Inis-Owen and Tirconnell. Being some account of antiquities and writers of the county of Donegal:

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Destruction of the Convent of Donegal by fire, 1601

   Donegal · town · Donegal · 1601

   On 10th August 1601, the Convent of Donegal was seized by Nial Garve and English auxiliaries and converted into a garrison; fire ignited stored gunpowder, destroying the convent and church and killing about a thousand people.

   Read the passage

   Father Mooney tells that having been forewarned of the enemy's approach, the brethren fled to rural districts several miles distant ; he himself being one of the last -who left the convent. They took flight by sea, carrying with them all they could save of the relics of the convent, which was converted into a garrison and filled with soldiers. Immediately after, fire, as some thought from heaven, ignited the powder stored in the buildings, destroying the convent and church, and blowing to atoms many of the soldiers. About one thousand persons perished miserably with its destruction.

   The next year, Oliver Lambert, governor of Connaught, seized the whole of the sacred vessels within his reach, and converted the chalices into profane cups, and the vestments Avere put to different uses, rending them to pieces, or causing them to be burnt. Thus the convent itself, and all its sacred relics perished, the brothers living scattered over the mountain districts around, to at least the number of twelve ; some were translated into other convents.

   Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 65

   As the companion tells it

   You're coming through Donegal now. In August 1601, the Franciscan friars here had warning of the enemy's approach, and most of the brethren fled by sea, carrying what relics they could save. Nial Garve and English auxiliaries seized the convent and turned it into a garrison packed with soldiers. Then fire, which some thought came from heaven, reached the gunpowder stored inside, and the blast destroyed the convent and the church, killing about 1,000 people. The friars scattered to the mountain districts, at least twelve of them, and some were sent to other convents. The next year, Oliver Lambert, governor of Connaught, took the sacred vessels within his reach, had the chalices turned into ordinary cups, and the vestments torn apart or burnt. Father Mooney was one of the last to leave the convent, and it was his account that recorded the whole loss.

2. Kidnapping of Red Hugh O'Donnell at Rathmullen

   Rathmullan · town · Donegal · 1587

   In 1587, Red Hugh O'Donnell was kidnapped at Rathmullen by Sir John Perrot and carried in a ship to Dublin Castle, where he was cruelly treated by the English. This event inspired a poetic address by Maolmuri MacAnBhaird.

   Read the passage

   With Father Ward the aptitude for learning poetry and Celtic literature was an inheritance belonging to his family. The name Ward is only another form of the word bApt), i.e., 1 a poet ' ; it is popularly (and properly) given as Mac a' Ward, i.e., Son of the Bard. A century before this period, in 1510, Owen Roe McAnBhaird, chief poet of Tirconnell, died. In 1583, Fearghal Og, a celebrated poet of the name died ; and in 1587 Maolmuri, son of Connla MacAnBhaird flourished ; he was author of a poetic address to Red Hugh O'Donnell who was kidnapped at Rathmulleii during that year by Sir John Perrot, who got him carried in a "blackhatched, deceptive" bark to Dublin Castle, where he was cruelly treated by the English. The elegy of GogliAn "Roe ITlACAn bhAi]At>, on the princes of Tyrone and Tirconnell, who died at Rome, is best known through Clarence Mangan's beautiful translation beginning — ' ' Oh ! Woman of the Piercing Wail". Among the traditions and inheritance of poetry and learning, Father Hugh Ward's early youth was passed. Fr. Ward joined the brethren of St. Francis at Salamanca,1 where he studied philosophy and theology so successfully as to call forth the favourable judgment of one of his contemporaries, P. Jean Poncius, who enjoyed at this period a reputation for science in the Order of St. Francis. Father John Poncius was named by Colgan in his letter to Manero as the person he considered first among the order best suited to take charge of the four Continental colleges belonging to the Franciscans. This depth of theological science possessed by Father Ward was still further augmented during his stay at Paris and Louvain, where he

   1 A.D. 1G1G, Ware's Writers of Ireland, by Harris, Book 1, p. 114.

   Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 32

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Rathmullan in Donegal, you are travelling through the place where one of the most famous kidnappings in Irish history took place. In 1587, Red Hugh O'Donnell was seized here on the orders of Sir John Perrot. He was carried off in what the source calls a black hatched, deceptive bark, a ship taken to Dublin Castle, where he was cruelly treated by the English. The event inspired a poetic address to Red Hugh O'Donnell by Maolmuri, son of Connla MacAnBhaird, who flourished in that same year. The MacAnBhaird family were hereditary poets. The name Ward itself is another form of the word for a poet, meaning son of the bard. A century earlier, in 1510, Owen Roe McAnBhaird, chief poet of Tirconnell, had died. In 1583, another celebrated poet of the name, Fearghal Og, also died. The broader poetic tradition of the family endured. An elegy by Goglian Roe MacAnBhaird on the princes of Tyrone and Tirconnell, who died at Rome, became widely known through Clarence Mangan's translation beginning with the words Oh Woman of the Piercing Wail. Among these traditions of poetry and learning, Father Hugh Ward of the same family later passed his early youth, before joining the Franciscans at Salamanca, where he studied philosophy and theology.

3. O'Doherty seizes Culmore fort by stratagem

   near Culmore · town · Derry · 1608

   Captain Hart's report describes how O'Doherty, having disarmed Hart at Buncrana, used a stratagem of feigning Hart's broken arm to lure the Culmore garrison out, then took possession of the fort, capturing all inside.

   Read the passage

   We now give from Captain Hart's own letter what he says about the " Massacre at Culmore". The full text of Hart's Keport appears printed.1 After relating all the gossip conveyed to him by O'Doherty, and of the latter's complaint of " How imkindly his lady took it that none of all the gentlewomen of Deny ever came to see her since her coming into the country, which he (Hart) excused by reason of the time of the year, and foul weather'', [then April ] Hart tells circumstantially how he had been disarmed at Buncrana, and of the threats made by O'Doherty to cause him to surrender the fort, which as an honest soldier as he was, he declined to do, and how, after reaching within a quarter of a mile of Culmore, he was left in charge of about six men, whilst O'Doherty proceeded with Hart's wife and about twenty of his followers when the stratagem of asking relief for Hart, who was represented as liaviny broken his arm, brought the garrison out, when O'Doherty took possession. The lesson of the kidnapping of Red Hugh O'Donnell at Rathmullen, by the English merchantpirate " black hatched, deceptive", had been learned and carried into practice on this occasion by the native Irish.

   But let us tell in Hart's own words about " the inhuman massacre of the garrison", that took place, according to

   Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 244

   As the companion tells it

   Around here is Culmore, and in 1608 it was the scene of a clever takeover by O'Doherty. Captain Hart had been disarmed at Buncrana and threatened into surrendering the fort, but as an honest soldier he refused. Left within a quarter mile of Culmore with about six men, Hart watched O'Doherty go on with Hart's wife and about twenty followers. O'Doherty's stratagem was to claim Hart had broken his arm and ask for relief, which drew the garrison out, and he took possession of the fort, capturing everyone inside. The author notes that the lesson of the kidnapping of Red Hugh O'Donnell at Rathmullen by a deceitful English merchant pirate had been learned and put into practice here by the native Irish.

4. Sir Cahir O'Doherty's assault and burning of the fort at Derry

   near Derry · city · Derry · 1608

   Lieutenant Baker's report describes O'Doherty and Phelime Reaugh McDaved dividing their roughly ninety men into two bodies to assault the forts at Derry, killing Governor Sir George Powlet, Lieutenant Gordon, and 'ancient' Corbet before burning the upper fort.

   Read the passage

   the upper fort wag taken and presently burnt, Sir Cahir with the other half assaulted the nether fort, and finding the watchman asleep, entered without resistance, killed Mr. Harris, under-sheriff of Dunegall, and hurt one more". This appears to be the sum and substance of the alleged massacre, as given by Cox and his copyists, both forts taken with watchmen asleep, and yet no massacre ! Even the sleeping watchmen were not killed by the party led only by Cahir " One sub-sheriff, and one other hurt, were apparently all who fell during the assault on the " nether fort and storehouse". But perhaps the massacre has been kept for the last scene. [Lieutenant Baker speaks /or himself], he continues " Lieutenant Baker [himself] being there present in the city, gathered together some sixteen of the town, one of the sheriffs, and four soldiers, the townsmen knowing both the forts to be taken, and the enemy to be master thereof, run, some one way, and some another" [Baker with his gathering of 22, valiantly] " went towards the nether fort, resolved to enter and retake the same, and in the gate was wounded by Sir Cahir with a pike in the arm, and the sheriff was shot in the shoulder, whereat the said lieutenant looking back on [his] company and encouraging them to stand to it, and seeing but four or five left" [they were a gallant set of Falstaffs] and the enemy strong, retired into the town [leaving the nether fort unre taken], and there gathered together six or seven score men, women and children [whither had the soldiers and guard run] ? " and manned the house of Sheriff Babington, and kept the same ; as likewise manned the house of the Lord Bishop of Derrie " [Montgomery]" with his own men and two or three soldiers ; there were some

   69

   Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 245

5. Execution of Rev. James Porter at Greyabbey

   Greyabbey · townland · Kildare · 1798

   Rev. James Porter, a minister of the Synod of Ulster, was executed at his own Meeting-house gate at Greyabbey on 2nd July 1798 for his part in the Rebellion of 1798. He is listed among ministers executed, banished, or imprisoned for the rebellion.

