. All privileges enjoyed by Waterford and Drogheda were fully granted to Galway as well.

15. Double mayoral return involving Richard Martin of Dangan

    near Dangan · street · Galway · 1764

    In 1764 a disputed mayoral election in Galway produced two candidates, Rickard Fitzpatrick and Richard Martin of Dangan. Neither was approved by the privy council, and a fresh election was ordered before Colonel John Eyre was finally sworn in.

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    4 This year there was a double return for mayor. The candidates were Rickard Fitzpatrick, and Richard Martin, of Dan-

    gan. Neither being approved of by the privy council, another election was directed., when the above mayor was approved of and accordingly sworn,

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 186

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Dangan, Richard Martin of this place stood in 1764 in a disputed mayoral election in Galway against Rickard Fitzpatrick. Neither was approved by the privy council. A fresh election was ordered, and Colonel John Eyre was sworn in instead.

16. Early Galway before the new colonies

    Galway · city · Galway

    Before the arrival of the new colonies, Galway was an ordinary place consisting of thatched houses and some castles. The new settlers made the town famous through faithful trading, good education, and hospitality.

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    lake and bay, and in making short voyages along the coast, their names are given as follow : ^Athy, Branegan,^ Blundell, Brunt, Burdon, Cale, Calf,^° Coppiner or Coppinger, Develin, or Dillin,^® Ffarty, Ffrihin, le Fickhill, Kellerie, Kerwick, Lang, Lawles,^ Moylin, Muneghan, Penrise,^ Sage, Kancaorach, Valley or Walling Verdon, W eider and White,%0 there were many others, whose names are now buried in oblivion, but who are recorded as having been burgesses of the town. To these early inhabitants and their successors, Lynch in his MS. remarks, before referred to, alludes in the following words, "it was not they who gave any name of credit or fame to the town of Galway, but the colony next after mentioned, for until the latter came hither, this town was but an ordinary place, with only thatched houses and some castles, but it was by the new colonies and septs, made famous to the world, for their trading faithfully, discharigng their credit, good education, charity and hospitality both at home and abroad." That this plain but honourable description, though given by a native of the town, was neither the result of partiality nor the effect of prejudice, the reader will find fully illustrated by various examples throughout the course of this work.

    The new colonies, here alluded to, consisted of several families, whose descendants, are known to this day, under the general appellation of the . tribes of Galway," an expression, first invented by Cromwell's forces, as a term of reproach against the natives of the town, for their singular friendship and attachment to each other during the time of their unparalleled troubles and persecutions, but which, the latter afterwards adopted, as an honorable mark of distinction between themselves and those cruel

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are moving through what was once a modest settlement. Before the families later known as the Tribes of Galway arrived, Lynch described the town in his own words as "but an ordinary place, with only thatched houses and some castles." It was the new colonies and septs who made it famous, through what Lynch called "their trading faithfully, discharging their credit, good education, charity and hospitality both at home and abroad." The name "Tribes of Galway" itself was first coined by Cromwell's forces as a term of reproach against the townspeople for their loyalty to one another during times of persecution, but the people of Galway later adopted it as a mark of honour.

17. Episcopal commissioners pronounce judgment at Ballypatrick

    Ballypatrick · townland · Kilkenny · 1497

    Commissioners appointed by Pope Alexander VI met on 17 December 1497 in the parish church of Ballypatrick in the diocese of Clonfert to adjudicate the disputed parish unions. After a solemn investigation they pronounced judgment of intrusion against the rival claimants to the collegiate church's parishes.

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    The warden and vicars were not, however, permitted to enjoy their newly acquired possessions in peace, but were continually harassed by the surrounding diocesan clergy, who invariably contested the right of union of the several parishes, and gave the new incumbents every possible opposition. At length, in 1496, they were obliged to petition pope Alexander VI., stating that, although the several parishes were canonically united to the church of St. Nicholas, yet that Maurice O'Flaherty, clerke, laid claim to the vicarage of the parish church of Moycullen; that Roderick O'Kennewayn and Owen O'Flaherty claimed the vicarages of Kylcommyn and Kilrowan; and that Richard de Bur go and others claimed the rectories and vicarages of Furanmore and Meary; and they humbly prayed relief from his holiness. A bull accordingly issued to the bishop of Clonfert and David de Burgo, canon of the cathedral church of Clonfert, giving them full power to hear and determine between the parties- These commissioners met on the 17th of December, 1 497 , in the parish church of Ballynpatrick, in the diocese of Clonfert, and, after a solemn investigation, pronounced judgment of intrusion against the persons complained of, and others. These decisions, however decisive as they were in favour of the warden and vicars, did not entirely suppress their opponents, and they were again obliged to have recourse to the holy see. Another bull accordingly issued, dated the 7th of the Ides of January, 1501, directed to the archbishop of 1 uam and others, empowering them to admonish " all those

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 194

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in a parish church close to Ballypatrick, commissioners appointed by Pope Alexander the Sixth met on the 17th of December, 1497, to settle a long quarrel over parish rights. The warden and vicars of the church of Saint Nicholas had been granted several parishes united to their church, but the surrounding diocesan clergy would not let them rest. Those clergy contested the unions and gave the new incumbents every possible opposition. In 1496 the warden and vicars were obliged to petition the pope. They stated that although the parishes were canonically united to the church of Saint Nicholas, Maurice O'Flaherty, a clerk, laid claim to the vicarage of the parish church of Moycullen. Roderick O'Kennewayn and Owen O'Flaherty claimed the vicarages of Kylcommyn and Kilrowan. Richard de Burgo and others claimed the rectories and vicarages of Furanmore and Meary. They prayed the pope for relief. A bull issued to the bishop of Clonfert and David de Burgo, canon of the cathedral church of Clonfert, giving them full power to hear and determine between the parties. These commissioners met on the 17th of December, 1497, in the parish church of Ballypatrick, in the diocese of Clonfert. After a solemn investigation, they pronounced judgment of intrusion against the persons complained of, and others. These decisions, however decisive they were in favour of the warden and vicars, did not entirely suppress their opponents. They were again obliged to have recourse to the Holy See. Another bull issued, dated the 7th of the Ides of January, 1501, directed to the archbishop of Tuam and others, empowering them to admonish all those who continued to resist.

18. Essex describes Galway's decayed and ruined state

    Galway · city · Galway

    The earl of Essex, lord lieutenant of Ireland, opposed the grant of Galway's corporation lands to Mrs. Hamilton and described the decayed condition of the town. The population had considerably diminished and houses were falling to ruin.

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    On the Restoration of Charles II. many of the new settlers disappear, and the old natives and former inhabitants return — Letters of the king to the lords justices, to restore them to their freedom and estates — Animosities and disputes between them and the new settlers — An instance of one of these contentions — Prejudice of the lords justices against the old natives — Opposition given to their claims — Excluded from corporate privileges, and finally expelled the town — New rules established — The corporation lands, with the charter and market duties, granted to Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton — The earl of Essex, lord lieutenant, opposes the grant — His description of the decayed state of the town — Colonel Theodore Russell purchases the charter and market duties, and is elected mayor — The king grants a new charter, containing many ample privileges — Population of the town considerably diminished, and the houses falling to ruin — Many of the old natives give security and are permitted to return to the town — They are soon after obliged to depart, owing to the clamors and discontent of some members of the corporation — Address to the king, on his escape from the Rye-house conspiracy — Accession of James II. to the throne — The Catholic inhabitants return to the town, and made free of the corporation — Catholic clergy established in the town — New charter granted — Troubles begin, and the fortifications of the town repaired — Resolutions to adhere to km§ fames and his government — Protestant inhabitants removed out of the town — Battle of Aughrim — Siege of the town — It surrenders on articles — Treatment of the Roman Catholics — Fortifications built, to secure the conquest of the town and the islands.

    QN the restoration of Charles II. such of the new settlers in Galway as were distinguished for the violence of their principles, or their hatred

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 115

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Galway now. After the restoration of Charles the Second, many of the new settlers in the town disappeared, and the old natives and former inhabitants came back. The king sent letters to the lords justices to restore them to their freedom and their estates. But animosities and disputes broke out between the old natives and the settlers who remained. The lords justices showed prejudice against the old natives, opposed their claims, excluded them from corporate privileges, and finally expelled them from the town. New rules were established. The corporation lands, with the charter and the market duties, were granted to Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton. The earl of Essex, who was lord lieutenant of Ireland, opposed that grant. He described the decayed state of the town. He said the population had considerably diminished, and the houses were falling to ruin. Colonel Theodore Russell purchased the charter and the market duties, and was elected mayor. The king granted a new charter containing many ample privileges. Some of the old natives gave security and were permitted to return to the town. But they were soon obliged to depart again, owing to the clamors and discontent of some members of the corporation. The town addressed the king on his escape from the Rye-house conspiracy. Then James the Second came to the throne. The Catholic inhabitants returned to the town and were made free of the corporation. Catholic clergy were established there. A new charter was granted. Troubles began, and the fortifications of the town were repaired.

19. Establishment of county gaol in Loughrea

    Loughrea · town · Galway · 1585–1674

    In 1585, upon the division of Connaught into counties, the gaol for the newly created county of Galway was established in the town of Loughrea. It remained there until 1674 when it was reported to be old and ruinous, prompting a recommendation to build a new gaol in Galway town.

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    It appears by a record of the reign of Edward I. that in 1303, there was no public prison in Connaught; 29 but this defect was soon after remedied. On the division of the province into counties in 1585, the gaol of the newly created county of Galway was established in the central town of Loughrea. Here it continued until 1674, when it was reported to be " so old and ruinous," that the judges of assize recommended the grand jury to build a new gaol in the town of Galway, and in the mean time directed that the prisoners should be taken care of. They were accordingly brought to Galway and lodged in the town gaol, which was made use of by the county sheriffs until 1686,30 when a strong castle situate near the west bridge, and adjoining the town walls, 31 was selected by the grand jury to serve as a gaol for the county.

    In 1 788 Mr. Howard visited this prison, of which he gave the following account : — " Galway county gaol is near the river; there is a new court, but no pump; the criminals are in two long rooms with dirt floors and no fire-place; the debtors have small rooms above stairs. Allowance to felons, a sixpenny loaf of household bread every other day, (weight three pound, twelve ounces,) which they often sell for four-pence halfpenny to buy potatoes. Gaoler's salary 20/. 1788, April I. Debtors 4. Felons, etc., 14."

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 245

    As the companion tells it

    The road takes you through Loughrea, a town in Galway that once held the county gaol. In 1303, there was no public prison in all of Connaught, but that defect was soon remedied. When the province was divided into counties in 1585, the gaol for the newly created county of Galway was established in this central town of Loughrea. It stayed here for nearly a century. In 1674 it was reported to be so old and ruinous that the judges of assize recommended the grand jury to build a new gaol in the town of Galway. In the meantime they directed that the prisoners should be taken care of. They were accordingly brought to Galway and lodged in the town gaol, which was made use of by the county sheriffs until 1686, when a strong castle situate near the west bridge, adjoining the town walls, was selected by the grand jury to serve as a gaol for the county. In 1788 Mr. Howard visited this prison. He wrote that Galway county gaol was near the river, with a new court but no pump. The criminals were in two long rooms with dirt floors and no fireplace. The debtors had small rooms above stairs. Felons received a sixpenny loaf of household bread every other day, weight three pounds twelve ounces, which they often sold for four pence halfpenny to buy potatoes. The gaoler's salary was 20 pounds. On the first of April 1788 there were 4 debtors and 14 felons.

20. Eyre alms-house bequest from Galway salmon fishery

    Galway · city · Galway

    William Hedges Eyre bequeathed £40 a year from the produce of the Galway salmon fishery for an alms-house for twelve poor men. However, it does not appear that the bequest was ever fulfilled.

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    6. — Charitable Funds and Donations. William Hedges Eyre, Esq., by his last will, bequeathed £40 a year, to be paid out of the produce of the salmon fishery of Galway, towards the support of an alms-house for twelve poor men for ever; but it does not

    39 The original foundation rules of this school were: "That as many boys, from the ago of eight to twelve years, as the funds will bear, be admitted, when previously recommended and approved of by the committee ; that they are to be supported by their parents, and sent to the school at appointed hours, washed, cleansed and combed ; that they are to be instructed in reading, writing and arithmetic, and supplied with books, pens, ink and paper at the expense of the society : and, as emulation is the great, spur to the infant mind, premiums shall be distributed

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 247

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, there is a charitable bequest that never came to be. William Hedges Eyre left by his will £40 a year, to be paid out of the produce of the salmon fishery of Galway, towards the support of an alms-house for twelve poor men for ever. The money was meant to come from the town's salmon fishery, which was once a going concern here. But as the record notes, it does not appear that the bequest was ever fulfilled. Twelve poor men were to have been housed and supported, and the salmon of Galway were to have paid for it. Whatever happened to the will or the fishery, the alms-house seems never to have been built.

21. First mayor and bailiffs of Galway elected and sworn in

    Galway · city · Galway · 1485

    The first mayor and bailiffs of Galway were elected under the new charter on 1 August 1485 and sworn into office on 29 September following, a practice which continued without intermission to the present day.