   Read the passage

   In a recent publication,1 its author gives "A List of Ministers of the Synod of Ulster who were executed, banished, imprisoned, or fled the Kingdom for being concerned in the Rebellion of 1798". The first name on the list is that of "James Porter, Grey abbey ; executed at his own Meeting-house gate, at Greyabbey, July 2nd, 1798.2 The notes used by Mr. Young, appear to have been originally taken down from Mr. Andrew Stilly, of Ballindrait, in 1845, by the late Rev. Classon Porter, of Larne, who says he was told " that Mr. Porter (of Greyabbey) was born at a place called Tamna Wood, near Ballindrait. Mr. Young gives in his brochure an excellent vignette of the Rev. James Porter.3 [Ballindrait is a village, in the parish of Ctu<Mn t<\ot>'h (Clonleigh), Co. Donegal;

   1 Ulster in '98, by Robert M. Young, M.R.I. A., Belfast, 1893.

   Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 206

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, on the 2nd of July 1798, the Reverend James Porter was executed at the gate of his own Meeting-house at Greyabbey. He was a minister of the Synod of Ulster, and the first name on a list of ministers who were executed, banished, imprisoned, or fled the kingdom for their part in the Rebellion of 1798. Porter had been born at Tamna Wood, near Ballindrait in County Donegal. The notes recording his story were taken down in 1845 from Andrew Stilly of Ballindrait, by the Reverend Classon Porter of Larne.

6. Marriage banquet at Buncrana leads to capture of Hart, Governor of Culmore

   Buncrana · town · Donegal · 1608

   A marriage banquet at Buncrana furnished the opportunity for O'Doherty to take Hart, the Governor of Culmore, prisoner, leading him to the gate of the fortress where Hart's wife was forced to choose between surrendering the fort and her husband's death.

   Read the passage

   some of its inmates, who were not above exchanging news for coin or future rewards, they were kept fully informed of events passing in Ireland, and seizing the opportune time when Inis-Owen was likely to be bereft of its chieftain, arrangements were made to make another attempt. "Whether O'Dogherty, chieftain of Innishowen, had been privy to the designs of Tyrone, may be doubted — it is certain that he had formerly received a blow from the hand of Paulet, the [second] governor of Deny, and that he, [under the irritating taunts of Paulet and the crafty promptings of Neale Garve], burned to wash away the insult with the blood of his enemy. A marriage banquet at Buncrana furnished the opportunity. Hart, the Governor of Culrnore, was made prisoner, and O'Doherty lead his captive to the gate of the fortress. Hart's wife chose between the surrender of the place and the death of her husband. Her tears and entreaties prevailed on the pity or cowardice of the garrison. Culmore supplied O'Doherty with arms and amumtion, when Deny and its castle submitted to his power, Paulet and five others fell the victims of revenge". Cox's slaughter of the entire garrison of Culmore and Deny reduces itself down to five. "The Council strained every nerve to suppress the insurrection, before O'Doherty received aid. The two first attempts ended in the discomfiture of the royalists, who lost three or four hundred men, but on the approach of Wingfield [the progenitor of Lord Powerscourt,] marshall of the camp, O'Doherty dismantled the two fortresses and retired. For two months he kept his enemies at bay; but one morning exposing himself incautiously, he was slain by a random shot". [Lingard says

   O'DOHERTY'S REVOLT. 493

   Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Buncrana, in Donegal, you are passing through the place where a marriage banquet in 1608 set off O'Doherty's revolt. O'Doherty, chieftain of Inishowen, had received a blow from the hand of Paulet, the second governor of Derry. Under the irritating taunts of Paulet and the crafty promptings of Neale Garve, he burned to wash away the insult with the blood of his enemy. The marriage banquet here at Buncrana furnished the opportunity. Hart, the Governor of Culmore, was made prisoner. O'Doherty led his captive to the gate of the fortress. Hart's wife was forced to choose between the surrender of the place and the death of her husband. Her tears and entreaties prevailed on the pity or cowardice of the garrison, and Culmore supplied O'Doherty with arms and ammunition. Derry and its castle then submitted to his power, and Paulet and five others fell as the victims of revenge. The Council strained every nerve to suppress the insurrection before O'Doherty received aid. The two first attempts ended in the discomfiture of the royalists, who lost 300 or 400 men. On the approach of Wingfield, marshall of the camp, O'Doherty dismantled the two fortresses and retired. For two months he kept his enemies at bay, but one morning, exposing himself incautiously, he was slain by a random shot.

7. Battle near the Scalp Mountain and death of Sir John Chamberlaine

   Scalp Mountain · mountain or mountain range · Donegal · 1600

   Docwra pursued Shane O'Doherty's retreating forces to the slack of the western spur of the Scalp Mountain, where the Meloure Stone still marks the spot. Sir John Chamberlaine was unhorsed and hacked with swords by O'Doherty's men, dying instantly of sixteen wounds.

   Read the passage

   But Shane O'Doherty, who, at the battle of the Curlieus, the year previously, had led the attack on Clifford, where " O'Docharta cum peditum millibus duobus, invicta acie tentoria pandit",1 "was not so ignorant of military tactics as to wait to be surrounded ; " he drew away ; we followed up as fast as we could, and coming to the foot of a mountain, which they were to pass over in their retreat, we might see them all pass before us, though but slowly," [what impertinence for these Inis-Owen men not to fly, even from a whole regiment ? ] " being to our grief, about 400 foot and 60 horse", [now according to Docrwa's own figures, here was a chance of even numbers] " and we making as much haste on our parts to overtake them". "By that time the last of them had obtained the top of the hill: Sir John Chamberlaine and I, with some 10 horse more, were come up close in their heels, all our foot and the rest of our horse coming after us as fast as they could, but all out of breath, and exceedingly tired". [The distance they had marched was only from Derry to the hill above Carnshanagh, and " the top of the hill ", so minutely described by Docwra, is the slack of the western spur of the Scalp Mountain, where the Meloure Stone still retains its name, and thus defines the exact locality]. " Having thus gained the top of the hill, and seeing but few about me, I stayed and bade a stand to be made till

   1 Hist. Cathot. Iberaice, 0' Sullivan's Dcarra, by Kelly, p. 200, Dublin; 1850.

   Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 232

8. Culmore Fort surrendered by Hart's wife under duress

   near Culmore · town · Derry · 1608

   Hart's wife, persuaded by violent threats of murder, admitted O'Doherty's men into Culmore Fort, and her tears and entreaties prevailed on the garrison to surrender the fortress rather than let her husband be killed.

   Read the passage

   some of its inmates, who were not above exchanging news for coin or future rewards, they were kept fully informed of events passing in Ireland, and seizing the opportune time when Inis-Owen was likely to be bereft of its chieftain, arrangements were made to make another attempt. "Whether O'Dogherty, chieftain of Innishowen, had been privy to the designs of Tyrone, may be doubted — it is certain that he had formerly received a blow from the hand of Paulet, the [second] governor of Deny, and that he, [under the irritating taunts of Paulet and the crafty promptings of Neale Garve], burned to wash away the insult with the blood of his enemy. A marriage banquet at Buncrana furnished the opportunity. Hart, the Governor of Culrnore, was made prisoner, and O'Doherty lead his captive to the gate of the fortress. Hart's wife chose between the surrender of the place and the death of her husband. Her tears and entreaties prevailed on the pity or cowardice of the garrison. Culmore supplied O'Doherty with arms and amumtion, when Deny and its castle submitted to his power, Paulet and five others fell the victims of revenge". Cox's slaughter of the entire garrison of Culmore and Deny reduces itself down to five. "The Council strained every nerve to suppress the insurrection, before O'Doherty received aid. The two first attempts ended in the discomfiture of the royalists, who lost three or four hundred men, but on the approach of Wingfield [the progenitor of Lord Powerscourt,] marshall of the camp, O'Doherty dismantled the two fortresses and retired. For two months he kept his enemies at bay; but one morning exposing himself incautiously, he was slain by a random shot". [Lingard says

   O'DOHERTY'S REVOLT. 493

   Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up now near Culmore, the town whose old fortress was the opening move in O'Doherty's revolt of 1608. O'Doherty, chieftain of Innishowen, had received a blow from the hand of Paulet, the governor of Derry, and under the taunts of Paulet and the promptings of Neale Garve, he burned to wash away the insult. A marriage banquet at Buncrana gave him his chance. Hart, the governor of Culmore, was taken prisoner, and O'Doherty led his captive to the gate of the fortress. Hart's wife had to choose between the surrender of the place and the death of her husband. Her tears and entreaties prevailed on the pity or cowardice of the garrison. Culmore then supplied O'Doherty with arms and ammunition, and Derry and its castle submitted to his power. Paulet and five others fell as the victims of revenge. Cox's slaughter of the entire garrison of Culmore and Derry reduces itself down to five. The Council strained every nerve to suppress the insurrection before O'Doherty received aid. The two first attempts ended in the discomfiture of the royalists, who lost three or four hundred men. But on the approach of Wingfield, marshal of the camp, O'Doherty dismantled the two fortresses and retired. For two months he kept his enemies at bay, until one morning exposing himself incautiously, he was slain by a random shot.

9. Legend of 'Owen of the books' and the devil's retort in Clonmany

   Ardagh · townland · Donegal

   A tradition recorded from Michael Toland of Ardagh, Clonmany, told how John Toland was nicknamed 'Owen of the books' after mysteriously finding a book under his head while herding cattle, and recounted a controversial exchange with a Father Sheils in which the priest declared Toland's reply was spoken by the devil.

   Read the passage

   The Eev. Philip O'Doherty of Carn-Donagh has recently collected from a well-informed resident of Inis- Owen, all the traditional information available on the subject of Toland's birth-place. Daniel Harkin related to him that thirty years ago, a woman of Ardmalin, then aged about seventy, whose maiden name was Toland, and who was born in Clonmany, tearfully told him, she had often heard her father and grandfather say that Toland, who had belonged to their family, "had left the country, given up his religion, and had written against it". The late Rev. Neal Devine, P.P. of Cumber Upper and Learmount, (when he was curate in Donagh, from which he removed in 1856) had in Mr. Harldn's presence interrogated one Michael Toland, then an old man, a native of Ardagh in Clonmany, about the recollections there extant concerning John Toland. Michael said he had often heard him spoken of as GO^AH n<\leAb<jq\ (Owen of the books); which name it was said he obtained from having fallen asleep when herding cattle, and on awakening found that a book had been mysteriously placed under his head. Michael Toland at the same time related the tradition of a controversial encounter that occurred between a Father Sheils of that time and Toland.

   The mode of controversy was that each in turn was to put a question, and receive an answer from his opponent. Father Sheils put his question first ; Toland's reply was such that the priest exclaimed "11i peAj\ A l,Ab]u\f ACC An 'thAboA,", i.e., "T'isnot a man that speaks, but the devil''.

   Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 72

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Ardagh, tradition once recalled John Toland. The late Reverend Neal Devine, parish priest of Cumber Upper and Learmount, when he was curate in Donagh before he removed in 1856, questioned an old man named Michael Toland, a native of this place in Clonmany, about what people remembered of John Toland. Michael said he had often heard him spoken of as Owen of the books. That name, it was said, came from a day when Toland fell asleep herding cattle, and on waking found that a book had been mysteriously placed under his head. Michael Toland also told the tradition of a controversial encounter between Father Sheils and Toland. The mode of controversy was that each in turn was to put a question and receive an answer from his opponent. Father Sheils put his question first. Toland's reply was such that the priest exclaimed, "T'is not a man that speaks, but the devil." Daniel Harkin had related that 30 years earlier, a woman of Ardmalin, then aged about 70, whose maiden name was Toland and who was born in Clonmany, tearfully told him she had often heard her father and grandfather say that Toland, who had belonged to their family, "had left the country, given up his religion, and had written against it."

10. Poet Teige Dall O'Higgin murdered for satire, tried at Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1617

    Teige Dall O'Higgin composed a poem of bitter satire against the O'Hara tribe after they invaded his house, and in revenge they returned and cut out his tongue, causing his death. The perpetrators were tried by inquisition at Sligo on 30 June 1617 and attainted of the murder.

    Read the passage

    - ftis last poem was one of bitter satire on the tribe of O'Hara, who had invaded his house, they felt the insolence of his satire so keenly that they returned and committed an act of barbarity, by cutting out the poet's tongue, from which lie died. They were tried by inquisition at Sligo, 30th June, 1617, and attainted of the murder, etc. O'Reilly's Irish Writers, p. clxx.

    3 O'Reilly's Writers, pp. clxx-clxxiv.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this is where a murder trial was held in 1617. The poet Teige Dall O'Higgin had written a bitter satire against the O'Hara tribe after they invaded his house. They came back and cut out his tongue, and he died from it. On 30 June 1617 the perpetrators were tried by inquisition here and attainted of the murder.

11. Ruins of the Convent of Donegal as burial site of the Four Masters

    Donegal · town · Donegal

    The Four Masters compiled their great historical work at the Convent of Donegal and, after death, found their resting place beneath its ruins, with no inscribed slab marking their graves there.

    Read the passage

    There, in the Convent of Donegal, after patient labour in collecting and rescuing from fast impending oblivion, the Four Masters compiled their great work. Under the shadow of the crumbling ruin that had sheltered them in life, they found a resting place in death. On no slab is engraved their title to fame, if we except an Irish cross erected in recent years, in a corner of grounds attached to the Mater Misericordise Hospital, Dublin. This monument, raised through the exertions of the late Sir W. Wilde and the Rev. C. P. Meehan, was unnecessary : They have left for themselves a monument " more enduring than brass".

    We observe with pleasure, that since the foregoing was written, an article on the same subject from the pen of a Donegal writer, has been published.1

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 66

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Donegal, the crumbling ruins of the old convent hold the graves of the Four Masters. They compiled their great historical work here, rescuing old records from oblivion through patient labour, and after death they were buried under the shadow of the walls that had sheltered them in life. No inscribed slab marks their resting place at the convent itself. An Irish cross was erected in recent years at the Mater Misericordiae Hospital in Dublin, raised through the efforts of Sir William Wilde and the Reverend C. P. Meehan, but the writer of the account called it unnecessary, saying the Four Masters had left themselves a monument "more enduring than brass."

12. Dr McGettigan jailed for refusing to inform on poteen dispute

    near Glenswilly · locality · Donegal · 1875

    After being consulted confidentially about a Glenswilly poteen dispute, Dr McGettigan advised restitution, but when magistrates summoned him to give evidence he refused to betray the confidence and was jailed for 'compounding a felony'.

    Read the passage

    Dr. McGettigan having been consulted confidentially in a case of this kind, restitution was made to the proper party by the advice of the priest. It ought to be stated that the information given to Dr. McGettigan was not in the confessional, but in his capacity as a confidential adviser. The affair having been brought under the notice of the magistrates of the district, the upholders of the law summoned Dr. McGettigan to give evidence. When the case was called, he refused to turn informer, stating that he looked upon the confidential nature of the communication as a thing too sacred, and were it not that the party when asking advice, believed their story would not be retold, it would not have been communicated. The magistrates issued a warrant against Dr. McGettigan, and had him lodged in jail for " compounding a felony". The priest would not betray the confidence of his flock ; and in .this knowledge consists the mainspring of that bond of union that exists between priests and people in Ireland.1

    Dr. McGettigan was among the Irish prelates who were present at the Vatican Council. His great characteristics were his devotion to his religious duties as a priest and bishop, and his love for the people of Donegal. The affection with which Dr. McGettigan regarded his native county was very intense. Even when called to assume the cares and duties of the Primacy of All Ireland, and where he consequently had to form new ties, his love for Donegal did not lessen. On the occasion of the consecration of the church built by the late William A. Ross, near Dunlewey Lake, under the shadow of storm -stained Erigle, when replying to the toast of his health proposed 1 The Monitor, Dublin, August 28th, 1875.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 110

13. Butt's last public speech at the Leinster Hall, Dublin

    Molesworth Street · street · Dublin · 1879

    Isaac Butt made his last public speech at a general meeting of the Irish Home Rule League held in the Leinster Hall, Molesworth Street, Dublin, on 4th February 1879, the same meeting at which Parnell inaugurated the party's future active policy.

    Read the passage

    Butt's last public speech was made at a general meeting of the Irish JJome Rule League, held in the Leinster Hall (not the Leinster Hall since famous for other political speeches), Molesworth Street, Dublin, 4th February, 1879. It was at that meeting the future active policy of the Irish Parliamentary party was inaugurated by Mr. C. S. Parnell. In the course of Butt's speech he stated, as accounting for his parliamentary inactivity, that — " for the last year I have regarded myself as virtually withdrawn from politics ; I only interfered on the Intermediate Education Bill", and again he said — "It grieves me to speak of myself, but perhaps I have a name that may live when the voice that addresses you is silent for ever, and I may say that in 1877, 1 went over to the House of Commons with a warning as distinct as medical skill could give me, that I had overworked myself, that a few months of quiet might restore me ; but, that if I went to Parliament it was at the risk or certainty of shortening my life".

    With this it may be said the career of Isaac Butt closed. After a lingering illness he died, May 6th, 1879, and his remains were interred, where he had long before requested they might be, in the graveyard of Stranorlar, in the soil of the county he had loved so well, near the cherished home of his boyhood, and adjacent to where he was born.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 92

    As the companion tells it

    Along this street stood the Leinster Hall, where Isaac Butt made his last public speech on 4th February 1879, at a general meeting of the Irish Home Rule League. It was the same meeting at which Parnell inaugurated the future active policy of the Irish Parliamentary party. Butt told the gathering he had regarded himself as virtually withdrawn from politics for the last year, and had only interfered on the Intermediate Education Bill. He said it grieved him to speak of himself, but perhaps he had a name that might live when the voice that addressed them was silent for ever. He told them that in 1877 he went over to the House of Commons with a warning as distinct as medical skill could give him, that he had overworked himself, that a few months of quiet might restore him, but that if he went to Parliament it was at the risk or certainty of shortening his life. With this it may be said the career of Isaac Butt closed. After a lingering illness he died on 6th May 1879, and his remains were interred, as he had long requested, in the graveyard of Stranorlar, in the soil of the county he had loved so well, near the cherished home of his boyhood, and adjacent to where he was born.

14. Columkille's exile penance to Iona

    Devenish · townland · Fermanagh · 561–563

    As penance for causing the battle of Culdreime, St. Molaisi of Devenish sentenced St. Columkille to leave Ireland and never see it again. Columkille performed this penance rigorously and departed to the then-obscure island of Iona, which became renowned through his monastic foundation there.

    Read the passage

    This decision displeased St. Columkille, who had in addition received an insult from the king, arising out of the death of a son of the King of Connaught, and having related the whole to his kinsmen of Tirconnell, the battle of Culdreime took place in consequence. It was in sorrow for having brought about this battle that St. Molaisi of Devenish, passed upon St. Columkille the penitential sentence to leave Irelanol, and never again to see it ! St. Columkille performed his penance in the most rigorous manner, and departed forthwith to lona, then an obscure island, but which, from his presence and the monastic institution he established thereon, soon became the gloryof Western Europe.1

    Dr. J. H. Burton, says — " not only do we find Saint Columba's own name obtaining an influence so prevalent in Scotland as to outlive the Reformation and all other ecclesiastical revolutions, but many other Irishmen who, either, followers or fellow-labourers of his, have obtained a permanent hold on Scottish local nomenclature and tradition".3

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 134

15. The Cathach's Departure from Rathmullen During the Flight of the Earls

    Rathmullan · town · Donegal · 1607

    The author suggests, based on a deciphered date on the shrine's censer, that the Cathach relic left Ireland from Rathmullen aboard the same ship that carried O'Neill, O'Donnell and the northern nobility into exile in 1607.