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    king confirmed all former grants, and renewed the powers to levy the tolls and customs, which he directed should be applied towards the murage and pavage of the town : he also granted licence that they might, yearly, for ever, choose one mayor and two bailiffs, and ordained that no person whomsoever should enter the town without licence; and particularly ordained and granted, that from thenceforth neither the lord Mac William, of Clanrickard, nor his heirs, should have any rule or power whatsoever within the town, either to act, exact, ordain or dispose of any thing therein, by land or by water, as he and his predecessors were anciently accustomed to do, without the special license and by the consent and superintendence of the mayor, bailiffs and corporation, to whom he granted plenary power and authority to rule and govern the town. 20 The first mayor and bailiffs were accordingly elected under this charter, on the 1st August, 1485, and were sworn into office on the 29th September following, which practice has ontinued without intermission to the present day.

    The bull was soon after received from Rome, and a meeting of the inhabitants was immediately convened in the town-house, where it was publicly read, in the hearing of all the people, on the 3d and 6th days of November, 1485. By this instrument, which is dated the 8th of February, 1484, the pope confirmed and approved of the erection of the church of St. Nicholas into a collegiate, to be governed by a warden and eight vicars, who should be moral, well bred and virtuous men, and who were to follow the English rite and custom, in celebrating the mysteries of religion; and he also granted the right of presentation of the warden and vicars to the chief magistrate or mayor, bailiffs and equals {pares) of the town for ever. 21

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 63

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Galway now. In 1485 this town took on a new shape of self-rule. A charter confirmed by the king renewed the powers to levy tolls and customs, directed toward the murage and pavage of the town. The king granted license that the inhabitants might yearly, forever, choose one mayor and two bailiffs. He ordained that no person whatsoever should enter the town without license, and particularly that the lord Mac William of Clanrickard and his heirs should have no rule or power within the town, either by land or by water, without the special license and consent of the mayor, bailiffs and corporation, who were given plenary power to rule and govern. The first mayor and bailiffs were elected under this charter on the 1st of August 1485 and sworn into office on the 29th of September following, a practice which has continued without intermission to the present day. Later that same year a bull arrived from Rome. The inhabitants gathered in the town-house, where it was publicly read on the 3rd and 6th of November 1485. The instrument, dated the 8th of February 1484, confirmed the erection of the church of St. Nicholas into a collegiate, governed by a warden and eight vicars, described as moral, well bred and virtuous men, who were to follow the English rite and custom. The pope granted the right of presentation of the warden and vicars to the mayor, bailiffs and equals of the town forever.

22. Galway advances £5,000 to Marquis of Ormonde for campaign

    Galway · city · Galway · 1649

    The united English and Irish armies under the Marquis of Ormonde received five thousand pounds from Galway, secured on the customs of the town, in aid of his campaign against parliamentary forces. Ormonde knighted the mayor Walter Blake on this occasion.

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    The English and Irish armies being now united, under the command of the marquis of Ormonde, Galway advanced him five thousand pounds^ on the security of the customs of the town, in aid of his intended campaign against the parliamentary forces. Upon this occasion his lordship knighted Walter Blake, the mayor. The melancholy news of the king's violent death soon after reached the town, and was received with every manifestation of sorrow. His successor, Charles II. was immediately proclaimed with the greatest solemnity. The mayor had afterwards the satisfaction of receiving the following letter from his majesty.

    " Charles R.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 103

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is the city that in 1649 backed the Marquis of Ormonde's campaign against parliamentary forces. The English and Irish armies had united under his command, and Galway advanced him 5,000 pounds, secured on the customs of the town. On that occasion Ormonde knighted the mayor, Walter Blake. Soon after, news of the king's violent death reached the town and was received with every manifestation of sorrow. Charles the Second was immediately proclaimed with what the record calls the greatest solemnity, and the mayor later received a letter from the new king.

23. Galway built by English colony c.1300

    Galway · city · Galway · 1300

    De Burgo asserted that Galway, called Gallimh in Irish and meaning 'locus anglorum' or residence of the English, was built by a colony which came from England around the year 1300. The author considers De Burgo mistaken both in this assertion and in the evidence adduced to support it.

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    and written in 1661, agrees with Ware;4 and O'Flaherty, in his Ogygia, says expressly that the town takes its name from the river. De Burgo asserts, that Gallimh, the name of the town in Irish, is the same as locus anglorum, i.e. residence of the English, and says, it was very properly so called, because the town was built by a colony which came thither from England about the year 1300;5 but this writer appears mistaken as well in his assertion, as in the truth of the fact adduced in its support. The learned Vallancey, who was fond of investigations of this nature, gave several ingenious derivations of the word; at one time he supposes it to be Galmhaith, an Irish compound, which he translates Galway, and says, signifies a rocky barren country; 6 at another time he deduces it from Port-na- Gall, Gallorum portus; and again, from Gall-amhan, Amnis Gallorum; but he was finally of opinion, that the town received its name from a company of merchants that settled there; Gael, derived, according to him, from Gaelis, or Geilis, traffick or commerce, signifying a merchant, and ibh, in Irish, signifying tribes or families, v/hence Gailibh, tribes of merchants J Of all these conjectures, the latter, being the result of more mature deliberation, appears most entitled to attention, as having approached nearest to the truth, which a brief illustration will sufficiently demonstrate.

    From a very early period, and until after the invasion of Henry II. the territory in which the town stands was called Clanfirgail, the land or habitation of the Gail or merchants .8 This circumstance, though unobserved by Vallancey, very forceably corroborates this opinion, both names evidently agreeing in meaning and derivation, and each serving to illustrate, and very satisfactorily to explain, the origin and signification of the other : when, therefore, we consider the weak foundation of traditional report, and the fabulous complexion of the story, attributing the name to the woman, Gaillimh, or Galea, mentioned by the writer of Donegal, and alluded to on the old map, 9 it seems most reasonable to conclude, that the town and rive

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town whose very name was contested for centuries. One writer, De Burgo, asserted that Gallimh, the Irish name, meant the residence of the English, and that the town was built by a colony from England around the year 1300. The author of this history considered De Burgo mistaken, both in that claim and in the evidence offered for it. O'Flaherty, in his Ogygia, said plainly that the town takes its name from the river. The learned Vallancey tried several derivations over the years. At one point he supposed the word was Galmhaith, meaning a rocky barren country. Then he deduced it from Port-na-Gall, the port of the Gauls, and again from Gall-amhan, the river of the Gauls. His final opinion was that the town was named for a company of merchants who settled there, Gael meaning a merchant and ibh meaning tribes or families, giving Gailibh, the tribes of merchants. This last conjecture, the result of more mature deliberation, appeared most entitled to attention. The territory in which the town stands was called Clanfirgail from a very early period, meaning the land or habitation of the merchants, which the author said forcefully corroborated Vallancey's final view. A traditional story attributed the name to a woman called Gaillimh or Galea, but the author found this weak and fabulous.

24. Galway burgesses armed to resist neighbouring Irish raids

    Galway · city · Galway

    The charter empowered the mayor, bailiffs, burgesses, and inhabitants of Galway to assemble with arms by land and sea to resist and repel robberies, spoils, and depredations committed by the neighbouring Irish or by rebels and malefactors. This right was granted in perpetuity.

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    Moreover, of our special grace, and of our certain knowledge and mere motion, we have given and granted, and by these our present letters patent, for us, our heirs and successors, as much as in us lieth, do give and grant to the aforesaid mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty and their successors for ever, that they, the now mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty of the town aforesaid, and their successors, and every of them, may and can, from time to time, assemble, prepare and collect themselves, and every of them, and all and sing alar the other inhabitants of the town aforesaid, with all and singular their friends, servants, tenants and adherents, and every of them, at their and every of their will and pleasure, with defensive arms or otherwise, as to them or any of them shall seem most expedient, within the town aforesaid, the liberties, franchises and suburbs of the same, or without, in any other place whatsoever, as well by sea as by by land and fresh waters, to resist, repel, recover and vindicate all and singular robberies, spoils, depredations and other injuries, damages and crimes whatsoever, against them, or any of them, made, perpetrated, offered or committed, by any of the neighbouring Irish, or by any rebels, malefactors or disturbers of the peace of us, our heirs and successors ; and that it shall and be lawful for them, the now mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty, and their successors, and all other the inhabitants of the town aforesaid, and every of them, with their friends, servants tenants and adherents, from time to time, for ever, to pass, ride, sail, and go by sea, with arms, ammunition, flags displayed in

    0

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 272

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the road moves through a town whose charter once gave its people the right to take up arms against their neighbours. The grant was made by letters patent, and it ran in perpetuity. It empowered the mayor, bailiffs, burgesses, and commonalty of the town, and all the inhabitants, to assemble and collect themselves at their own will and pleasure. They could gather with defensive arms, or otherwise, as seemed most expedient to them. They could bring their friends, servants, tenants, and adherents. And they could do this within the town, its liberties, franchises, and suburbs, or outside, in any other place whatsoever, by sea, by land, and by fresh waters. The purpose was to resist, repel, recover, and vindicate all robberies, spoils, depredations, and other injuries, damages, and crimes committed against them. These wrongs were done by any of the neighbouring Irish, or by rebels, malefactors, or disturbers of the peace. The charter declared it lawful for the mayor, bailiffs, burgesses, commonalty, and inhabitants, with all those who followed them, to pass, ride, sail, and go by sea, with arms, ammunition, and flags displayed. The right was theirs for ever.

25. Galway charter confirms commercial liberties and exempts wine prisage

    Galway · city · Galway · 1542

    A charter confirmed Galway's freedom from excessive tolls across the king's dominions and specifically exempted imported wines from prisage, on the grounds it had never been customary there. All liberties enjoyed by Drogheda were granted to Galway, though the king's emoluments and the customs of the cocket were reserved.

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    freed from several excessive tolls within all the king s dominions; and it was particularly granted that no person should pay any prisage for wines imported into the town, " because prisage had not theretofore been accustomed to be paid there, "34 nor any customs whatsoever for any other goods imported, save such as of old were accustomed to be paid. All manner of goods and merchandizes were allowed to be exported, except woollen and linen goods : all such liberties and privileges as were enjoyed by the town of Drogheda were fully granted and confirmed, saving however, to the king and his heirs, all emoluments to him and his ancestors, lords of the town-35 issuing thereout, and also the customs of the cocket; and also saving to the portreve and burgesses of Athenry, and their successors, all such privileges as they were accustomed to have in times past, in the town and port thereof. 36 The flourishing state of commerce in Galway is fully evidenced by this charter; and at this period, and for upwards of a century afterwards, it was considered one of the first emporiums for trade, not only in Ireland, but, with very few exceptions, in the British islands. Its overflowing wealth and prosperity led the town to adopt measures and lay down certain regulations which proved contrary to the established laws of the land. Thus, a bye-law was enacted by the corporation in 1542, whereby it was "ordered, that no person of this town shall buy or sell with any merchants of Lymbricke, Corcke, Watterford, Dublin, or other towns or citties for any goods, or cause same to be transported by land or sea, unless they come to this town as other strangers and merchants, in shipps, on pain of forfeiting the goods and 201." This byelaw being in force, one Thomas Fitz-Simon, a Dublin merchant, in the year 1548, imported a parcel of cloth into the town, which, after paying the accustomed legal duties, was found to be forfeited under this corporate regulation, and was accordingly seized by John Lynch and Edward Lynch, then customers of the town. The importer's only remedy was by complaint to the chancellor of Ireland, the sole resource in those times for many cases, which, at present, can be redressed by the common law. The corporation, in their defence, represented that none, except the inhabitants, were allowed to sell any wares within the town, except in gross; and that even for such wares sold in gross custom should be paid according to the ancient form, " used tyme of minde," and confirmed by their charters. They also stated that the usage of the town was, that if any inhabitant should retail or sell the merchandize or ware of any stranger, colouring to be his own, by fraud and deceit, intending thereby to save the custom to the stranger.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 74

    As the companion tells it

    In 1542, a charter confirmed Galway's commercial freedoms. The town was freed from excessive tolls across the king's dominions. No person was to pay prisage for wines imported there, because prisage had not been customary, nor customs for any other goods imported, save those traditionally paid. All goods could be exported except woollen and linen. All liberties enjoyed by Drogheda were granted, though the king's emoluments and the customs of the cocket were reserved, as were the privileges of the portreve and burgesses of Athenry. The town was then one of the first emporiums for trade in Ireland and the British islands. Its overflowing wealth led to measures contrary to established law. A bye-law enacted by the corporation in 1542 ordered that no person of the town should buy or sell with any merchants of Limerick, Cork, Waterford, Dublin, or other towns, unless those merchants came as strangers in ships, on pain of forfeiting the goods and 20 pounds. In 1548, Thomas Fitz-Simon, a Dublin merchant, imported a parcel of cloth into the town. After paying the accustomed legal duties, his cloth was found forfeit under the regulation, and was seized by John Lynch and Edward Lynch, then customers of the town. His only remedy was complaint to the chancellor of Ireland. The corporation defended themselves, saying none except inhabitants were allowed to sell wares within the town except in gross, and custom should be paid according to the ancient form, "used tyme of minde," confirmed by their charters. They stated that if an inhabitant retailed a stranger's merchandise, colouring it as his own by fraud to save the stranger's custom, that was against the town's usage.

26. Galway charter of 1610 erecting town into separate county

    Galway · city · Galway · 1610

    A charter of James I dated 18 December 1610 appointed the first sheriffs of Galway and erected the town into a separate county, marking a major reorganisation of Galway's civic status.