    Read the passage

    We launch this rendering of a hitherto undeciphered inscription with all the uncertainty expressed by a celebrated writer and poet, when about to expose his productions to the stormy atmosphere beyond the precincts of his study. If this date be correct, it would go to show that the CACAC also winged its flight from Rathmullen in the same ship that carried away O'Neill, O'Donnell, and the nobility of the North in 1607, where it found a resting place along with the exiles and their descendants — till found in Belgium, as previously described, in 172-3.

    The bottom of the casket is of brass, to which is attached a plate of silver, perforated with several cruciform and square perforations, uniform in style. On the margins of this silver plate runs the inscription in Irish characters.1 We observed a singular coincidence in the style of the brass and silver ornamentation of the Shrine of the CAC<*C, partaking of the design used on the silver shrine of the Bell of St. Conmll, notably in the form of some of the Wyverns.' From this it might be inferred that as both the Cathach and the Bell had their location in Tirconnell, they had been treated by the same artist.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Rathmullen now, in Donegal. The author of this source suggests the Cathach relic left Ireland from this town aboard the same ship that carried O'Neill, O'Donnell, and the nobility of the North into exile in 1607. The argument rests on a date deciphered from an inscription running in Irish characters along a silver plate attached to the casket's brass bottom. According to this reading, the relic shared the exiles' flight and stayed with them and their descendants abroad, until it was later found in Belgium. The same writer notes a coincidence in the brass and silver ornamentation of the Cathach shrine and the silver shrine of the Bell of St. Conall, particularly in the form of certain wyverns, suggesting both may have been worked by the same hand, since both relics had their home in Tirconnell.

16. Ancient Irish Gospel Manuscript Written at Armagh in 1138

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1138

    A fine vellum manuscript of the Four Gospels in Irish, held in the British Museum, was written at Armagh in the year 1138. It contains a quatrain by Fothad the Canonist and later passages referencing early scribes.

    Read the passage

    This MS. iin the Irish language and characters was written, as it appears, at Armagh, in the year 1138. It contains a quatrain by Fothad, the Canonist, of Fahan- Mura, beginning : " 6ccn<\ incliucc connate",1 which O'Curry renders " Wisdom, Intelligence, Counsel", and refers to " the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost".

    There appears also a passage in this MS. at p. 24-b,2 which O'Curry translates into " Maelissa that cut the first line here". May not this have been Maelissa O'Brolloghan, " who cut [wrote] the first line" ?3

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 259

17. Cathach captured in battle between O'Donnells and MacDermott

    Ballymagrorty · townland · Donegal · 1497–1499

    The Annals record an engagement in 1497 between the O'Donnells and The MacDermott in which the Cathach relic was captured and its custodian McKoarty was slain; it was regained by the O'Donnells two years later.

    Read the passage

    The Annals tell of an engagement in 1497, between the O'Donnell's and The MacDermott, when the Cathach, was captured by the latter, and its custodian McKoarty slain, but two years subsequently it was regained by the O'Donnells.

    The Cathach was preserved in the church of Drumholme, as we learn from Colgan " ubi illtid celebre reliquiariurn S. Columba quod Cathach appellatur'V

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 135

18. Departure of the Earls from Lough Swilly

    near Lough Swilly · estuary · Donegal · 1607

    Roderick O'Donnell, reduced to Earl of Tirconnell, began reconstructing the convent but, fearing English plots against his life, departed with O'Neill and the flower of Ulster's Irish nobility from Lough Swilly.

    Read the passage

    Masters", chronicling the event, say — "a distinguished crew was this for one ship, for it is certain that the sea never carried, and that the winds never wafted from the Irish shores, individuals more illustrious or noble in genealogy, or more renowned for deeds of valour, prowess, and high achievements".

    With Donegal handed over to the Plantation, the aged members of the convent were permitted to end their days in obscure places where they had received shelter : the younger members of the community were forced to find elsewhere an asylum denied to them at home.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 65

19. Docwra's failed cattle raid near the Isle of Inch

    Inch Island · electoral division · Donegal · 1600

    On 4th October Docwra went with Niall Garve O'Donnell to seize cattle belonging to Seaan Oge O'Doherty in the Isle of Inch, but extraordinary high tides prevented them, forcing a change of route into O'Doherty's country instead.

    Read the passage

    Docwra tells of how that — "now the winter began to be feirce upon us, our men wasted with continual laboures, the Land [i. e. The Derry] scattered with cabins full of sick men, our biskitt all spent, our other provisions of nothing but meale, butter, and a little wine, and that by computation to hold out but six days longer". Such was the plight Docwra and his well equipped army found themselves in, even after Arthur O'Neale, son of old Turlogh- Looney O'Neale had came in to his aid. For his doing so, Docwra promising " by orders from the state to make his father Earle of Tyrone, if the other [Red Hugh] could be dispossessed of the country" ! ' At this juncture on like promises made, came in Neale Garvie O'Donnell, by whose advice Docwra again went down to Inis-owen, on the 4th October, to seize a prey of cattle belonging to Sea"an Oge O'Doherty, in the Isle of Inch, "but the tides falling out extraordinary high [they] were not able to pass them to get in, [the tides] so [they] were forced to turn their course and go down into O'Doherty's Countrie, [" Beart Castle and Inch Castle were still in O'Doherty's posses-

    1 Docwra! s Narration, p. 240, 246.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 240

20. O'Doherty's Bush and Camp at Tristernagh Abbey

    Tristernagh · townland · Westmeath · 1599

    The great O'Doherty encamped with 600 men at a hillock near Tristernagh Abbey where a thorn bush grew, afterwards called O'Doherty's Bush from his defeat there. He was attacked by one of Queen Elizabeth's captains and, after a brisk engagement, retreated toward the Abbey seeking protection from Nugent.

    Read the passage

    Among the "remarkable features of the parish of Kilbexey [from St. Bicseach, commemorated June 28.] but of whom there were no remembrance in 1837, when the place was visited by O'Donovan.1 From a letter from New Pass, Oct 24th, 1837, O'Donovan gives an extract from Sir Henry Piers', [or Pierce] Memoirs ; which are as follows ; viz., ' The most curious feature to be noticed is O'Doherty s Bush and Camp*, on the demesnes belonging to the Abbey of Tristernagh ; where the great O'Doherty, with his followers and forces to the number of 600 men, are said to have been encamped at a hillock where grew a thorn bush, called by the natives, from his defeat, " O'Doherty 's Bush" (although, since that, on another occasion it hath another name), he having sat here for many days, was at last sat upon by one of the Queen's [Elizabeth's] captains, whose name or the peculiar time I could never learn". [1599].3 " After a brisk engagement on both sides, some of O'Doherty's chief men falling, he gave ground and retreated, hoping to be received and protected by Nugent, then tenant within the Abbey walls, but Nugent, though it is said he had been kind to him before, seeing him fly, and the Queen's forces at his heels [the distance from the Bush to the abbey was only about 160 yards, so that the distance for flying was short, as Nugent] denied him

    1 "As after 1172, the patronage of Mainister Bhicseach, or Tristernagh Monastery, was transferee! to the B. V. M., when the great Galfridus de Constantino erected at t)|\ift)eA^nAcTi (i.e. Tristernagh, which means thistles or briars), a Priory for Canons Regular, and dedicated it to the B. V. M. O'Donovan's MSS., Letters, Survey Westmeal/i in K.I. A.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 218

21. O'Doherty takes Derry and kills Paulet and garrison, 1608

    near Derry · city · Derry · 1608

    O'Doherty's rebels surprised the fort and town of Derry at 2 o'clock in the morning, taking it with little resistance, murdering the garrison and Governor Sir John Pawlett, and plundering and burning the town while taking Bishop Montgomery's wife and children prisoners, according to Cox's account.

    Read the passage

    being a .coward, a traitor, a rebel, and a liar !]1 •" O'Doherty plainly told Hart" he was resolved to be revenged and in order to it he must have Culmore [Fort,] Cox proceeds, and " relates the incident of Hart's wife being persuaded by violent threats of murder, and having at length consented to admit O'Doherty 's men into the Fort" [where the historian, Cox, tells the following deliberate untruth] i.e.~\ "that the fatal consequences of this folly was the murder of all the garrison, not excepting her own brother who had come hither to see her", and " the rebels proceeding at 2 o'clock in the morning, surprizing the fort and town of Derry that they took them with little or no resistance and they murdered the garrison and the Governor Sir John Pawlett, and plundered and burnt the town,taking Bishop Montgomery's wife and children prisoners". Here we have the history of the taking of Culmore and Derry, by O'Doherty in 1608, as told by Cox.1

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 221

22. Rev. Alexander Ross on Scotch and Irish 'two races' in Dungiven

    near Dungiven · town · Derry · 1810–1814

    Rev. Alexander Ross, Protestant Rector of Dungiven, wrote a statistical account describing the Scotch settlers and native Irish of the parish as two distinct races differing in temperament and ability. He argued that mountain Irish, though poorer, often surpassed their wealthier Scotch neighbours in learning.

    Read the passage

    this Irish district is sustained by Rev. Alexander Ross, Protestant Rector of Dungiven ; for, in a very carefully prepared statistical account of this parish he has a chapter on what he terms, " two races of men as totally distinct as if they belonged to different countries and regions. " These (in order that we may avoid the invidious terms of Protestant and Roman Catholic, which, indeed, have little to say to the matter), may be distinguished by the usual names of Scotch and Irish, the former including the descendants of all the Scotch and English colonists who emigrated hither since the time of James L, and the latter comprehending the native and original inhabitants of the country".1 Mr. Ross points out what is, in his opinion, the steady patient foresight of the Scotch, and the more rash and variable temperament of the Irish, what he terms their inferiority he does not ascribe to their religion, but to the traits and customs derived from their ancestors.2

    Genius and disposition, says Ross, may be divided by the same line as occupations and language ; but, as in the former case the superiority of the Scotch was manifest^ so in this, the advantages are altogether on the side of the native Irish. With the Scotch, most of them can read, write, and understand a little arithmetic ; yet remarkable talent is absent; " but in the mountains among the Irish, the few who receive instruction siirmount by ardent zeal and persevering talent every obstacle to knowledge and often arrive at attainments in literature of which their wealthier and more favoured neighbours never dream".3

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 23

23. Rory O'Donnell sails from Rathmullan into exile, dies in Rome

    Rathmullan · town · Donegal · 1607–1608

    Rory O'Donnell, Earl of Tirconnell, sailed away from Rathmullan in September 1607 as part of the Flight of the Earls, and died in Rome on 8 July 1608. An elegy on his death was composed beginning 'Erin found good for a time'.