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    Rot. Mem. 36 Hen. VIII. Rem.-office. Edw. VI. 1549, Nov. 6, Charter of Confirmation.— Rot. Pat. 3 Edw. VI. Rolls-office. Elizab. 1575, July 14, New charter gran ting various privileges — Rot. Pat. 20. Eliz ib James 1. 1610, Dec. 18, -Charter appointing first sheriffs, and erecting the town into

    a separate county. — Rot. Pat. 8. Jas. I. ib. Chas. II. 1679, Aug. 14, New Charter of Incorporation.— Rot. Pat. 22 Cha. II. ib. James II. 1687, Mar. 12. Like (Inoperative since 1691.) — Rot. Pat. 4 James II. ib.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 189

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Galway, you are in a town that became a county by royal charter in 1610. On the 18th of December that year, James I signed a charter appointing the first sheriffs of Galway and erecting the town into a separate county. It was part of a long chain of royal charters stretching back to Edward VI's confirmation in 1549 and Elizabeth's grant of privileges in 1575, but this one marked a major shift in Galway's civic standing.

27. Galway corn export trade commences c.1805

    Galway · city · Galway · 1805

    The provision trade that formerly flourished at Galway had deserted the port, but a new corn export trade began around 1805, averaging about 6,000 tons annually. The agriculture of the interior improved due to encouragement from Galway merchants, with wheat and barley of highly superior quality brought to market.

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    provision trade, which formerly flourished here, has long since deserted this port. 12 Commerce has of late been chiefly confined to the export of corn; and for this branch, which commenced about the year 1805, the town is peculiarly well circumstanced, from its local situation and great facilities for water carriage. Since that period the agriculture of the interior has been much improved, owing to the encouragement given to the farmers by the merchants of the town. The wheat and barley brought to market are esteemed of a highly superior quality; but the oats are in general of a very inferior kind. It has been calculated that, for some years past, the export of corn from this port averaged annually about 6,000 tons. Kelp is also an old and considerable article of trade. 13 It is principally manufactured in Connemara, and is brought to the town by sea. For some years past about 4,000 tons were annually exported, a considerable portion to the northern parts of Ireland, where it was much used in the manufacture of linen, and the remainder to England and Scotland. The price and consumption of this article, however, have of late very much diminished. Although, in 1808, it sold in Galway for £13 a ton, at present it seldom exceeds £4;14 and the yearly exportation is also reduced

    12 The great cattle fairs of Ballinasloe (by far the most extensive in these islands) were, it is said, originally established at that place from its contiguity to Galway. These famous marts have subsisted from a very early period, although no patent for holding thorn appears on record before 8th June, 1757, when Richard Trench, esq., of Garbally, obtained a patent for holding two fairs, on 15 th May and 18th July, in every year. Once, however, established, thev have ever since continued, although the cause of their origin, viz., the provision trade of Galway, has long since ceased.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 232

    As the companion tells it

    Galway is the city you're passing through. The provision trade that once flourished here had long since deserted the port. But around 1805, a new corn export trade began, and the town was well suited to it, given its situation and its water carriage. Since then, the agriculture of the interior improved, owing to encouragement from the merchants of Galway. The wheat and barley brought to market were esteemed highly superior, though the oats were generally of a very inferior kind. The export of corn from this port averaged about 6,000 tons annually. Kelp was also an old and considerable trade. It was manufactured chiefly in Connemara and brought to the town by sea. About 4,000 tons were exported each year, a considerable portion to the northern parts of Ireland for linen manufacture, and the remainder to England and Scotland. In 1808, kelp sold in Galway for £13 a ton, but by the present time it seldom exceeded £4, and the yearly export had also fallen off. The great cattle fairs of Ballinasloe, said to be the most extensive in these islands, were reportedly established because of their closeness to Galway. These marts had subsisted from a very early period, though no patent appears on record before 8 June 1757, when Richard Trench of Garbally obtained a patent for two fairs, on 15 May and 18 July each year. The fairs continued, even though the provision trade of Galway that gave rise to them had long since ceased.

28. Galway fishery decline and emigration of fishermen

    Galway · city · Galway

    The petition stated that the Galway fishery was going to ruin under corporation taxes and perquisites, and a great number of able young fishermen were obliged to go to foreign countries to seek for bread.

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    buildings in good order and repair, but that these objects had ceased, for that government, for many years past, had been at the whole expense of repairing the walls; and the petitioners were obliged to pave the streets at their own expense : that the custom-house quay was most shamefully neglected, and so far gone to ruin as to render it unsafe for any vessel above thirty tons burden to load or unload there : that the corporation had, notwithstanding, all along levied the charter duties, which, with an additional unwarranted charge upon every vessel coming to the town, enhanced the price of goods and merchandise, imported and exported, nearly three per cent, to the very great detriment of the merchants, who were thereby rendered incapable of selling their goods upon equal terms with the other trading towns in the kingdom : that, for many years past, great extortions were practised by the toll-gatherers at the gates and markets of the town : that the fishery of Galway was capable of being made the most considerable in the kingdom, and, if properly followed and encouraged, would bring wealth to the town, and be the means of rearing a great number of able seamen for his majesty's service; but being so burdened with corporation taxes and perquisites, it was going to ruin and decay, and a great number of able young fishermen were obliged to go to foreign countries to seek for bread, at a lime when they might enrich themselves and their families at home, and be useful members of the community, had thy met with reasonable encouragement : that the country butchers were prevented, by the exactions of the corporation from supplying the town with meat : that the applotment of the public taxes and vestry money, by the corporation, was partial and unequal, and had become grievous and burdensome : that the billeting of his majesty's troops had been partially, illegally and oppressively executed : that the members of the corporation converted its large revenue to their private benefit : that the only public edifice kept by them was what they called the markethouse, though it was no more than a small ground cellar under the military infirmary, from which infection was continually apprehended : that in consequence of these and many other vexatious measures, practised in the administration of the affairs of the town, many families had removed from it, others were prevented from settling, and the gentlemen and farmers of the adjacent counties were discouraged from supplying the markets; in consequence of which, a general complaint had prevailed for a series of years past in the town and country, and the necessaries of life were considerably enhanced, to the great destruction of trade, the diminution of the inhabitants, and impoverishment of the town. — Such were the measures pursued by the corporation of Galway, since the revolution, and such the pernicious consequences which attended their proceedings; all which, after minute investigation before a committee, were pronounced, by the unanimous voice of the legislature, to be true. On the 17th February, 1762, the committee made their report, and submitted their resolutions, which were afterwards confirmed by the entire house, viz. "that the trade of the town, which was formerly very considerable, had greatly declined for some years past : that the several detailed exactions of the corporation were oppressive, unwarranted, inju-

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 151

    As the companion tells it

    Galway is a city the road passes through or near, and in the eighteenth century it was a place whose trade was dying. A petition laid the blame squarely on the corporation. The custom-house quay was so far gone to ruin that no vessel above thirty tons burden could safely load or unload there. Yet the corporation still levied its charter duties, and added an unwarranted charge on every vessel coming to the town, raising the price of imported and exported goods by nearly three per cent. The merchants of Galway could not sell on equal terms with other trading towns in the kingdom. The toll-gatherers at the gates and markets practised great extortions. The country butchers were prevented by corporation exactions from supplying the town with meat. The applotment of public taxes and vestry money was partial and unequal, grievous and burdensome. The billeting of his majesty's troops was carried out partially, illegally, and oppressively. The members of the corporation converted its large revenue to their private benefit. The only public edifice they kept was what they called the market-house, though it was no more than a small ground cellar under the military infirmary, from which infection was continually apprehended. The fishery of Galway, the petition said, was capable of being made the most considerable in the kingdom. Properly followed and encouraged, it would bring wealth to the town and rear a great number of able seamen for his majesty's service. But burdened with corporation taxes and perquisites, it was going to ruin and decay. A great number of able young fishermen were obliged to go to foreign countries to seek for bread, at a time when they might enrich themselves and their families at home. On the 17th of February 1762, a committee made its report, and the entire house confirmed that the trade of the town had greatly declined and that the corporation's exactions were oppressive and unwarranted.

29. Galway identified as the Nagnata of Ptolemy

    Galway · city · Galway

    The author notes that Galway has been identified as the Nagnata of Ptolemy's geography, though its origin remains uncertain. This claim is supported by opinions of Camden, Ware, Baxter and others, linking the town to one of the earliest documented places in Ireland.

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    Early History and Antiquities of Ireland disputed — Intemperate feelings of writers on the subject — Come but little within the scope of this work — The ancient town of Galway made a chief point of division in the various partitions of Ireland — In that by Heber and Heremon — By Eogan More and Con-Cead-Chathach in the second century — War between these princes, for an equal dividend of the revenues of Dublin and Galway — The latter then a place of note — Destruction of Irish records — Accounts of Ireland by Tacitus and Ptolemy — Those of the latter doubted — Opinions of Camden, Ware, Baxter and others — That Galway Was the Nagnata of Ptolemy — Its origin uncertain — Destruction of the ToWn by the Danes — Rebuilt by the Conacians — Ravaged by the Momonians — Burned, and again revived in 1 1 70.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a place some scholars have linked to the Nagnata of Ptolemy's geography. Camden, Ware, Baxter and others held this view, making Galway one of the earliest documented places in Ireland. Its origin remains uncertain, though it was already a place of note in ancient partitions of the country. The town was destroyed by the Danes, rebuilt by the Conacians, then ravaged by the Momonians. It was burned and later revived.

30. Galway's ancient monuments and former opulence

    Galway · city · Galway

    The author characterizes Galway as the ancient and formerly celebrated capital of the West of Ireland, presenting so many monuments of former opulence and respectability. Its former inhabitants availed themselves of natural commercial advantages afforded by their situation.

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    That Ireland is not so well known to Great Britain as the interest of both countries requires, is fully evinced by the numerous errors into which some of the best-informed English writers fall when treating of this island; but that it is not, even yet, sufficienty acquainted wih itself, is a truth, which, though equally incontestible, appears not to be so generally felt or considered. These defects, which must be evidently prejudicial to the empire at large, have been ascribed to many causes : the only one, however, deemed necessary to be mentioned here, is, that scarcity of useful topographical information, which may be pronounced as great an obstacle to the improvement of this country, as it is an unquestionable reflection upon its literature. While every city and town, nay almost every village and hamlet, in Great Britain, can boast of its history, or illustrative description, the efforts of the pen or the pencil, in a similar way, in Ireland, may be enumerated in a summary note;* and to this deficiency it is that the imperfect knowledge of this part of the empire, above alluded to, may be principally attributed. — To elucidate this by a single example : the whole of the western province, in which the subject of the following attempt at topographical delineation is situate, its natural advantages, former transactions, numerous and respectable families, &c. have hitherto remained almost unnoticed and unknown; insomuch, that it is a fact, no less singular than certain, that the public in general is better acquainted with every particular relating to the most obscure district in the East Indies, or the most insignificant island in the southern Archipelago, than with the affairs of this extensive and populous province. An inclination, in some measure, to remedy this defect, has induced the compilation of the following History of Galv/ay, the ancient, and formerly celebrated, capital of the West of Ireland, which is now, with every degree of deference and respect, submitted to the impartial judgment of an enlightened public.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are moving through what one writer called the ancient and formerly celebrated capital of the West of Ireland. He set out to write its history because he believed Ireland was not well enough known, not even to itself. He said that some of the best-informed English writers fell into numerous errors when treating of the island, and that Ireland was not yet sufficiently acquainted with itself, though this truth was not generally felt or considered. He pointed to a scarcity of useful topographical information, calling it a great obstacle to the improvement of the country and a reflection upon its literature. In Great Britain, he said, every city and town, almost every village and hamlet, could boast of its history or illustrative description, while in Ireland such efforts could be enumerated in a summary note. The whole of the western province, with its natural advantages, former transactions, and numerous and respectable families, had remained almost unnoticed and unknown. He called it a fact no less singular than certain that the public was better acquainted with every particular relating to the most obscure district in the East Indies, or the most insignificant island in the southern Archipelago, than with the affairs of this extensive and populous province. His inclination to remedy this defect led him to compile his history of Galway, submitted, as he put it, to the impartial judgment of an enlightened public.

31. Galway's decline from celebrated mercantile port

    Galway · city · Galway

    The author notes that Galway, formerly so celebrated, experienced a decline, and details the various circumstances that led to it. The town had arrived at a pitch of mercantile greatness superior to any port in the British dominions except London.

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    direction, so amply abounds,) gradually rose from a state of comparative insignificance to a high degree of national consideration, and that the town, however extraordinary it may now appear, arrived to a pitch of mercantile greatness superior, with the single exception of London, to any other port in the British dominions. f Even to an English reader, the progress of so flourishing a colony of his own nation, or, as described by itself, "an ancient colonic of English, planted in this nook of the country," among a people then considered as "English enemies," may not be altogether unacceptable. To the politician and philosopher it may be useful to detail the various circumstances which led to the decline of a town formerly so celebrated. At the present crisis, also, when so many of his majesty's subjects are endeavoring, by constitutional means, to become emanicpated from those penal inflictions under which they have so long and so patiently labored, the following pages will demonstrate, by many examples, that the principles of Catholics are not incompatible with the strictest observance of loyalty to nionarchs of a different persuasion. They will also shew that no diversity of religious opinion, or even severity of treatment under the most rigid enforcement of the penal laws, could ever weaken the allegiance of the Catholics of Ireland as subjects, or influence their demeanour as peaceable citizens. Several most honorable proofs will likewise be found of their most unalterable attachment to the Protestant monarchs of Great Britain, and their representative rulers in his country — For these, and other reasons., the author has ventured to hope that his labors ma}' not be altogether useless, and even that they may be attended with results superior to those of satisfying mere antiquarian research, or gratifying the impulse of fruitless curiosity.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, consider that this city was once a port of extraordinary reach. It rose from comparative insignificance to a high degree of national consideration. The town arrived at a pitch of mercantile greatness superior, with the single exception of London, to any other port in the British dominions. It was described as an ancient colonie of English, planted in this nook of the country, among a people then considered as English enemies. The author sets out to detail the various circumstances which led to the decline of a town formerly so celebrated. He writes at a time when many of his majesty's subjects are endeavoring, by constitutional means, to become emancipated from penal inflictions under which they have long and patiently labored. His pages will demonstrate, by many examples, that the principles of Catholics are not incompatible with the strictest observance of loyalty to monarchs of a different persuasion. They will also show that no diversity of religious opinion, or even severity of treatment under the most rigid enforcement of the penal laws, could ever weaken the allegiance of the Catholics of Ireland as subjects, or influence their demeanour as peaceable citizens. Several honorable proofs will be found of their unalterable attachment to the Protestant monarchs of Great Britain and their representative rulers in this country. The author has ventured to hope that his labors may not be altogether useless, and may be attended with results superior to satisfying mere antiquarian research or gratifying fruitless curiosity.