    Read the passage

    8. Elegy on the death of Rory O'Donnell, Earl of Tirconell, who sailed away from Rathmullan in September, 1607, and who died in Rome on the 8th July, 1608. This poem begins "tTlAic An fe<\l<yo fUAijt d^ie", " Erin found good for a time".

    9. Poem on Hugh, son of Rory O'Donnell, second Earl of Tirconnell consisting of two hundred and eight verse lines, beginning " pogu-p JTUJIUACC Don CIJA CUATO", "Near is comfort to the north country",1 Copies of the first five poems are in the R.I. A., and of the last four, were in the library of Rev. Doctor O'Brien in 1820.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 192

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Rathmullan, this is the place Rory O'Donnell sailed from in September 1607. He was the Earl of Tirconnell. His departure is remembered as part of the Flight of the Earls. He did not come back. He died in Rome on the 8th of July 1608. An elegy was composed on his death, and it begins with the words, "Erin found good for a time."

24. Treacherous capture of Hugh Roe O'Donnell at Rathmullan

    Rathmullan · town · Donegal · 1587

    In 1587 an English vessel disguised as a Spanish trading ship put in at the old harbour of Swilly opposite Rathmullan, near MacSweeney Fanad's castle. Fifteen-year-old Hugh Roe O'Donnell was lured aboard, his party's arms were stolen, and he was carried off to imprisonment in Dublin Castle's Birmingham Tower.

    Read the passage

    Mac an "Ward's poem on the imprisonment of Hugh Roe O'Donnell, a youth whose fame, to use the words of the Four Masters, " had spread throughout the five provinces of Ireland", was written during the time of his captivity in Dublin Castle. The account of his treacherous capture, deliberated upon by the Lord Justice and Council in Dublin, was carried out by means of an English vessel, styled by John Mitchell " black hatched deceptive", commanded by a Dublin merchant name John Bermingham, who had with him a crew of fifty armed men. In A.D., 1 587, this vessel laden with wine and beer "put in at the old harbour of Swilly, opposite Rathmullan, a castle erected on the margin of the sea, some time before, by MacSweeney Fanad, who had been one of the generals of the lords of Tirconnell from a remote period".3 A party of the crew landed under the guise of merchants and began to spy, and to explore the country, selling the wine and intoxicating the people. Hugh Roe, who was then but

    1 See Ante, p. 284.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 189

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Rathmullan in Donegal, you are passing a place where one of Irish history's most treacherous captures unfolded. In 1587, an English vessel disguised as a Spanish trading ship put in at the old harbour of Swilly, opposite this town, near MacSweeney Fanad's castle on the sea's margin. MacSweeney Fanad had long been one of the generals of the lords of Tirconnell. The ship was commanded by a Dublin merchant named John Bermingham, with a crew of fifty armed men, and laden with wine and beer. John Mitchell called it "black hatched deceptive." The capture had been deliberated by the Lord Justice and Council in Dublin. A party of the crew landed under the guise of merchants, selling wine and intoxicating the people while they spied on the country. Fifteen-year-old Hugh Roe O'Donnell, whose fame, in the words of the Four Masters, had "spread throughout the five provinces of Ireland," was lured aboard. His party's arms were stolen, and he was carried off to imprisonment in the Birmingham Tower of Dublin Castle.

25. Battle of the Curlieus at Corslieve Mountain

    near Curlew Mountains · mountain or mountain range · Roscommon · 1599

    Red Hugh O'Donnell marched with O'Doherty and his army to Corslieve mountain, where the celebrated battle of the Curliews was fought against Clifford, Governor of Connaught. Clifford and Alexander Ratcliffe, along with 1,400 of the English army, were slain.

    Read the passage

    In 1599, Red Hugh O'Donnell left 200 cavalry to hold on the blockade of [O'Coiior Sligo in] Killmainey, "after which he marched with O'Doherty, prince of Inis-Owen, and the remainder of the army to Corslieve mountain", where, as we know, the celebrated battle of the Curliews was fought against Clifford, Governor of Connaught. Clifford and Alexander Ratcliffe, a young English nobleman, along with 1,400 of the English army, were slain".1 It was here that after the O'Donnell's skirmishers had advanced, led by Owen Mac Sweeny, of Doe, and Tully O'Gallagher, and when O'Donnell, " In itinere patientiore ipse et O'Docharta, cum pedituni millibus duobus, invicta acic, tentoria pandit."2

    O'Doherty had been imprisoned for two years in Dublin Castle, from 1588 till 1590, till he purchased his discharge from one of the most venal English Lord- Deputies, Sir Win. Fitz Williams.3 After O'Doherty's dis-

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 233

26. Hart disarmed at Buncrana by O'Doherty

    Buncrana · town · Donegal · 1608

    Captain Hart recounts being disarmed at Buncrana by O'Doherty, who threatened him to force surrender of the fort, though Hart as an honest soldier refused to comply.

    Read the passage

    We now give from Captain Hart's own letter what he says about the " Massacre at Culmore". The full text of Hart's Keport appears printed.1 After relating all the gossip conveyed to him by O'Doherty, and of the latter's complaint of " How imkindly his lady took it that none of all the gentlewomen of Deny ever came to see her since her coming into the country, which he (Hart) excused by reason of the time of the year, and foul weather'', [then April ] Hart tells circumstantially how he had been disarmed at Buncrana, and of the threats made by O'Doherty to cause him to surrender the fort, which as an honest soldier as he was, he declined to do, and how, after reaching within a quarter of a mile of Culmore, he was left in charge of about six men, whilst O'Doherty proceeded with Hart's wife and about twenty of his followers when the stratagem of asking relief for Hart, who was represented as liaviny broken his arm, brought the garrison out, when O'Doherty took possession. The lesson of the kidnapping of Red Hugh O'Donnell at Rathmullen, by the English merchantpirate " black hatched, deceptive", had been learned and carried into practice on this occasion by the native Irish.

    But let us tell in Hart's own words about " the inhuman massacre of the garrison", that took place, according to

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 244

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Buncrana, in Donegal. In 1608, Captain Hart was disarmed in this town by O'Doherty. Hart had been hearing O'Doherty's complaints, including how unkindly his lady took it that none of the gentlewomen of Derry ever came to see her since her coming into the country. Hart excused it by reason of the time of year and the foul weather, for it was April. O'Doherty made threats to force Hart to surrender the fort, but Hart, as an honest soldier, declined to do so. After that, when they had reached within a quarter of a mile of Culmore, Hart was left in charge of about six men. O'Doherty went on with Hart's wife and about twenty of his followers. He used a stratagem, asking relief for Hart, who was represented as having broken his arm. That brought the garrison out, and O'Doherty took possession. The book notes that the lesson of the kidnapping of Red Hugh O'Donnell at Rathmullen by an English merchant pirate, described as "black hatched, deceptive", had been learned and carried into practice on this occasion by the native Irish.

27. Kidnapping of Red Hugh O'Donnell at Rathmullen, 1587

    Rathmullen · population centre · Sligo · 1587

    Red Hugh O'Donnell, heir to the Princedom of Tirconnell, was kidnapped at Rathmullen in 1587 through an act of treachery involving a decoy merchant ship fitted out as a concealed pirate vessel, and was subsequently incarcerated in Dublin Castle.

    Read the passage

    The kidnapping of Red Hugh O'Donnell, heir to the Princedom of Tirconnell at Rathmullen in 1587, -and his incarceration in Dublin Castle, was an act of treachery only capable of being " hatched" by free-booters, instead of having been done by the Lord-Deputy and Elizabeth's Council, by means of a decoy merchant ship, " black hatched deceptive", fitted out as a concealed pirate.1

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 219

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Rathmullen, this is where Red Hugh O'Donnell, heir to the Princedom of Tirconnell, was kidnapped in 1587. A decoy merchant ship, fitted out as a concealed pirate vessel, lured him aboard through treachery. He was taken and incarcerated in Dublin Castle.

28. St. Columkille copies the Psalter at Dromfinn, leading to the Cathach

    Tara · parish · Meath

    St. Columkille visited St. Finnen of Dromfinn and secretly made a copy of his Psalms, remaining in the church after others left. When discovered, a dispute arose over ownership of the copy, later settled by King Diarmid at Tara with the famous judgement about the calf belonging to the cow.

    Read the passage

    St. Columkille refused to comply with the request, but offered to refer the cause of the dispute to the king Diarmid MacFergusa Gerrbhcoil ; St. Finnen consenting, both presented themselves before the king at Tara, and stated their case. It was on this occasion the king gave the decision that has ever since remained an Irish proverb, "le^Ach boin A bomm", — i.e., " to every cow belongeth her little cow (calf)".

    1 O'Curry's MS. Materials, p. 321. (Dublin 18G1).

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 133

29. The Cathach relic delivered to Sir Neal O'Donel at Newport

    Newport · townland · Mayo · 1802

    In 1802, Sir Capel Molyneux, while in France, learned that the last of the O'Donels of France had willed the Cathach relic to the O'Donels of Newport. He obtained it and personally delivered it safely to Sir Neal O'Donel at Newport.

    Read the passage

    In addition to the above Madam O'Donel has kindly furnished us with " a paragraph copied out of the account of the Relic given in the family pedigree made out by Sir Win. Betham, Ulster King at Arms". From this paragraph it is stated that '.'in 1802 when Sir Capel Molyneux who married Margaret daughter of Sir Neal O'Donel being in France at the time heard that the last of the O'Donels of France had willed this relic to the O'Donels of Newport, made enquiry into the matter and having ascertained it to be a fact applied for it on behalf of Sir Neal O'Donel and having obtained it brought it with him to Ireland and de. livered it safely to Sir Neal O'Donel at Newport". We must refer our readers to Betham's Irish Antiquarian Researches* and to John T. Gilbert's accounts for fuller information.

    The descriptions already given by Betham and John T. Gilbert are clearer than this, and to these we ask our readers to refer.2

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 265

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1802, a relic called the Cathach was delivered to Sir Neal O'Donel. The story comes from a paragraph in a family pedigree drawn up by Sir William Betham, Ulster King at Arms, and Madam O'Donel herself provided the copy. In 1802, Sir Capel Molyneux, who had married Margaret, the daughter of Sir Neal O'Donel, was in France. There he heard that the last of the O'Donels of France had willed the Cathach relic to the O'Donels of Newport. He made enquiry into the matter and, having ascertained it to be a fact, applied for it on behalf of Sir Neal O'Donel. Having obtained it, he brought it with him to Ireland and delivered it safely to Sir Neal O'Donel at Newport. The source notes that fuller accounts by Betham and by John T. Gilbert give clearer descriptions than this paragraph does.

30. Bishop Andrew Knox's oath to extirpate Catholicism from Raphoe

    Raphoe · town · Donegal · 1610–1618

    Andrew Knox, nominated Bishop of Raphoe, entered a solemn engagement before leaving London to extirpate the Catholic religion from Ireland, being invested by the king with extensive powers to enforce this in his diocese.

    Read the passage

    About this time Bishop Andrew Knox (a name sufficiently well known in connection with the Ulster Plantation) had been nominated to the Bishopric of Raphoe, and before his departure from London he entered into a solemn engagement to extirpate the Catholic religion from Ireland. The king, for this purpose, investing him with the most ample powers.

    The edicts of the time, as set forth in Porter's Ecclesiastical Annals ; are of an imperative kind. All bishops and priests were banished from the kingdom under penalty of death, the harbourer of a priest was to suffer by the confiscation of his property, no Catholic was permitted to discharge the duties of a schoolmaster, or to send his sons or relatives beyond the seas for education ; while all persons of every age, sex, and rank, were to be present on Sundays at the service of Common Prayer.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 45

31. Bronze altar cup found in ruined church at Island Magee

    near Island Magee · parish · Antrim

    A beautiful bronze altar vessel bearing an Irish inscription praying for Martin O'Brolachain was found in the ruins of an old church in Island Magee, Co. Antrim. It had been used by an old local woman for many years to hold oil for her spinning wheel before entering the Museum of Antiquities, Belfast.

    Read the passage

    and a half inches in diameter, globular in form, narrowing to the neck and mouth to one inch in diameter. It was found in the ruins of an old church in Island Magee, Co. Antrim, it was used by an old woman of the neighbourhood for many years to hold oil for her spinning wheel.1 It has two lugs cast on at the beginning of the neck for the purpose of allowing it to be suspended around the neck of the person in safety. It is at present in the Museum of Antiquities, Belfast ; and as a work of art reflects great credit on the workman who designed it.

    Shakespeare recognized one of the churches dedicated to St. Columkille. Itosse, a Scottish noble, asks — " Where is Duncan's body ? " Macduff replies " carried to Colmeskill, the sacred storehouse of his predecessors, and guardian of their bones".2 This however refers to another islet, Inchcolm, on the East of Scotland, in the Firth of Forth.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 16

32. Butt's chosen grave beneath the tree at Stranorlar graveyard

    near Stranorlar · town · Donegal

    Butt described the gap in the graveyard wall at Stranorlar and the tree beside it, under which he had learned his early lessons, as the place he wished to be buried. A stranger was able to find the exact spot from his description alone.

    Read the passage

    Here, with a background of grey mountains abrupt and unpolished, Butt's younger days were spent. About ten years before his death, during a darkened period of his chequered career, his mind flew back to those Donegal mountains. He described the gap in the graveyard wall at Stranorlar, and the tree close by, under whose shade he had learned his early lessons, as the spot above all others where beneath its branches he desired to be buried, so that the rain might fall in broken spray over the green sod, which he wished might be the only adornment of his grave. He had so graphically described the place to the person to whom he expressed his wish, that although an entire stranger to the district, he was able to go direct to the exact spot, and point out the site for Butt's grave.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 84

33. Capture of Culmore Fort by O'Doherty without massacre

    Culmore Fort · man-made feature · Derry · 1608

    State papers from Captain Henry Harte and Lieutenant Baker show that the taking of Culmore Fort by Cahir O'Doherty was carried out without any massacre, despite the garrison being at his mercy. O'Doherty treated the prisoners taken there as prisoners of war and released them according to the usages of war.

    Read the passage

    We have now concluded the vindication of the memory of the last Chieftains of Inis-Owen from the vile accusations given in whole pages of historical untruths, by which their name and motives have been heretofore grossly assailed and misrepresented. We have shewn from the State papers given under the hand of Captain Henry Harte, and Lieutenant Baker,1 that the taking of Culmore Fort, and the capture of the Forts and the city of Derrie, were effected without any "massacre," though at both places the people therein were at the complete mercy of the young Chieftain of Inis-Owen smarting under a personal insult, exasperating to the spirit of a young man, then only in the 24th year of his age, he treated the prisoners taken at both places as " prisoners of war", and gave them their freedom in accordance with all the usages of war. Like all unsuccessful warriors, as O'Donovan puts it, " his action [whether rash or meditated does not now signify, but Docwra says: . '', The taking of the lands of the Island of Inch from O'Doherty was a direct breach of promise and covenant, both o.J,kis [Docwra' s] own, of the State, and of Chic/Mster"s]* deprived himself of life, and his race of property."3'

    MARGARET O'DOHERTr.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 246

34. Spies taught school in Ship Street, Dublin, feeding intelligence to James I

    Ship Street · street · Cork · 1601–1603

    James Fullerton and James Hamilton, two Scotchmen in the pay of James I, taught a school in Ship Street in Dublin close to Dublin Castle, keeping the king informed of events in Ireland including the situation in Inis-Owen after John O'Doherty's death.

    Read the passage

    However, after the death of John O'Doherty, chieftain of Inis-Owen in 1601, his son Cahir, then a boy of 16 years of age, was selected as chief instead of his uncle> to fill the place of the dead chieftain. It is now clear, this selection was made by the crafty advice of Niall Garve O'Donnell, and with the consent of Phelimy Eeagh Mac David. The object of the first was to forward his own designs against the Earl of Tirconnell ; and that of the second, perhaps arose out of a feeling of clanship in support of the claims of the boy to his father's inheritance. James 1st, who had succeeded to the English throne in 1603, had for years been watching the progress of events in Ireland, by means of active agents, James Fullerton and James Hamilton ; two Scotchmen in his pay, who under the guise of school-masters, taught a school in Ship Street in Dublin, close by and within reach of the Castle, and no doubt in direct touch with

    1 C.P. Median's Earls of Tyrone, and Tirconnell, pp. 440-41. Dublin 1870.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 222

    As the companion tells it

    On this street in Dublin, two Scotchmen named James Fullerton and James Hamilton kept a school in the early 1600s, close by and within reach of the Castle. They were in the pay of James I, and under the guise of schoolmasters they kept the king informed of events in Ireland. James had succeeded to the English throne in 1603, but his agents had been watching for years before that. Among the events they reported on was the death of John O'Doherty, chieftain of Inis-Owen, in 1601. His son Cahir, a boy of 16, was then selected as chief instead of his uncle. That selection was made by the crafty advice of Niall Garve O'Donnell, with the consent of Phelimy Eeagh Mac David. Niall Garve's object was to forward his own designs against the Earl of Tirconnell, while Phelimy's motive perhaps arose from a feeling of clanship in support of the boy's claim to his father's inheritance.

35. Discovery of the Clonca Tombstone with Hurley Carving

    Clonca · townland · Donegal · 1890

    Within the walls of the old church of Clonca, the Author discovered in 1890 a carved tombstone bearing a cross, sword, and a caman and nagg (hurling implements); local tradition had linked the carving to a Culdaff family member struck while playing the game of hurley.

    Read the passage

    Up to the date of the Author's visit local tradition assigned this slab as the property of some local family. This arose from the caman that is sculptured thereon being supposed to represent the caman and nagg by which it was stated a member of this family at Culdaff had been struck when playing an athletic game, well known throughout other parts of Ireland by the name of " hurley".

    The stone is a fine specimen of local limestone, beautifully carved, with a divisional cross,

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 203

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Clonca, within the walls of the old church, a carved tombstone was found in 1890. It is a fine piece of local limestone, beautifully carved with a divisional cross, a sword, and a caman. Local tradition held that the slab belonged to a family from Culdaff, because the caman sculptured on it was thought to represent the caman and nagg by which a member of that family had been struck while playing the game known as "hurley."

36. Pilgrimage to Inis-Keel and the Bell of St Connell Kissed at Conall's Bed

    Inishkeel · townland · Donegal · 1835

    O'Donovan described the pilgrimage (turas) made by the people to Inis-Keel, where the ruins of the Church of St Connell stand, during which the hereditary keeper of the bell, of the O'Breslan family, knelt at a sacred rocky place called Conall's bed and held forth the bell to be kissed by pilgrims.

    Read the passage

    O'Donovan who visited Major Nesbitt, the then possessor of the bell at Woodhill, Ardara,1 tells of how during the cujiAf, made by the people to 1rnf-CAotL, where the ruins of the Church of St. Connell stand ; the senior of the house of O'Breslan, the hereditary keepers of the bell, " stood or knelt at a sacred rocky place, called Conall's bed, and, praying in Latin, held forth the bell to be kissed by the pilgrims1'.