32. Galway town described as a fortified rock-set settlement

    Galway · city · Galway

    Visitors and strangers over 200 years ago described Galway as a town built on a rock, almost surrounded by sea and river, enclosed by a strong wall with good defences after the ancient manner. The town was considered capable of defending itself against an enemy with a reasonable garrison.

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    whole towne had been built uppon one modle. It is built uppon a rock, invironed almost with the sea, and the river; compassed with a strong walle, and good defences after the ancient manner, such as with a reasonable garrison, may defende itselfe against an enemie."26

    Such are the accounts given of Galway, upwards of 200 years ago, by visitors and strangers, who were eye witnesses of the state of the town, and described it as it appeared to them at the time; but the enthusiasm of the old inhabitants, when mentioning their native place, their ancient pride and boast, and the source and centre of all their wealth, happiness and connexions, was almost boundless; one of these, after giving a short descriptiorr-ef the town, bursts forth into the following exclamation : — and, as Jerusalem seemed to the Prophet Jeremiah, the princess among provinces, the beauty of Israel; so, thou, O Galway, dost to me appear, of most perfect beauty;27 nor will the reader be surprised at this, when he hears the following description of the town, given even at a subsequent period, by Henry Cromwell and the Privy Council of Ireland : " we may be bold to say, that for the situation thereof, voisinage and commerce it hath, with Spaine, the Strayts, West Indies and other places; noe towne or port in the three nations (London excepted) was more considerable, nor, in all probability would more encourage trade abroad, or manufactures at home, than this, if v/ell improved. "28 The increase, improvement and continual additions of strength to the town, by the erection of several strong bulwarks and fortifications, for nearly half the seventeenth century, and, particularly, during the civil wars of 1641, will be found described in their proper places. The reader is here presented with a complete and curious delineation of the place, as it appeared in its most perfect condition, after these improvements were made, formed under the following peculiar and interesting circumstances, and which will, for ever, remain an indelible memorial of the former flourishing state of this once considerable town.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 26

    As the companion tells it

    Passing through Galway, you are in a town that visitors and strangers over 200 years ago described as built upon a rock, almost surrounded by sea and river, and enclosed by a strong wall with good defences after the ancient manner. They judged it capable of defending itself against an enemy, given a reasonable garrison. The old inhabitants spoke of their native place with boundless pride. One compared it to Jerusalem as, in his words, "the princess among provinces," and called it "of most perfect beauty." Henry Cromwell and the Privy Council of Ireland said that for its situation, neighbourhood and commerce with Spain, the Straits, the West Indies and other places, no town or port in the three nations, London excepted, was more considerable. Strong bulwarks and fortifications were added through nearly half of the 1600s, particularly during the civil wars of 1641.

33. Ignatius Blake of Ardfry proposes Denis Daly for mayor of Galway

    Ardfry · townland · Galway · 1772

    At the contested election of August 1772, Ignatius Blake of Ardfry proposed Denis Daly for mayor, while Eyre proposed Nathaniel Cook. Sixty-four voted for Cook and fifty-one for Daly, but Cook was declared elected on the grounds that Daly was not an inhabitant of Galway.

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    Eyre proposed Nathaniel Cook; Ignatius Blake., of Ardfry, proposed Denis Daly; fifty-one voted for the latter and sixtyfour for the former t whereupon he was declared duly elected, "because Mr. Daly was not an inhabitant of Galway, and did not spend seven days in the whole within that town, since 1st August, 1770;" but having, notwithstanding, been approA^ed of as above, it was resolved, by the late mayor and his friends, that the other " should hold over until another were properly appointed, and that he should be idemnified for so doing." — Lib. I. — They persisted in this determination for some years afterwards, but were finally obliged to yield.

    12. It was not until the year 1782 that the law which subjected Papists to certain penalties, who took any house, or came to dwell in Limerick or Galway, or their suburbs, was repealed by the act then passed, "for the further relief of his majesty's subjects of this kingdom professing the Popish religion." — Stat. 21, 22, Geo. III.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ardfry, in August 1772, a contested election for mayor of Galway took place. Ignatius Blake of Ardfry proposed Denis Daly for the office, while a man named Eyre proposed Nathaniel Cook. The vote went sixty-four for Cook and fifty-one for Daly. Cook was then declared duly elected, the stated reason being that Denis Daly was not an inhabitant of Galway, and had not spent seven days in the whole within that town since the 1st of August, 1770. Despite that, Daly had still received those fifty-one votes, and the late mayor and his friends resolved that Cook should hold over until another were properly appointed, and that he should be indemnified for so doing. They persisted in this determination for some years afterwards, but were finally obliged to yield. It was not until 1782 that the law subjecting Papists to certain penalties, for taking any house or coming to dwell in Limerick or Galway, was repealed.

34. Inquisition at the Tholsel regarding Fort Hill and St. Augustine's Abbey

    Fort Hill · street · Cork · 1664

    An inquisition held at the Tholsel in Galway on 1 March 1664 found that the lands known as Fort-hill were part of the Abbey of St. Augustine, and that those abbey-lands had been vested in the Crown since the reign of Henry VIII. A fort for the king's use had been erected there.

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    30 An inquisition taken in the tholsel, on 1st March 1664, finds "that the lands commonly called or known by the name of Fort-hill, were part of the abbey of St. Augustine; and that same, with other abbey-lands, were invested in the crown m the reign of Henry VIII. That a fort for his majesty's use was erected

    on part of those lands, and continued in his possession until 1643. when it was surrendered by captain Willou^h^- to John Bourke and others, commanding the Irish forces, by whom it was demolished by order of the supreme council. Who received the issues and profits since, the jury could not find ; but before the fort was erected, Nicholas D'Arcv. deceased, was the reputed proprietor of the premises, and since the surrender there were several possessors, but under what i1^ they could not find, and sav the rands contain, by estimation, twelve acres. That upon the lands .of Ballymanagh, the foundation of a fort, arid a good part of the walls thereof, were laid and erected for his majesty's use, ^out the year 1625, which continued in his possession, and in the custody of John Turner,, deceased, until 1641. when it was entrusted to the charge of Sir Richard Blake, knight, by tlv lords justices and council; it contains, by estimation, one acre, but they cannot find any known proprietor thereof except his majesty. That the lands of xnuttonisland, containing by estimation, three acres, were made use of in common by the inhabitants ol Galway and the liberties thereof. — Grig. Inq. Rolls Office.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 118

    As the companion tells it

    On 1 March 1664, an inquisition held at the Tholsel in Galway found that the lands known as Fort-hill were part of the Abbey of St. Augustine. Those abbey-lands had been vested in the Crown since the reign of Henry the Eighth. A fort for the king's use had been erected on part of those lands. Before the fort was erected, Nicholas D'Arcy, deceased, was the reputed proprietor of the premises. The lands contained, by estimation, twelve acres. The fort was surrendered by Captain Willoughby to John Bourke and others commanding the Irish forces in 1643, and was demolished by order of the supreme council. Who received the issues and profits since, the jury could not find. Since the surrender there were several possessors, but under what title they could not find. The inquisition also recorded that upon the lands of Ballymanagh, the foundation of a fort and part of the walls were erected for his majesty's use about 1625, and continued in the custody of John Turner, deceased, until 1641, when it was entrusted to Sir Richard Blake by the lords justices and council. The lands of Mutton's Island, three acres, were used in common by the inhabitants of Galway.

35. Joyce's marble altar and O'Hara family pew

    Galway · city · Galway

    In the south transept of St. Nicholas's Church, Joyce's marble altar sits in an arched recess measuring 9 feet 10 inches. The O'Hara family later converted this recess into a pew and erected a monument to their relatives there.

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    tHe traces of antiquity throughout the church are less numerous than might be expected from the date of the building, there are, notwithstanding, a few handsome monuments and some inscriptions, which shall be noticed in order. In this aisle, on a black marble grave-stone, the following Irish names are legible: — "Wilielmus D'Muiln and Margaret U. Diguane"; on another, " Here lieth the Body of On Mor — ford, Shumaiker, and his wife, Juaninia Chlinge — who — 1577"; and on another, curiously engraved, "Hir lieth the Bodi of On Moriertha O'Tiernagh, and his wife, Kate Rirnanigonohid, and his brother, Teige Og — An' Dni 1580 "35 Passing from the north to the south transept, Joyce's marble altar, placed in an arched recess, forming a curved square of 9 feet 10 inches, deserves notice. This recess was converted into a commodious pew some years since by the O'Hara family, to the memory of some of whom a handsome monument has been here erected.

    On entering the south or Lynche's aisle, the polished marble altar and window of exquisite beauty, built by the founder of this extensive wing, and which now form its principal ornaments, will immediately attract attention. On both sides of this curious altar there are raised tombs, highly sculptured, belonging to various branches of this ancient family : one of these is the tomb of Nicholas Lynch Fitz-Stephen, by whom this aisle and the adjoining tower were erected. 36 A small marble tablet, inserted on one side of the altar, contains the following inscription commemorating one of his descendants :

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 207

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, St. Nicholas's Church holds traces of antiquity fewer than you might expect from the age of the building, though there are handsome monuments and inscriptions worth noting. In one aisle, black marble gravestones carry old Irish names. One reads Wilielmus D'Muiln and Margaret U. Diguane. Another marks the body of a Shumaiker and his wife Juaninia Chlinge, dated 1577. A third, curiously engraved, records the body of On Moriertha O'Tiernagh, his wife Kate Rirnani-gonohid, and his brother Teige Og, dated 1580. Passing from the north to the south transept, Joyce's marble altar sits in an arched recess, forming a curved square of 9 feet 10 inches. The O'Hara family converted this recess into a commodious pew some years since, and erected a handsome monument there to the memory of some of their relatives. Entering the south or Lynche's aisle, a polished marble altar and a window of exquisite beauty, built by the founder of this wing, form its principal ornaments. On both sides of this curious altar stand raised tombs, highly sculptured, belonging to various branches of the Lynch family. One is the tomb of Nicholas Lynch Fitz-Stephen, by whom this aisle and the adjoining tower were erected. A small marble tablet on one side of the altar commemorates one of his descendants.

36. Lack of fire engine and civic infrastructure in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    Galway suffered from the absence of a fire engine, with conflagrations seldom extinguished until buildings were reduced to ruins. The author also urged the introduction of water-pipes, street flagging, lamps, and street name signage to the corporation.

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    17 The author here oegs leave most respectfully to point the attention of the heads of the corporation to this reprehensible practice, and to a few other matters, which, if heretofore attended to, might have been productive of much public advantage.—The first is the providing a fire-engine, the want of which, m this populous town, has been long and severely felt. It is a well-known melancholy fact that a conflagration here is seldom extinguished for want of proper assistance, until the ill-fated building which it seizes is completely reduced to a heap of rums. —Another most desirable and necessary improvement would be the introduction of water-pipes through the principal streets, or the erection of three or four public fountains, which could be done at no very considerable expense.— The process of

    flagging along the main streets, and a fewlamps, would also be most important additions to the convenience of the inhabitants.—Another (though apparently trifling) improvement would be that of putting up the names of the streets : no small confusion has oftentimes arisen in describing the situation of property ; and, from uncertainty in this respect, legal contentions and even non-suits have been frequently hazarded, which the . adoption of this simple process would entirely prevent.— These observations it is hoped, may not be esteemed obtrusive, or beneath the attention of our worthy representative.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 253

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are passing through a town that once lacked the most basic safeguards. An author writing its history paused to address the heads of the corporation directly. He called their attention to what he called a reprehensible practice and to a few matters that, if attended to, might have produced much public advantage. The first was a fire engine. Its absence, he said, had been long and severely felt in this populous town. He stated it as a well-known melancholy fact that a conflagration here was seldom extinguished, for want of proper assistance, until the ill-fated building it seized was completely reduced to a heap of ruins. He then urged the introduction of water-pipes through the principal streets, or the erection of three or four public fountains, which could be done at no very considerable expense. Flagging along the main streets and a few lamps would also be important additions to the convenience of the inhabitants. He went further. The putting up of street names, he wrote, might seem trifling, but no small confusion had often arisen in describing the situation of property. From uncertainty in this respect, legal contentions and even non-suits had been frequently hazarded, which the adoption of this simple process would entirely prevent. He hoped these observations might not be esteemed obtrusive, or beneath the attention of the worthy representative.

37. Lt-Col O'Shaughnessie admitted freeman of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1648

    In 1648, the corporation of Galway ordered that Lieutenant-Colonel William O'Shaughnessie and his posterity should be freemen of the corporation, in recognition of his family's blood alliance and longstanding affection for the town.