    O'Donovan, though he wrote to Major Nesbitt, " requesting to get the words of the prayer repeated by O'Breslan", has left no record that they were obtained ; perhaps some person connected with Inis-Keel or Glengesh might yet procure in the neighbourhood the words of the prayer. O'Donovan endeavoured at the time to induce the Major to open the case "that we might see if the bell was gapped or had an inscription on it, but he would not, lest a report might spread that he got treasure within it such as Sir William Betham is said to have got in the CAchAch or sacred standard of the O'Donnells".2

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 158

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here are the ruins of the Church of St Connell, where people used to come on pilgrimage. O'Donovan described the turas they made to Inis-Keel in 1835. The senior of the O'Breslan family, the hereditary keepers of the bell, knelt at a sacred rocky place called Conall's bed. Praying in Latin, he held forth the bell to be kissed by the pilgrims. O'Donovan wrote to Major Nesbitt, who then had the bell at Woodhill, Ardara, asking him to get the words of the prayer repeated by O'Breslan, but left no record that they were ever obtained. He also tried to persuade the Major to open the case, to see if the bell was gapped or had an inscription on it. Nesbitt would not, lest a report might spread that he got treasure within it, such as Sir William Betham is said to have got in the cathach or sacred standard of the O'Donnells.

37. Sir Cahir O'Doherty takes the Isle of Torry and Carick-braughy stronghold

    Tory Island · townland · Donegal · 1607

    Under pretence of cutting timber at Kinawoyre, Sir Cahir O'Doherty armed about 30 men, took the isle of Torry with Shane Mac Manus Oge O'Donnell's consent, manned the castle there, and went by boat to a very strong place, Carick-braughy, in the midst of Inishowen.

    Read the passage

    whom he [Paulett] sent to discover the inward strength of the place, was advertised that there were sixteen or twenty men, well appointed, within the Castle ; and so they [the valiant Governor and Captains who went " to surprise" a Lady in her own Castle, who had only recently, since her marriage with O'Doherty, came into Byrte Castle from Gormanstown Castle, near Dublin,] " durst make no further attempt, for fear of being themselves surprised". " But they certainly understood that Sir Cahir O'Doherty has put himself into the strength of 300 men, with the chiefest of his country, and stands upon his guard (as his lady saith) until he has written to his Lordship and received his answer. Under pretence of going to Canabeyer-wood [Kinawoyre, Ceann~Maghaire\,1 to cut timber for his building, after he had received arms out of the store, he armed about 30 persons, and called unto him Shane Mac Manus Oge [O'Donnell] by whose consent he has taken the isle of Torrey, and manned the Castle, and is gone with his boats down by water to Malolinge [MalinJ into a very strong place [Carick-braughy] in the midst of Inishowen" [Sir Richard Hansard, 1st November, 1607, took time by the forelock and wrote to Salisbury certain reports about Sir Cahir O'Doherty, [that he had] "put himself with his wife and the principal gentlemen of his country into boats of his own" [destination,8 Torry]. " Phelemy Serrghe [Reagh] who is with him, had before gathered all his provisions into the Castle of Byrte, so that now he [Paulett] finds his judgment of Sir Cahir nothing deceived". [It was a race between Hansard and

    i See I. and T. (1st series, p. 180). 3 Calendar S. P. 1606-8, p. 315.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 243

38. Cahir O'Doherty seizes Culmore Fort and kills Paulet at Derry

    near Culmore · town · Derry · 1608

    After being struck by Paulet, governor of Derry, Sir Cahir O'Doherty seized the fort of Culmore, took Derry, and killed Paulet in the ensuing conflict of 1608. This rebellion was subsequently crushed by Wingfield and Chichester.

    Read the passage

    "Paulet, governor of Deny, struck Sir Cahir O'Dolierty, Chief of Inishowen, the blow cost blood. Seizing the fort of Culmore, O'Doherty took Deny and killed Paulct. But the flame of revolt was quickly trampled out — Wingfield arid Chichester combined their forces, and the death of O'Doherty in a Skirmish brought the affair to an end"*

    Hist. Ireland, for Schools, by William Francis Collier, LL.D., T.C.D. (Sixth edition), p. 130, published by Marcus Ward and Company, London and Belfast.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 218

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming up on Culmore now. In 1608, Paulet, governor of Derry, struck Sir Cahir O'Doherty, Chief of Inishowen, and that blow cost blood. O'Doherty seized the fort here at Culmore, took Derry, and killed Paulet. But Wingfield and Chichester combined their forces, and O'Doherty's death in a skirmish brought the whole affair to an end.

39. Patrick McKye's memorial on the poverty of Gweedore, 1837

    near Gweedore · locality · Donegal · 1837

    Patrick McKye, a National School teacher in Gweedore earning eight pounds a year, wrote a memorial to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in 1837 documenting the wants, sufferings, and privations of the population of over nine thousand souls in the parish.

    Read the passage

    humble life (Patrick McKye, teacher of the National School) who in his benevolent efforts to depict the wants, sufferings, and privations of his neighbours, collected his materials and embodied them in a memorial to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in the year 1837".

    It is reasonable to suppose that what gave Patrick McKye the hardihood to write to His Excellency was "that the schoolmaster had been abroad". He tells in his memorial — " he had perambulated two thousand two hundred and fifty-three miles through seven of the United States of America", consequently even the dread of losing the salary of eight pounds a year he received from the Board of Education did not dismay him, in telling to the head of the executive government, what in any country but Ireland, would have been known and remedied by the department.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 114

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Gweedore in Donegal, you are passing through a parish where over nine thousand souls were living in want in 1837. A National School teacher here named Patrick McKye wrote a memorial to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland that year, documenting their sufferings and privations. What gave him the courage was that he had been abroad. He had walked two thousand two hundred and fifty-three miles through seven of the United States, so even the fear of losing his salary of eight pounds a year from the Board of Education did not stop him from telling the head of the executive government what was wrong here. As he put it, in any country but Ireland, these conditions would have been known and remedied by the department.

40. Seizure and desecration of the convent's sacred vessels

    Donegal · town · Donegal · 1602

    The following year, Oliver Lambert, governor of Connaught, seized the sacred vessels of the destroyed Convent of Donegal, converting the chalices into profane cups and destroying the vestments.

    Read the passage

    The next year, Oliver Lambert, governor of Connaught, seized the whole of the sacred vessels within his reach, and converted the chalices into profane cups, and the vestments Avere put to different uses, rending them to pieces, or causing them to be burnt. Thus the convent itself, and all its sacred relics perished, the brothers living scattered over the mountain districts around, to at least the number of twelve ; some were translated into other convents.

    After a moderate restoration of calm, and the death of O'Donnell in Spain, his brother Roderick, was reduced to the position of Earl of Tirconnell by James 1st. He began to reconstruct the convent, but ascertaining the English

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 65

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Donegal town, you are near the site of a convent whose destruction marked a bitter chapter. In 1602, Oliver Lambert, governor of Connaught, seized the sacred vessels from the ruined convent. He turned the chalices into ordinary cups, tore the vestments to pieces, or had them burnt. The convent and all its sacred relics perished. The brothers scattered into the mountain districts, at least twelve of them, some taken into other convents. Roderick O'Donnell, reduced to the position of Earl of Tirconnell by James the First, later began to reconstruct the convent, but the English put a stop to it.

41. The Donagh Bell Found Hidden at Cean-na-Clug, Priestown

    Carndonagh · town · Donegal

    The Donagh bell was found by Rev. Michael McColgan hidden under the soil at the townland of Cean-na-Clug (the head of the bell), which takes its name from the bell. It remained with the McColgan family of Priestown for generations before being sold through a pawnbroker at Carndonagh and eventually presented to the Royal Irish Academy by John Connellan Deane.

    Read the passage

    The presentation of the Donagh bell was made to the Academy by John Connellan Deane, who told in a letter then read to the Academy of how he obtained the bell.— "The facts connected with it are shortly these : a pawnbroker residing at Carndonagh in the union of Inis-Owen, which I had charge of under the temporary relief act, offered it to me for sale when I was engaged in official business in that town, it appears to have been under the control of the pawnbroker for a great number of years. It was stated to have been found in the townland of Cean-na- Clug [the head of the bell] which townland takes its name from the bell".

    It appears the bell had been in the possession of the late Philip McColgan, of Priestown, who was fourth in descent from a nephew of the finder (the Rev. Michael McColgan), at Cean-na-Clug, where it had been hidden away under the soil. From Father McColgan's time it remained in the possession of the McColgan family of Priestown, but how it found its way into the mont-de-piete of Carndonagh has not been clearly discovered.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 156

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up along Carndonagh now. This is the town where the Donagh bell surfaced, after being lost for generations. The bell was presented to the Royal Irish Academy by John Connellan Deane, who told the story in a letter read before the Academy. Deane had been working in Carndonagh under the temporary relief act. A pawnbroker living there offered him the bell for sale while he was engaged in official business in the town. The pawnbroker had controlled the bell for a great number of years. The bell was said to have been found in the townland of Cean-na-Clug, meaning the head of the bell, which takes its name from the bell itself. It had been hidden away under the soil there, and the finder was the Reverend Michael McColgan. From Father McColgan's time it stayed with the McColgan family of Priestown. The late Philip McColgan of Priestown was fourth in descent from a nephew of the finder. But how it found its way into the pawnbroker's hands at Carndonagh was never clearly discovered.

42. Porter's son carries riddled colours at Battle of Ballynahinch

    near Ballynahinch · town · Down · 1798

    Rev. James Porter's twelve-year-old son carried a stand of colours riddled with bullets at the battle of Ballynahinch until the end of the fighting. This boy, Alexander J. Porter, later became an American jurist and Senator.