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    Ordered, that lieutenant-colonel William O'Shaughnessie (in consideration of his allyance in bloode to the whole towne, and for the good nature and affection that he and his whole family doe bear to it) and his posteritie shall be hereafter freemen of this corporation.8

    7. The aldermen were usually chosen on the evening of the last day of July, at a meeting of the mayor, recorder, and such aldermen as bore the office of mayor, commonly called "short council;" and one or two were chosen yearly, to supply the place of the new mayor, and such aldermen as might happen to die.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 177

    As the companion tells it

    Galway, in 1648, made Lieutenant-Colonel William O'Shaughnessie a freeman of the corporation, and granted the same right to his posterity. The order was given, in the words of the record, in consideration of his allyance in bloode to the whole towne, and for the good nature and affection that he and his whole family doe bear to it. His family's long loyalty to Galway earned them a permanent place among its freemen.

38. Military readiness and munition shortages in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1586–1590

    The by-laws of Galway from 1586 to 1590 noted severe deficiencies in the town's watch, ward, armour, and weapons. A critical shortage of gunpowder, match, and munition was reported, prompting calls for urgent provision by the governor and corporation.

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    Great latches and slackne-s in our watche and warde armour and weapon, and worst of all, a great waunt in this towne, viz. of powlder, matche and munition, whiche wo protest to be prevented as well by the governor of the reallme, as also by the corporation, so farr fourth as the powre corporations habylitie will reache, and that the same be provided in tyme, fearinge of any immenent danger.

    That ne free of fishe( viz. of yles (eels) be taken by ne way whatsoever, begyn the 15th of- Aprille to the springe following the same ; and also that no red salmon be taken, nor crue of samon as in the statute in that behalfe is provided, Act-na-howly allways excepted, for that we found it so by antiquitie ; and fearinge the distraction of the fish, to prevent the same, that no lymed hid3 or flax be suffered to be put into the ryver.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 171

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the town was in a sorry state of defence in the late 1580s. A record from those years found, in its words, 'great latches and slackness in our watch and ward, armour and weapon,' and worst of all, a great want of powder, match, and munition. The corporation was urged to provide these in time, fearing imminent danger. The same record forbade taking eels from the 15th of April to the following spring, banned red salmon and salmon creel fishing except on Act-na-howly, and ordered that no limed hide or flax be put into the river.

39. Mountjoy keeps Christmas in Galway; Irish chiefs submit

    Galway · city · Galway · 1602

    The lord deputy kept Christmas in Galway and judged it a place of great importance to preserve from foreign enemies. During his stay, the O'Flaherties of Iar-Connaught, the Mac Dermotts of the Curlew Mountains, O'Connor Roe, and others came in and submitted.

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    The building of these extensive works of defence was carried on with vigor. On the 10th of August, 1602, the lord deputy informed Mr. Secretary Cecil, that the fortifications of Galway were almost finished, and that it would be needful for the place to have four demi-canons and four whole culverins, which he thought would make it of very great use against the Spaniards, if they should happen to land there, as he suspected, and that for this and other similar works it would be necessary to have some great ordnance. 20 On the 18th of November following his lordship set out on his journey for Connaught, his principal design being, "to view the town of Galway, and to consider how the descent of foreign enemies might best be prevented." — He kept Christmas in the the town; and, judging it a place of great importance to be preserved from being possessed by any foreign enemy he gave dirctions to finish the fort, which from its situation, would so effectually command the haven, and defend the town from foreign invasion. While he remained, the O'Flaherties of Iar-Connaught, the Mac Dermotts of the Courlews, O'Connor Roe, and many others, came in and submitted.

    James I. was proclaimed here in April, 1603. Upon the accession of this monarch, the Irish, supposing him a Catholic, entertained hopes that their ancient religion would be no longer proscribed, and accordingly the principal cities and towns of the kingdom immediatedly declared for the open and ur controlled confession of faith. The lord deputy made every exertion to suppress this rising spirit, and finally succeeded in putting it down. He issued particular orders to that effect to the magistrates of Galway, which were punctually attended to; and he was soon after informed by the mayor, " that howsoever he found no seditious inclination

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 84

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is a town the English crown saw as worth holding. In August 1602 the lord deputy wrote to Secretary Cecil that the fortifications were nearly finished and that the place would need four demi-cannons and four culverins to guard against a possible Spanish landing. On the 18th of November that year he set out for Connaught, his principal design being, in the words of the record, "to view the town of Galway, and to consider how the descent of foreign enemies might best be prevented." He kept Christmas here in 1602, judged the town a place of great importance to be preserved from any foreign enemy, and gave directions to finish the fort, which by its situation would command the haven and defend against invasion. While he remained, the O'Flaherties of Iar-Connaught, the Mac Dermotts of the Curlews, O'Connor Roe, and many others came in and submitted. The next chapter came quickly. James the First was proclaimed here in April 1603. The Irish, supposing the new king a Catholic, hoped their ancient religion would no longer be proscribed, and the principal cities and towns of the kingdom immediately declared for the open confession of faith. The lord deputy made every exertion to suppress this rising spirit and succeeded. He issued particular orders to the magistrates of Galway, which were punctually attended to, and was soon after informed by the mayor that he found no seditious inclination. A town worth fortifying, and a town worth keeping quiet.

40. Newcastle brewery near Galway

    near Newcastle · street · Galway

    A public brewery on an extensive scale was established at Newcastle near Galway, the property of Mr. Persse of Roxborough. The porter made there was much esteemed and had for some time superseded the use of ardent spirits among the lower orders.

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    but ai present there are twenty-three, which are kept continually at work. 16 each possessing, even in the driest season, a constant supply of water from Lough Corrib. The fall and rapidity of the river render it in this respect peculiarly advantageous; and the facility of internal conveyance by the lake to so many points of the country might, with very little exertion, be made incalculably beneficial to the town. The quantity of wheat ground and dressed is very considerable; it is calculated to amount annually to upwards of 12,000 tons, part of which supplies the adjacent counties, and the remainder is generally sent by the canal boats to Dublin. Besides these, there are six oat-mills, two malt-mills, and three fulling-mills, which are constantly employed. There are also a bleach mill and green on the Nuns' Island, but the linen manufacture does not appear to have been a favourite branch of industry; and, therefore, a linen hall, formerly erected in the west suburbs, has long since gone to decay. 1? There is, in the same quarter, an extensive paper-mill, erected about 1785, and now conducted by Mr. Reuben Hughes : here different sorts of paper are manufactured, with which the Dublin markets are sometimes supplied. A public brewery, on an extensive scale, has been for some years past established at Newcastle, near the town, the property of Mr. Persse, of Roxboro', and another at Madeira Island, beyond the west bridge. The porter made here, but particularly in the former, has been much esteemed, and had for some time a good deal superseded the use of ardent spirits among the lower orders. This, however, interfered but little with Mr. Joyce's extensive distillery at Newtown Smith, in which superior spirits have, for many years past, been distilled under the superintendence of Mr. Finn. — The excise establishment of Galway, it is supposed, produces proportionably more to the public revenue than the duties of the port.

    4. — Chamber of Commerce. Several of our most respectable merchants and traders have lately asso-

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 233

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Newcastle, near Galway, there was a public brewery on an extensive scale, the property of Mr. Persse of Roxborough. It had been for some years past established here, and the porter it made was much esteemed. For some time it had a good deal superseded the use of ardent spirits among the lower orders. There was another brewery at Madeira Island, beyond the west bridge, but the Newcastle one was particularly noted. This did not interfere much with Mr. Joyce's extensive distillery at Newtown Smith, where superior spirits had for many years been distilled under the superintendence of Mr. Finn. The excise establishment of Galway, it was supposed, produced proportionably more to the public revenue than the duties of the port. The broader country around Galway was rich in industry. There were mills kept continually at work, each possessing a constant supply of water from Lough Corrib, even in the driest season. The fall and rapidity of the river rendered it peculiarly advantageous. The quantity of wheat ground and dressed was calculated to amount annually to upwards of 12,000 tons, part of which supplied the adjacent counties, and the remainder was generally sent by the canal boats to Dublin. Besides these, there were six oat-mills, two malt-mills, and three fulling-mills, constantly employed. There was a bleach mill and green on the Nuns' Island, though the linen manufacture did not appear to have been a favourite branch of industry, and a linen hall formerly erected in the west suburbs had long since gone to decay. In the same quarter, there was an extensive paper-mill, erected about 1785, conducted by Mr. Reuben Hughes, where different sorts of paper were manufactured and with which the Dublin markets were sometimes supplied.

41. Old map of Galway: a rare large-scale cartographic document

    Galway · city · Galway · 1651–1660

    A curious old map of Galway, composed of nine separate sheets measuring six feet six inches broad and four feet six inches high, was made for the 1651 treaty purposes and later elegantly engraved at the Corporation's expense. Only two copies were known to exist with certainty—one in perfect preservation in the manuscript library of Trinity College Dublin, and the other held at Castlemagarret, County Mayo.

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    This curious document, of which there are but two copies now known, with certainty, to be extant, 30 is composed of nine separate sheets, and is six feet six inches broad, and four feet six inches high; it is surrounded by a border, four inches deep, the top margin is headed by the following inscription : 1 . PrELUDIUM OPERIS — Heri, Hodie et in Secula. 2. ToTIUS LABORIS OBLATIO — Domino consecratur monarchies — it contains four circular equestrian engravings of Charles II. one, in each corner, and the two others, at equal distances. — Round the first is the inscription, Carolo II. Dei gratia, magna? Brittanics Regnorum et Franciae, Regi — round the second, Carolo II. Dei gratia, major is Scotia:, regnorum et Hibernorum omnium, regi : — round the third, Carolo II. Dei gratia, locorum seu regionum quarumdam, in mundo et meridie regi : and round the fourth, Carol us II. Dei gratia, Angliaz, Scotia? , Francics et Hibernian, Rex.

    On the first sheet, in the top margin, between the first and second effigies of Charles IS are engraved the armorial bearings, I. of England and the Saxons, Anglias et Saxonum; 2. of Scotland, Scotias minors et albanorum; 3. of Wales and the Britons, Walsiae et Britanorum, and 4. of France, Franciae. et Gallorum; and between them these words, FuiT, de transactis secuils, tempore elapso, prepositio. — Est. de currente seculo, momento presenti, demonstratio. — E.RIT. de futuris, et hora nooissima, demonstratio . CONDITIO Religioque — Analogic seu similitudines, quibus, locorum qualitates, hominumque devotio et regia majestas dignoscuntur. — between the first and second arms there are also these words, sicut cinamonum et balsamum, aromatizans odorem. dedit. — between the second and third. Quasi libanus incisus vaporavit habitationcm suam — and between the third and fourth, Quai myrrh a electa dabit suavitatem odoris

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 27

    As the companion tells it

    Galway was mapped in extraordinary detail in the middle of the seventeenth century. The map was made for the 1651 treaty and later elegantly engraved at the Corporation's expense. It is a curious document, composed of nine separate sheets, six feet six inches broad and four feet six inches high, surrounded by a border four inches deep. Only two copies are now known with certainty to be extant. One is in perfect preservation in the manuscript library of Trinity College Dublin. The other is held at Castlemagarret in County Mayo. The top margin carries a Latin heading. The map bears four circular equestrian engravings of Charles II, one in each corner and two others at equal distances between them. Round each figure is an inscription dedicating the map to Charles II by the grace of God, king of Britain, France, Scotland, and Ireland. On the first sheet, between the first and second effigies, are engraved the armorial bearings of England and the Saxons, of Scotland, of Wales and the Britons, and of France. Between them run further Latin mottoes. One reads of cinnamon and balsam giving fragrance. Another speaks of Lebanon sending forth its vapour. A third likens the scent to chosen myrrh. The inscriptions move through past, present, and future, marking what was, what is, and what shall be, and they tie the qualities of places, the devotion of men, and royal majesty together in a single design.

42. Papal Bull for St. Nicholas's Church, Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1484

    A papal bull confirms the rights of patronage and the election of the warden and vicars of the church of Saint Nicholas in Galway. The warden is given power over the priests and parishioners without prejudice to the rights of other parish churches.

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    equals of the said town, to the aforesaid warden or custos for the time being ; and that, on the same presentation, they be instituted, by the said warden, perpetual priests or vicars in the said college ; but the aforesaid warden or custos, who is every year removable, to be presented to the aforesaid priests or vicars by the said sovereign, provost, mayor and equals, and at the said presentation to be by the said priests or vicars deputed and instituted warden for that year in the said college ; and that the said warden or custos, after having obtained his institution, should have, during the year for which he is elected or instituted, power over all the said priests or vicars of the said church of Saint Nicholas, and over the parishioners of the same, and exercise the care of souls of both the said priests and parishioners, without prejudice to the right of any other parish churches, or of any other whomsoever. We, by the authority aforesaid, do grant for ever to the aforesaid sovereign, provost or mayor, bailiffs and equals of the said town a right of patronage, and of presenting the aforesaid priests to the warden, to be instituted vicars by him, and of presenting the warden to the said priests or vicars, to be instituted by them. And if any attempt, contrary to these, shall happen to be made, knowingly or ignorantly, by any person or by any authority whatsoever, we, firom this time forth, decree the same to be void and of no force, notwithstanding any other former will, or any other apostolical constitutions or ordinations to the contrary. And if any person, that was to be provided for, has obtained any special or general letters of the said see or its legates, for this or any other ecclesiastical benefices in these parts, though, by the said letters, they might have proceeded to an inhibition, reservation and deci'ee, or otherwise, howsoever the process might be ; it is our will that the said letters, and the process had under the same, and whatever may thence follow, be not henceforth extended to the aforesaid united vicarage. But by this we would have no prejudice done to them, as to their obtaining other benefices, privileges, indulgences, or any other apostolical letters, special or general, of whatsoever tenor they be, nor that their effect may be any way hindered or deferred in relation to any other matter but what is expressed or totally inserted in those pre-

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 263

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city whose church of Saint Nicholas was the subject of a papal bull in 1484. The bull granted the sovereign, provost or mayor, bailiffs and equals of the town a right of patronage over the church. They could present priests to the warden, who would institute them as perpetual vicars, and they could present the warden to the priests, who would institute him in turn. The warden was removable every year, and during his year of office he had power over all the priests and parishioners of Saint Nicholas, exercising the care of souls among them. This was granted without prejudice to the rights of any other parish churches. The bull declared that any attempt contrary to these arrangements, knowingly or ignorantly made, by any person or authority, would be void and of no force. It also stated that any special or general letters previously obtained from the apostolic see for benefices in these parts should not extend to the united vicarage of Saint Nicholas, though without prejudice to the holders obtaining other benefices or privileges elsewhere. The effect was to give the town's civic leaders lasting control over the appointment of the clergy of Saint Nicholas, binding the church's governance to the town's own authority.

43. Planned Invasion of the Aran Islands

    near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway · 1641

    During the 1641 troubles, the Clan Ferges, assisted by Boetius Clanchy of Clare, prepared to invade the Aran Islands to reclaim their ancient patrimony. The invasion was prevented by the Marquis of Clanricarde and the Earl of Thomond.

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    poratiou of Galway addressed the queen on behalf of the O'Briens; but their appeal proved ineffectual. After this period the property and inheritance of Arran became vested in Sir Robuck Lynch, of Galway : but the Clan 'i^eges still claimed them as their ancient patrimony ; and, taking advantage of the troubles in 1641, with the assistance of Boetius Clancby, the younger (a gentleman of considerable property and influenec in the county of Clare) , prepared to invade the islands ; but their design was prevented by the timely interference of the marquis of Clanricarde, assisted by the earl of Thomond. — Clon. Mem. 71.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 259

    As the companion tells it

    The Aran Islands lie out in Galway Bay. In 1641, the Clan Ferges still claimed these islands as their ancient patrimony, though the property had passed to Sir Robuck Lynch of Galway. Seizing on the troubles of that year, the Clan Ferges readied an invasion, with the help of Boetius Clanchy the younger, a gentleman of property and influence in County Clare. Their design came to nothing. The Marquis of Clanricarde stepped in, aided by the Earl of Thomond, and the attempt was stopped before it began.

44. Queen Elizabeth granted Dominican monastery possessions, 1570

    Galway · city · Galway · 1570

    On 9 March 1570, Queen Elizabeth granted to the Galway corporation and their successors part of the possessions of the Dominican monastery, which had been lately dissolved.

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    1570, March 9th, Queen Elizabeth granted to the corporation and their successors part of the possessions of this monastery, then lately dissolved.

    1642. Lord Forbes, landing here, took possession of this house, which he converted into a battery, with intent to reduce the town; but, having failed in his design, he defaced the church and, in his brutal rage, dug up the graves and burned the coffins and bones of the dead.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 219

    As the companion tells it

    This is Galway city. On 9 March 1570 Queen Elizabeth granted the Galway corporation part of the possessions of the Dominican monastery, lately dissolved. Later, in 1642, Lord Forbes landed here and took the house, making a battery of it to reduce the town. He failed, and in his rage defaced the church, dug up the graves, and burned the coffins and bones of the dead.

45. Richard de Burgo builds Loughrea Castle, 1236

    Loughrea · town · Galway · 1236

    Richard de Burgo, described as a man of eminent military talents and the greatest enemy of the O'Conors, built the castle of Loughrea in 1236. He died on a voyage to France in 1243, leaving Walter, the first Earl of Ulster, as his heir.

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    19 Richard de Burgo appears to have been a man of eminent military talents, he was the greatest, most persevering, and, finally, triumphant, enemy of the ancient race of O'Conor, whose power in Connaught he effectually destroyed, and as firmly established his own. and that of his descendants. He built the castle of Loughrea in 1236, and going to France, to meet the king of England, he died on the voyage in 1243, leaving Walter, the first Earl of Ulster, his heir and successor. A.D. 1247 the Town and Castle of Galway were burnt. — Annals.

    20 On a great roll of the pipe of the 46th year of Hen. III. A.D. 1262, discovered, by the author, in the Exchequer in Dublin, there appear the following entries of the arrears then due by those rival chieftains out of this devoted province.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 46

    As the companion tells it

    In the town of Loughrea, Richard de Burgo built a castle in 1236. He was a man of eminent military talents, the greatest and most persevering enemy of the ancient race of O'Conor, whose power in Connaught he effectually destroyed, establishing his own and that of his descendants as firmly. Going to France to meet the king of England, he died on the voyage in 1243, leaving Walter, the first Earl of Ulster, as his heir and successor.

46. Richard Skerett, Provost of Galway, and the Clare Galway friary lands

    Claregalway · town · Galway · 1378

    Richard Scared or Skeret was Provost of Galway in 1378 and owned the estate of Ardfry along with lands about Clare Galway. He bestowed a piece of ground on the Franciscan friars of Clare Galway, on which part of their monastery was built, and some of these lands remained with his descendants.

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    This old and respectable famiiy is of considerable antiquity in Galway, the name was originally Huscared; and they derive their origin from a noble English family, one of whom, Roger Huscared, is mentioned by Dugdale, as a judge, at a very early period. Robert Fluscared, or Scared, held lands in Connaught, under Richard de Burgo,' in 1242. !n the registry of the monastery of Athenry, Walter Huscared and Johanna his wife, are mentioned amongst the principal benefactors of that foundation, and Richard Scared or Skeret, who is supposed to have been their son, was Provost of Gal way, in 1378. To him belonged, the estate of Ardfry, in Mearuidhe, and other lands about Clare-yn-dowl, now Clare Galway to the friars minors; of which convent, he bestowed a piece of ground, on which, part of their monastery was built. Some of these lands are held by his descendants to this day. The principal branches of this name, at present, are those of Ballmduff,12 Carnacrow, Drumgriffin and Nutgrove in the County of Galway and Finvarra and Funchien^n the County of Clare.

    formerly belonged to the O'Hallorans, the Lynch family acquired this ancient inheritance, by marriage, with an heiress of that old Irish sept.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 24

    As the companion tells it

    Claregalway has a story that reaches back to a family whose name changed over time. They were called Huscared at first, and they came from an English family. Roger Huscared is mentioned by Dugdale as a judge, at a very early period. Robert Fluscared, or Scared, held lands in Connaught under Richard de Burgo in 1242. In the registry of the monastery of Athenry, Walter Huscared and Johanna his wife are named among the principal benefactors of that foundation. Their son is thought to have been Richard Scared, or Skeret, who was Provost of Galway in 1378. To him belonged the estate of Ardfry, in Mearuidhe, and other lands about Clare-yn-dowl, now Clare Galway. He bestowed a piece of ground on the friars minors, and on that ground part of their monastery was built. Some of these lands stayed with his descendants. The principal branches of this name were those of Ballinduff, Carnacrow, Drumgriffin, and Nutgrove in the County of Galway, and Finvarra and Funchienn in the County of Clare.

47. Sabbath profanation and tippling-houses in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    Small inns and tippling-houses were numerous in Galway and were kept open during hours of divine worship on the Sabbath. The evening of the sacred day was frequently profaned by drunkenness and riot, reflecting poorly on the lower orders.

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    here, as in the last-mentioned city, many of what are termed the old Milesian habits are still prevalent. It must, however, be confessed that this class requires much improvement. Indolence is perhaps the cause of all their defects; but this arises not so much from inclination as .necessity, there not being sufficient sources of profitable employment for the industrious poor. Small inns and tippling-houses are numerous, and even on the Sabbath are very indecorously kept open during the hours of divine worship. I7 The evening also of this sacred day is not unfrequently profaned by drunkenness and riot. Several old and vulgar ceremonies, formerly in esteem, have long since disappeared. It is many years since the savage practice of bull-baiting has been laid aside : chanticleer need no longer tremble at the approach of Shrovetide, and the public cockpit, formerly in such request, now lies deservedly neglected. — To conclude, the population of Galway, with many faults, will be also found to possess several excellent qualities, and, if adequately encouraged, would prove in no degree inferior to that of any other part of the British dominions.

    6. — Public Amusements, etc.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 253

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is a city where small inns and tippling-houses were once numerous, and they were kept open even on the Sabbath during hours of divine worship. The evening of that sacred day was frequently profaned by drunkenness and riot. A writer of the time put it down to indolence among the lower orders, but traced that indolence not to inclination so much as necessity, there not being sufficient sources of profitable employment for the industrious poor. Several old and vulgar ceremonies had already faded by then. Bull-baiting had been laid aside, the public cockpit lay neglected, and chanticleer need no longer tremble at the approach of Shrovetide. The same writer concluded that the population of Galway, with many faults, would also be found to possess several excellent qualities, and if adequately encouraged would prove in no degree inferior to that of any other part of the British dominions.

48. Sir George Preston granted Galway salmon fishery

    Galway · city · Galway · 1663–1710

    In 1663, Sir George Preston obtained a grant of all the salmon fishery and other fishings of the river of Galway, confirmed by patent in 1669 and secured by the Act of Settlement. His daughter married John Eyre of Eyrecourt, and the fishery passed to the Eyre family of Galway by 1710.

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    sioners, dated 19th Nov., 1656, it was found that the former family had been so seized, but that for this and other properties lost by them in Galway, they obtained compensation in the county of Clare.— On 28th April, 1657, the salmon and all other fishings of the river were let to Paule Dodd for one year for the interest of the state, except two parts out of three, formerly belonging to alderman James Darcy, which Dodd claimed in fee simple. — On 27th July, 1663, Sir George Preston, amongst other things, obtained a grant of all the salmon fishery, pike, eel, and other fishings of and in the river of Galway. This grant was afterwards confirmed by patent, dated 25th April, 1669. and. was further recognised and secured by the act of settlement. This patentee had two daughters, one of whom married Mr. John Eyre, of Eyrecourt, who, in her right, became entitled to the fishery ; and in 1710 their son disposed of his interest to Mr. Edward Eyre, of Galway, in whose family it has ever since continued.

    20 It was for a long time a matter of dispute whether those deriving under the patent possessed.an exclusive right, or, in Jaw phrase, whether the river was a several fishery, in which only the owner had a right to fish, cr a common fishery, in which the public indiscriminately might exercise such a right. The former title was never acknowledged, and the question having at length become a subject of legal investigation, a several fishery was effectually established. There was also, from time immemorial, a gap in the river called the main gap, through which small boats sometimes, though with difficulty, passed up and down from the lake to the sea : this particular gap was always kept open from February to August (being the fishing half year) when all the others were shut : the proprietors, finding that this diminished the value of the weirs, caused it to be closed : this also became a subject of legal contention, but it was finally determined that the gap should be, and it has ever since accordingly been kept, open.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 234

    As the companion tells it

    This city of Galway holds an old story about its river and its salmon. In 1656, commissioners found that a former family had been seized of the fishery, but they received compensation in the county of Clare for this and other properties lost in Galway. On the 28th of April, 1657, the salmon and all other fishings of the river were let to Paule Dodd for one year for the interest of the state, except two parts out of three formerly belonging to alderman James Darcy, which Dodd claimed in fee simple. On the 27th of July, 1663, Sir George Preston obtained a grant of all the salmon fishery, pike, eel, and other fishings of and in the river of Galway. This grant was confirmed by patent dated the 25th of April, 1669, and was further recognised and secured by the Act of Settlement. Sir George had two daughters, one of whom married John Eyre of Eyrecourt, and in her right he became entitled to the fishery. In 1710 their son disposed of his interest to Edward Eyre of Galway, in whose family it has continued ever since. For a long time it was disputed whether the patent gave an exclusive right, whether the river was a several fishery or a common fishery. The exclusive title was never acknowledged until the question became a subject of legal investigation, and a several fishery was established. There was also a gap in the river called the main gap, through which small boats sometimes passed from the lake to the sea. It was always kept open from February to August, the fishing half year, when all the other gaps were shut. The proprietors closed it, saying it diminished the value of the weirs, but the courts determined the gap should be kept open, and it has been.

49. Sir John Perrot visits Galway and divides Connaught

    Galway · city · Galway · 1584

    Sir John Perrot, lord deputy of Ireland, visited Galway in 1584 and divided Connaught into five counties—Galway, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon, and Leitrim—adding Thomond as Clare. While in Galway he observed disorderly practices and recommended their reformation to the mayor and corporation.

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    Sir John Perrot, lord deputy of Ireland, visited the town in 1584. This able and excellent man, who "was renowned for valour and justice, and noted especially for a humane and equitable attention to the ancient natives, "13 soon after his arrival divided Connaught into five counties, to which he gave the names of Galway, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon and Leitrim, and added Thomond by the name of Clare;14 he appointed a sheriff in each, and established Sir Richard Bingham, knight, in the presidency of the entire. While in Galway, he observed many disorderly practices, the reformation of which he strongly recommended to the mayor and corporation. An inquiry was accordingly instituted, and several matters were presented for correction and improvement, upon the oaths of a jury of the most respectable citizens. An abstract of the proceedings on this occasion is given in another part of this volume; it will be found curious, and may enable the reader to form an idea of several manners and customs which, in these times, were prevalent in Galway, but which are long since obsolete and forgotten.

    Notwithstanding the turbulence of the times, trade, buildings and improvements were carried out in the town with persevering vigilance and industry. Wine, the principal article of traffic, was imported in vast quantities, on an average, as the annals testify, of from a thousand to fourteen hundred tuns annually. Exemption from prisage contributed not a little to the encouragement of this branch of commerce; but the Ormond family, although worsted in their former endeavours to establish this claim, determined once more to revive it. Accordingly the earl of Ormond, in 1584, instituted proceedings in the chancery of Ireland against the corporation, which they, relying on the decree of the star chamber of England pronounced in their favor, in 1526, and on the exemption from prisage contained in the charter of Henry VIII. most strenuously defended. They were, however, ultimately defeated; and the earl's right to this valuable

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 80

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Galway, this city carries a moment from 1584, when Sir John Perrot, lord deputy of Ireland, arrived in the town. He was, in the words of the source, "renowned for valour and justice, and noted especially for a humane and equitable attention to the ancient natives." Soon after his arrival he divided Connaught into five counties, giving them the names Galway, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon, and Leitrim, and he added Thomond under the name of Clare. He appointed a sheriff in each and placed Sir Richard Bingham, a knight, in the presidency of the whole. While in the town, Perrot observed many disorderly practices. He strongly recommended their reformation to the mayor and the corporation. An inquiry followed, and a jury of the most respectable citizens, sworn on oath, presented several matters for correction and improvement. The proceedings give a picture of manners and customs prevalent in the town at that time, long since obsolete and forgotten. Despite the turbulence of the times, trade, buildings, and improvements went on with persevering vigilance and industry. Wine was the principal article of traffic, imported in vast quantities, averaging from 1,000 to 1,400 tuns annually. Exemption from prisage encouraged this commerce, but the Ormond family, though worsted before in trying to establish their claim, determined to revive it. In 1584, the earl of Ormond brought proceedings in the chancery of Ireland against the corporation. The corporation defended themselves strenuously, relying on a decree of the Star Chamber of England pronounced in their favour in 1526, and on the exemption from prisage contained in the charter of Henry 8. They were ultimately defeated, and the earl's right to this valuable claim was upheld.

50. Sir Richard Blake of Ardfry, confederate speaker

    Ardfry · townland · Galway · 1648

    Richard, son of Nicholas D'Arcy of Partry, had an only daughter who married Robert Blake of Ardfry in County Galway. Their son Sir Richard Blake became speaker of the supreme council of the confederate Catholics at Kilkenny in 1648.

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    John, the eider son, took to wife Elizabeth, daughter of Edmund, Lord of Killeen, ancestor to fh® Earl of Fingal, and was father of Sir William Darcy of Platten. who in 1523 was appointed vicetreasurer of Ireland. — Nicholas, the youngest son, was a captain of horse, and, being stationed in the county of Mayo, married Jane, daughter and heir to O'Duraghy, of Par try in that county, who brought him the large estate of that family, and by her he had Thomas, the father of Conyers, whose son Nicholas had James (Riveagh. the swarthy,) and Richard, whose only daughter being married to Robert Blake of Ardfry in the county of Galway, Esq. was mother of Sir Richard Blake, who was speaker or chairman of the supreme council of the confederate Catholics at Kilkenny in 1648.

    James (Riveagh) Darcy was a person of such interest and power in Connaught, that he was appointed vice-president of that province in the reign of Elizabeth, and was chief magistrate of the town of Galway, as his monumental inscription set forth (V. prseses Connacke, prsetor Galvias,) in the Franciscan friary of Gal-

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ardfry, a family line runs through the Darcys of Partry. Nicholas Darcy, the youngest son of his house, was a captain of horse stationed in County Mayo, where he married Jane, daughter and heir to O'Duraghy of Partry, who brought him the large estate of that family. They had Thomas, the father of Conyers, whose son Nicholas had two sons: James, called Riveagh the swarthy, and Richard. Richard's only daughter married Robert Blake of Ardfry in County Galway. Their son was Sir Richard Blake. In 1648 he was speaker, or chairman, of the supreme council of the confederate Catholics at Kilkenny. His great-uncle James Riveagh Darcy was a person of such interest and power in Connaught that he was appointed vice-president of that province in the reign of Elizabeth, and was chief magistrate of the town of Galway, as his monumental inscription set forth in the Franciscan friary of Galway.

51. Strict discipline and fortifications in Galway, 1745

    Galway · city · Galway · 1745

    During the Scottish rebellion of 1745, strict discipline was observed in the town of Galway. A particular account of the town's fortifications and their decayed state was reported to the government.

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    After the surrender, the greater part of the old natives and Catholic inhabitants are obliged to quit the town — Mesaures are taken to prevent their departure — Articles of Galway respected during the reign of William III. — Accession of Queen Anne — Commission of Array issues — Town militia raised, and the fortifications repaired — Act to prevent the further growth of popery — Roman Catholics prevented from purchasing houses or tenements in the town or suburbs — Those already residing give security pursuant to the act — On the rumour of an invasion by the pretender, they are turned out of town — Afterwards admitted — Again turned out during the rebellion in Scotland — Disputes between the members of the corporation — Galway act passes — Commerce of the town — Clandestine trade — Penal visitation in 1731 — Town militia newly arrayed, and officers appointed — Arms delivered out, and state of the ordnance returned to government — Strict discipline observed in the town during the Scottish rebellion of 1745 — Particular account of the fortifications and their decayed state reported to government— They are suffered gradually to decay — Disputes between the governor, the corporation and the merchants, about shutting the gates — Description of the town at the time — Trade declines — The merchants petition parliament against the corporation — Resolutions of the house — New schedule of duties and customs agreed upon — Corporation

    XIV

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through Galway, you're in a town whose walls carried a heavy history by the middle of the eighteenth century. After the surrender, the greater part of the old natives and Catholic inhabitants were obliged to quit the town, and measures were taken to prevent their departure. The Articles of Galway were respected during the reign of William III. With the accession of Queen Anne, a Commission of Array issued, the town militia was raised, and the fortifications were repaired. An act to prevent the further growth of popery followed. Roman Catholics were prevented from purchasing houses or tenements in the town or suburbs, and those already residing gave security under the act. On the rumour of an invasion by the pretender, they were turned out of town, afterwards admitted, and again turned out during the rebellion in Scotland. By 1745, strict discipline was observed in the town during the Scottish rebellion. A particular account of the fortifications and their decayed state was reported to government, and they were suffered gradually to decay. Disputes arose between the governor, the corporation, and the merchants about shutting the gates. Trade declined. The merchants petitioned parliament against the corporation, and resolutions of the house followed.

52. The Lynch family tragedy and monument in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1493–1624

    According to tradition, young Lynch murdered a Spanish youth—either from jealousy or to conceal fraud—on a voyage, and his father, the mayor, allegedly executed him. A monument said to have been erected in 1624 in Galway purportedly commemorated Lynch's crime and punishment, though the truth of the entire occurrence has been doubted.

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    Archbishop King's collections, in possession of the Dublin Society, vol. I. p. 313, contain the following entry of a horrid murder committed in Galway, apparently taken from the records of the Franciscan abbey there : — " Horrendum homicidium accidit hi villa Galwey, 20°. aug. ubit quidani fur, Johannes, media nocte. occidit avunculi sui, Gulielmi reogh pistoris, uxorem et filium et nepotem, puerulum 12 annorum, cum securi, quos u hortum nostrum, qui contiguus fuit, projecit. A°. 1625." — It has been suggested to the author, that the monument said to have been erected in 1624, to perpetuate Lynch's crime and punishment, (vide the miscellaneous plate.) possiblv related to the latter circumstance, which, though entered under the year 1625, m.ieht have occurred the year preceding. This, however, is mere supposition. — Few transactions of so old a date stand better authenticated than that concerning young Lynch ; for, independently of the general voice of tradition, it appears recorded in several ancient manuscripts, many of which have passed through the hands of the author.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 64

    As the companion tells it

    Galway has an old story about a young man named Lynch. Tradition says he committed a murder, and his father, the mayor, executed him for it. A monument said to have been erected in 1624 supposedly commemorated his crime and punishment. Archbishop King's collections, held by the Dublin Society, contain a record from the Franciscan abbey there. The entry records a horrendous homicide on the 20th of August, when a thief named John killed his uncle William Reogh, a baker, his uncle's wife, son, and a nephew aged twelve, with an axe, and threw the bodies into the friars' adjacent garden. The year given is 1625. It has been suggested that the monument of 1624 might relate to this massacre rather than the Lynch story, since the events might have occurred the year before the entry. But the author calls this mere supposition, and notes that few transactions of so old a date stand better authenticated than the Lynch affair, recorded in several ancient manuscripts.

53. Warden Kirwan's Charity School for indigent boys

    Galway · city · Galway · 1790

    A charity school was founded about 1790 by Warden Kirwan in Galway for the education of poor boys in reading, writing, arithmetic, and religion. It was supported by subscriptions and charity sermons, educating 150 children and apprenticing twelve annually.

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    4. — Charity School. This excellent charity was founded about the year 1 790 by the late venerable warden Kirwan for the education of indigent boys, who are carefully instructed in reading, writing, arithmetic, and the principles of religion. It is chiefly supported by annual subscriptions and charity sermons; and the trustees have been latterly enabled to afford daily instruction to one hundred and fifty children, of whom one hundred are annually clothed, and twelve apprenticed to useful trades. The entire is conducted (under the patronage of the R.C. warden and vicars) by a president, vice-president, treasurer and secretary, to v/hose benevolent superintendence the town is indebted for many industrious tradesmen, who have been educated and apprenticed by this institution. 39

    5. — Female Orphan Asylum. This charitable asylum was established a few years ago by subscription, chiefly through the humane exertions of Mrs. j. Joyce, but under the patronage of the late warden Bodkin. At present one hundred and sixty poor female children receive daily instruction, thirty of whom are dieted, lodged, clothed, and, when duly qualified, apprenticed to trades, or placed in other appropriate situations. This institution is highly deserving of public support, as it rescues many helpless individuals from ignorance, misery, and, probably, vice, and qualifies them to become, in their humble station, useful members of society.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 247

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you're in a town where Warden Kirwan founded a charity school around 1790 for the education of poor boys. The children were carefully instructed in reading, writing, arithmetic, and the principles of religion. The school was chiefly supported by annual subscriptions and charity sermons, and under the patronage of the R.C. warden and vicars, run by a president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary. The trustees were able to give daily instruction to 150 children, of whom 100 were clothed each year and 12 apprenticed to useful trades. The town was indebted to this institution for many industrious tradesmen who had been educated and apprenticed there.

54. Willoughby places garrisons at Castlegar and St. Dominic's Abbey

    near Castlegar · street · Galway

    In violation of the agreed articles, Governor Willoughby sent a garrison to Castlegar and stationed another near St. Dominic's Abbey on the west side of Galway. Disorderly sentinels were placed at every gate, abusing inhabitants and killing poor people coming to market.

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    Sir Richard Blake, Sir Roebuck Lynch, Patrick D'Arcy, Richard Martin, Patrick Kirwan, the Recorder, and several others of trie most respectable natives and inhabitants of Galway, had incessantly laboured, first to prevent, and afterwards to terminate, the commotions in^ne town. Many of them, being in danger of their lives from the fury of the rabble, were obliged to retire, but had now returned at the request of the earl of Clanricarde, who hoped by these means to preserve peace within the town, while he laboured for the security of the county. All his measures, however, were soon frustrated by the conduct of Willoughby and Ashley, the captain of the ship Resolution, that lay in the harbour. The latter, who, in disposition, much resembled Willoughby, was also extremely covetous, and a violent parliamentarian, and, either out of avarice or from principle, made it a point to violate the pacification. He first seized and pretended to make a prize of Franci* D'Arcy's ship, although she lay under the protection of the fort. He landed his men, and plundered the sea-coast all round the bay. pillaged Sir Richard Blake's house at Ardfry, and carried away his goods and cattle, and those of his tenants. Richard Morris, an old tenant of lord Clanricarde's in Iar-Connaught, coming in a boat to Galway with some goods to discharge his rent, had the entire seized by Ashley's men, and no satisfaction could be obtained for any of these doings. Captain Willoughby's conduct was equally outrageous; his soldiers endeavoured to hinder all recourse to the town, and those who atempted to have access to it were robbed by them. Although the town had punctually performed the articles agreed upon, yet the governor, without any cause, seized upon a large house or inn near the great gate, called the Bull, then kept by some English innkeepers, and in this he placed a garrison which considerably annoyed the inhabitants. He also sent a garrison to Castle-Gare, stationed another near St. Dominick's abbey at the west, and placed disorderly sentinels at every gate, who abused such as offered to go out, attempting to take them prisoners to the fort, and exercise martial law upon them, besides killing and robbing the poor people that came to market, burning their fishing-boats, and not suffering them to go out. When the inhabitants ventured to remonstrate with him on these proceedings, he threatened to discharge his ordnance into the town; and, not satisfied with the usual supplies from the country, he sallied forth in conjunction, with captain Ashley, and with parties of horse and foot indiscriminately burned and broke open houses, carried away

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 95

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Castlegar, Governor Willoughby sent a garrison, in violation of the agreed articles. He also stationed another near St. Dominic's Abbey on the west side of Galway. The town had punctually performed the articles agreed upon, yet Willoughby, without any cause, seized a large inn near the great gate called the Bull, kept by English innkeepers, and placed a garrison there that considerably annoyed the inhabitants. His soldiers hindered all recourse to the town, and those who attempted access were robbed. His conduct was part of a wider pattern. Ashley, captain of the ship Resolution that lay in the harbour, had already seized Francis D'Arcy's ship though she lay under the protection of the fort, plundered the sea-coast all round the bay, pillaged Sir Richard Blake's house at Ardfry, and carried away goods and cattle. Richard Morris, an old tenant of lord Clanricarde's in Iar-Connaught, coming in a boat with goods to discharge his rent, had everything seized by Ashley's men. No satisfaction could be obtained for any of these doings. Willoughby placed disorderly sentinels at every gate, who abused such as offered to go out, attempting to take them prisoners to the fort and exercise martial law upon them. They killed and robbed the poor people that came to market, burned their fishing-boats, and would not suffer them to go out. When the inhabitants ventured to remonstrate with him on these proceedings, he threatened to discharge his ordnance into the town. Not satisfied with the usual supplies from the country, he sallied forth with captain Ashley, with parties of horse and foot, indiscriminately burned and broke open houses, and carried away what they pleased.

55. Wine trade flourishes in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    Despite turbulent times, trade and improvements continued in Galway, with wine as the principal article of traffic imported in vast quantities averaging from a thousand to fourteen hundred tuns annually. Exemption from prisage encouraged this commerce.

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    Notwithstanding the turbulence of the times, trade, buildings and improvements were carried out in the town with persevering vigilance and industry. Wine, the principal article of traffic, was imported in vast quantities, on an average, as the annals testify, of from a thousand to fourteen hundred tuns annually. Exemption from prisage contributed not a little to the encouragement of this branch of commerce; but the Ormond family, although worsted in their former endeavours to establish this claim, determined once more to revive it. Accordingly the earl of Ormond, in 1584, instituted proceedings in the chancery of Ireland against the corporation, which they, relying on the decree of the star chamber of England pronounced in their favor, in 1526, and on the exemption from prisage contained in the charter of Henry VIII. most strenuously defended. They were, however, ultimately defeated; and the earl's right to this valuable

    12 Sir Francis 'Berkely had 1000 foot and 50 horse in the town, from whence he marched to Munster to oppose the Spaniards, who landed at Kinsale, on the 23d of September in that year. — Pacat Hib. — In April following, there were but 200 foot left to guard Galway and Athlone. — Morvson, Vol. II.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 80

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you're moving through a town that kept building and trading through turbulent times. Wine was the main business here, brought in in vast quantities, the annals say an average of a thousand to fourteen hundred tuns every year. Exemption from prisage, a kind of royal levy on wine cargoes, did much to encourage this trade. But the Ormond family kept pushing to assert a claim over it. In 1584 the Earl of Ormond brought proceedings in the chancery of Ireland against the corporation. The corporation defended itself strenuously, relying on a decree of the Star Chamber of England pronounced in their favour in 1526, and on the exemption contained in the charter of Henry the Eighth. They were ultimately defeated, and the earl's right to this valuable claim was established.

56. Articles of Galway: capitulation of the town and garrison, 1691

    Galway · city · Galway · 1691

    On 21 July 1691, Lieutenant-General Ginckel granted articles of capitulation to the town and garrison of Galway, requiring surrender of the town, fort, stores and magazines by Sunday morning. The terms allowed the garrison to march to Limerick with arms and honours, granted pardons and estate protections to inhabitants, and permitted private Roman Catholic worship.

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    I. That the town and fort of Galway shall be given up to his excellency, or such officer as he shall appoint, on Sunday morning next, by six of the o'clock, together with all the stores of ammunition and provision, and magazines of all sorts, without embezzlement ; and that immediately upon the signing of these articles, such person as the general shall oppoint have leave to inspect them.

    II. That all deserters that are in the town shall be given up.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 303

    As the companion tells it

    On 21 July 1691, Lieutenant-General Ginckel granted articles of capitulation to Galway. The town and fort, with all stores of ammunition and provision and magazines, were to be given up by six o'clock on Sunday morning without embezzlement. All deserters in the town were to be handed over. The garrison was allowed to march to Limerick with arms and honours, inhabitants received pardons and protection for their estates, and private Roman Catholic worship was permitted.

57. Catholic corporation reorganized at Galway parish chapel, 1791

    Galway · city · Galway · 1791

    Following Warden Kirwan's death, the principal Catholics of Galway, composed entirely of the ancient names and families, assembled at the parish chapel on 17 August 1791 to reconstitute the ancient Catholic corporation. Resolutions established elected officers, rules for admitting freemen by ballot, and required a guinea contribution to the town's charity school.

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    At this time the situation of the Catholics of Ireland was very different from what it had been at any former period since the reign of James II. The day of persecution had now passed away, and this meritorious, though long suffering, body at length found themselves under the protection of the laws, and in the enjoyment of the public and undisturbed exercise of their religion. Immediately on the decease of warden Kirwan, the principal Catholics of Galway, composed entirely of the ancient names and families, assembled for the purpose of new-modelling the ancient Catholic corporation;? after which they proceeded to the election of a warden in the room of their late venerable pastor. On this occasion there were two candidates for the wardenship, the reverend Patrick Kirwan and the reverend John Joyes, nephew of the former warden of that name, and, after a severe contest, the latter was chosen by a large majority. 8 During these proceedings, the old disputes between the "tribes" and "non-tribes," which had lain dormant for upwards of half a century, were revived with considerable animosity. 9

    7 The resolutions entered into upon this occasion were as follow : —

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 211

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city where, in 1791, the principal Catholics gathered at the parish chapel to reorganize the ancient Catholic corporation. This followed the death of Warden Kirwan, and those who assembled were, as the record puts it, composed entirely of the ancient names and families. They elected a new warden to replace their late pastor, and there were two candidates: the Reverend Patrick Kirwan and the Reverend John Joyes, nephew of a former warden of that name. After what the source calls a severe contest, John Joyes was chosen by a large majority. The old disputes between the tribes and the non-tribes, which had lain dormant for upwards of half a century, were revived during these proceedings with considerable animosity. This was a time when Catholics in Ireland had come under the protection of the laws and enjoyed the public and undisturbed exercise of their religion, a situation very different from anything since the reign of James the Second.

58. Firbolgian partition assigns Connaught including Galway to Geanann

    Galway · city · Galway

    In the Firbolgian partition of Ireland circa 2500 BC, Connaught fell to Geanann and extended from Limerick to the bay of Donegal, including the place where Galway is situate. This ancient territorial division places Galway within one of the five provinces of early Ireland.

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    That the western coast of Ireland was peopled as early as any other part of the Island, appears from all the annuals which purport to record the events of those distant times; and, that the particular district, now comprehending the town of Galway and its vicinity, was one of the first positions which was chosen for the purpose of habitation, by the original settlers, is incontestibly proved from the same sources of information. By them it also appears that Galway, or the place on or near which it is situate, was frequently made a chief point of division in the most ancient and celebrated partitions of Ireland; and for this supposed reason, that, as it lay almost due west of Dublin, a line drawn from one place to the other, would nearly divide the kingdom into two equal parts. The first division of Ireland is attributed to Partholanus, a Scythian, who is stated to have effected a settlement here, some centuries after the flood, and to have divided the kingdom into four equal parts, which he distributed amongst his four sons. Of these, Fearon, the third son, received the -territory extending from a place in Munster, afterwards called the Island of Barymore, to Athcliath na mearuidhe, now Clar ins-bridge, near Galway; and the district from thence to Oileachneid in the north, was assigned to the fourth son Feargna. The second, or Firbolgian partition of Ireland, is stated to have taken place A.M. 2500, when it was divided into five provinces, of which Connaught, (so called, according to Keating, from Con and Oict, the posterity of Con, a druid of the Tuatha de danans, who afterwards inhabited that part of the country,) fell to the share of Geanann, one of their five principal commanders; and extended from Lumneach, afterwards Limerick, including the place where Galway is situate, to Drobhaois, the present bay of Donegal.

    But passing over the disputed portions of our history, the more authentic accounts relate, that Heber and Heremon, the sons of Milesius,

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Galway, you are passing through one of the oldest inhabited positions in Ireland. The annals show the western coast was peopled as early as any part of the island, and the district now comprehending the town of Galway was one of the first chosen for habitation by the original settlers. Galway was also frequently made a chief point of division in the most ancient partitions of Ireland, for a simple reason: it lay almost due west of Dublin, and a line drawn from one to the other would nearly divide the kingdom into two equal parts. The first division of Ireland is attributed to Partholanus, a Scythian, who settled here some centuries after the flood and divided the kingdom into four equal parts among his four sons. Fearon, the third son, received the territory extending from a place in Munster afterwards called the Island of Barymore, to Athcliath na mearuidhe, now Clarinsbridge, near Galway. The district from there to Oileachneid in the north was assigned to the fourth son, Feargna. The second, or Firbolgian partition, is stated to have taken place in 2500 BC, when Ireland was divided into five provinces. Connaught fell to Geanann, one of the five principal commanders. The name Connaught, according to Keating, comes from Con and Oict, the posterity of Con, a druid of the Tuatha de Danans who afterwards inhabited that part of the country. Connaught extended from Limerick, including the place where Galway is situate, to the bay of Donegal.

59. Galway bye-law: innkeeper and goldsmith granted freedom

    Galway · city · Galway · 1500

    In 1500, Richard Begge was granted freedom of Galway on condition he keep a common inn for victualling and lodging strangers. Donell Oge O'Vollaghon, a goldsmith, was also made free to maintain his aged father-in-law Andrewe Fallon.

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    Richard Begge made free, on condition of his keeping a comon house or ynne (inn) for victualling and lodging strangers: and at the request of Andrewe Fallon, on behalf of his daughter Julian Fallon, who is married to Donell Oge Q'Vollaghon; (O'Nolan) of this towne, goldsmith, and for the better relief of said Andrewe, who is old and impotent, the said Donnell made free, on condition of maintaining him.

    206

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 163

    As the companion tells it

    In 1500, Galway granted freedom to two men on conditions. Richard Begge was made free on condition of keeping a common inn for victualling and lodging strangers. At the request of Andrewe Fallon, on behalf of his daughter Julian, her husband Donell Oge O'Vollaghon, a goldsmith of the town, was also made free, on condition of maintaining the aged Andrewe, who was old and impotent.

60. Nagnata placed in barony of Carbury, Sligo

    Carbury · barony · Sligo

    A writer endeavoured to place Ptolemy's Nagnata in the barony of Carbury, County Sligo, deriving the name from 'Nagaetaegh' or the habitation on the sea. Ware, however, found no trace of any such city in all that tract of country.

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    It now remains to ascertain the situation of Nagnata, then the principal city on the western coast of Ireland; and, although satisfactory proofs and convincing arguments shall be produced, which will fully demonstrate it to have been the original town of Gal way, still, from the order and distances, as laid down by Ptolemy, it might, with every appearance of probability, be concluded, that Nagnata was situated more to the north, and somewhere in the direction of the present town or county of Sligo. But, as the writings of this author abound with errors and mistakes, many arising from incorrectness of information, and, perhaps, many more from carelessness of tran scribers, no dependance ought to be, or indeed is, placed on them by the learned; and particularly as to the situations of many of the places which he has mentioned. A writer, referred to in the last paragraph, who endeavoured a good deal, but often upon erroneous principles, to reconcile those differences, 6 places Nagnata in the present barony of Carbery and county of Sligo; and, to support this allocation, he alleges that the name is derived from Nagaetaegh. or the habitation on the sea; but he seems to have forgotten that this would equally well apply to any other situation on the coast, as to that which was selected by him for the purpose of establishing his hypothesis. He then adds, that it was called by the old Irish, Slioght gae, ox the race on the sea, but for this he does not give, nor, in truth, could he give, any authority; and he finally supposes, that it might be Cnoc na tcagh, or Druimcliffe, in the county of Sligo, which, though at present only a desolated village, is said, in former ages, to have been a large town. Ware, however, declares, that he was not able to discover the smallest trace of a city, so called, in all that tract of country; and though he thinks, with every appearance of truth, that Ptolemy might have misplaced this city a little, he does not mention where he supposed it might have been situated. Baxter, whose authority is most respectable, judges Galway to have been the place,7 and says that the name means, in Irish, Cuan na

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 39

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through the barony of Carbury here in Sligo. Ptolemy, writing in ancient times, named a city on the western coast of Ireland called Nagnata, and described it as the principal city of that coast. His order and distances placed it somewhere to the north, in the direction of Sligo. A writer tried to fix Nagnata in this barony of Carbury. He derived the name from Nagaetaegh, meaning the habitation on the sea, though as others noted, that would apply equally to any place along the coast. The same writer added that the old Irish called it Slioght gae, the race on the sea, but gave no authority for this. He finally supposed it might be Cnoc na tcagh, or Druimcliffe, said in former ages to have been a large town, though now only a desolated village. Ware, however, declared he could not discover the smallest trace of a city so called in all that tract of country. He thought Ptolemy might have misplaced the city a little, but did not say where he supposed it to have been. The author of the passage argues that Nagnata was the original town of Galway, and Baxter, whose authority is called most respectable, judges Galway to have been the place, saying the name means in Irish Cuan na. Ptolemy's writings, the author notes, abound with errors and mistakes, many from incorrect information, many more from careless transcribers, and the learned place little dependence on them.