    Read the passage

    situated about two and a half miles from Lifford, on the road to Kaphoe, and Letterkenny1. Mr. Porter's son, aged about 12, carried till the last, a stand of colours that were riddled with bullets at the battle of Ballynahinch. This boy, Alexander J. afterwards became an American jurist and Senator, he was born in Armagh in 1786.]2

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 206

43. Artistic Link Between the Cathach and the Bell of St. Conall in Tirconnell

    Tirconnell · townland · Fermanagh

    The author notes a striking similarity in brass and silver ornamentation, particularly the wyvern designs, between the Cathach shrine and the shrine of the Bell of St. Conall, suggesting both were crafted by the same artist for objects located in Tirconnell.

    Read the passage

    The bottom of the casket is of brass, to which is attached a plate of silver, perforated with several cruciform and square perforations, uniform in style. On the margins of this silver plate runs the inscription in Irish characters.1 We observed a singular coincidence in the style of the brass and silver ornamentation of the Shrine of the CAC<*C, partaking of the design used on the silver shrine of the Bell of St. Conmll, notably in the form of some of the Wyverns.' From this it might be inferred that as both the Cathach and the Bell had their location in Tirconnell, they had been treated by the same artist.

    The Tabernaculum, or semi-circular ornamented piece of silver is affixed at the centre of top edge of the Cathach, having the letters 1. ft. S. chased on the outer side of the small plate that forms the closed end, or bottom, of the Tabernaculum. This semi-circular Tabcrnaculum has a length across the edge of two inches, by one and a-half inches broad at base, with a semi-circular rise of three-

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala

44. Cahir O'Doherty's Letter Seeking Aid During His Revolt

    near Derry · city · Derry · 1608

    During his rebellion against English injustice at Derry, Cahir O'Doherty wrote to O'Gallagher of Banagh in June 1608 seeking assistance, dismissing English strength and referring to the loss of Beart Castle.

    Read the passage

    " The commendation of O'Doghertie to O'Galchure. I would have you understand that if you have any hope here or hereafter of your foster son [Earl of Tyrconnell's child], and your earthly Lord [Earl of Tyrconnell], or the good of O'Doghertie, then cause your sept and yourself to aid O'Doghertie. You may the easier perform this, because the churls [meaning the English] have no courage but what encouragement Neal Arte Oge's Sons and Tyrconnell have given them, now that we have given them over, we make no reckoning of them. Let no man imagine we are any weaker for losing Birtie Castle, unless he may take thought of the inconstantness of such as he trusted of his own people, whom now he little regards [this refers to the surrender of Beart Castle by the constable of the castle — who was of the name and sept of Reagh]. Be it known to you O'Galchure, O'Doghertie desires you should possess anything which the Earl makes account of rather than any man else in Tyrconnell, because the Earl so desires it. What answer you make to these matters, and concerning Lough Easke [the castle on an island in Lough Easke],

    » S.P.I. vol. 224, 1451.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 179

45. Capture of Derry city and forts by O'Doherty

    near Derry · city · Derry · 1608

    During his revolt, Cahir O'Doherty captured the forts and city of Derry, treating prisoners as prisoners of war rather than massacring them, despite acting under a sense of personal insult.

    Read the passage

    We have now concluded the vindication of the memory of the last Chieftains of Inis-Owen from the vile accusations given in whole pages of historical untruths, by which their name and motives have been heretofore grossly assailed and misrepresented. We have shewn from the State papers given under the hand of Captain Henry Harte, and Lieutenant Baker,1 that the taking of Culmore Fort, and the capture of the Forts and the city of Derrie, were effected without any "massacre," though at both places the people therein were at the complete mercy of the young Chieftain of Inis-Owen smarting under a personal insult, exasperating to the spirit of a young man, then only in the 24th year of his age, he treated the prisoners taken at both places as " prisoners of war", and gave them their freedom in accordance with all the usages of war. Like all unsuccessful warriors, as O'Donovan puts it, " his action [whether rash or meditated does not now signify, but Docwra says: . '', The taking of the lands of the Island of Inch from O'Doherty was a direct breach of promise and covenant, both o.J,kis [Docwra' s] own, of the State, and of Chic/Mster"s]* deprived himself of life, and his race of property."3'

    MARGARET O'DOHERTr.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 246

46. Founding of the Forts at Derry

    near Derry · city · Derry · 1600

    After leaving 600 men at Culmore to complete the fort there, Docwra proceeded with his army to lay the foundation of the future City of Derry, erecting two forts to secure the position his troops had gained in unfamiliar enemy territory.

    Read the passage

    Leaving 600 men at' Culmore to complete the fort, Docwra proceeded with his formidable army of 3,000 troops fresh from England, and 1,000 veterans, inured to Irish warfare, to lay the foundation of the future City of Derry, and he describes the position of the two Forts he caused to be erected, " to make sure the footing we had gained". Caution was the instrument this prudent captain employed at first, as he says, in " the country as yet unknown to us".

    It was necessary for Docwra to use caution, as he describes, he had to employ " two ships of war", with soldiers in them, to coast all along the shore for twenty miles, and wherever they found any houses, to bring away the timber and other materials, to build with". When they swept Inis-Owen of every stick within reach, they turned to " the other side of the Foyle, wherein there was plenty of old grown birch, I daily sent workmen, with a guard of soldiers, to cut it down, and there was not a stick of it brought home that was not first well fought for".2 This is how the foundation of the City of Derry was laid in 1600, as told by a man who was no ordinary soldier, protecting himself in the enemies' country.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 231

47. St. Mura's convent founded at Fahan

    Fahan · town · Donegal · 657–1098

    In Inis-Owen, about eight miles north of Derry, in the charming vale known as the Bosom of Fahan, there existed for centuries the convent of Fahan Mura, founded by St. Mura in the sixth century. The names of its abbots from 657 until 1098 are recorded with fair regularity despite the convent's exposure to pillage from the sea via Lough Swilly.

    Read the passage

    In Inis-Owen, about eight miles north from Derry, "adjoining to the east the main road, leading from Derry to Buncrana, in one of Ireland's most charming vales" (the Bosom of Fahan),2 there existed for centuries at Fahan. Mura, the convent founded by St. Mura in the sixth century. "Pierian3 (which literally means a green spot, or " Bosom",) consequently has been frequently mentioned in Irish History, associated with the name of the founder of the monastery or convent, or with some of the abbots who Avere St. Mura'3 successors. The names of the abbots from 657, till the year 1098, appear recorded with fair regularity considering that the convent was on a branch-arm of Lough Swilly, and within easy reach by sea for disturbance or pillage. Among the names of St. Mura's successors who were distinguished, appears the name of "Poco/o n<x

    A Genome, or the " Canonist".

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 207

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead the road passes through Fahan, in Donegal, where St. Mura founded a convent in the sixth century. It stood in a vale known as the Bosom of Fahan, in Inis-Owen, about eight miles north of Derry. The names of its abbots are recorded with fair regularity from 657 until 1098, which is remarkable given that the convent sat on a branch-arm of Lough Swilly and was within easy reach by sea for disturbance or pillage. The place was frequently mentioned in Irish history, associated with St. Mura or with his successors as abbots. Among those distinguished successors was one known as the Canonist.

48. Death of Fothadh na Canoine of Fahan recorded

    Fahan · town · Donegal · 818

    A list of abbots of Fahan-Mura records the entry for A.D. 818: 'Fothadh of Fothain died', identified as the celebrated Fothadh na Canoine or 'the Canonist' mentioned by the Four Masters and Annals of Ulster.

    Read the passage

    In a list of abbots of Fahan-Mura, given by the late Dr. Reeves, appears this entry, " A.D. 818. — 'Fothadh of Fothain died'. This is supposed by O'Conor, and with reason, to have been the celebrated Fothadh no. Canoine, or * the Canonist' of whom mention is made by the Four Masters at 799, and Annals of Ulster at 803'V

    The Four Masters under the year 799 [recte 804, O'Donovan' s edition]* says: — "The clergy having complained to the king, Aedh Oirnie, that it was a grievance to them to go upon any hosting (or fighting) expedition. The King, i.e. Aedh, said he would abide by the award of Fothadh na Canoine, [Aot>, no jebA-o An'iAit AcbefU-o "pocA-6 tiA CAtioine], on which occasion Fothadh [of Fahan- Mura] passed the decision exempting the clergy of Ireland for ever from expeditions and hostings", [i.e. 9 from going in the retinue of any king, chief or governor, in fighting array, as had been frequently the case previously]. O'Donovan in a foot note3 referring to Fothadh na Canoine, says: "for some account of this writer see Colgan's Ada Sanctorum, at llth March [St. Mura's festival is on the 12th March, Ada Sand., p. 587], p. 581, c. 13, and p. 583, n. 13, where he translates (i.e., into Latin) this passage as follows :

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 207

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Fahan in Donegal. A list of abbots of Fahan-Mura, given by Dr. Reeves, records that in 818 Fothadh of Fothain died. This is thought to be the celebrated Fothadh na Canoine, the Canonist, mentioned by the Four Masters and the Annals of Ulster. The Four Masters tell the story. The clergy complained to King Aedh Oirnie that it was a grievance for them to go on any hosting or fighting expedition. The king said he would abide by the award of Fothadh na Canoine. On that occasion Fothadh of Fahan-Mura passed the decision exempting the clergy of Ireland for ever from expeditions and hostings, meaning from going in the retinue of any king, chief, or governor in fighting array, as had frequently been the case before. O'Donovan notes that Colgan's Acta Sanctorum gives further account of this writer.

49. Docwra's Landing at Culmore, 1600

    near Culmore · town · Derry · 1600

    Sir Henry Docwra landed at Culmore with 4,000 foot and 200 horse on 16th May 1600, where a small force of 100 men under Shane O'Doherty fired a volley of shot at the invaders and retired, marking the beginning of the conquest of the area.

    Read the passage

    The space at our disposal in this notice of Writers of and relating to Inis-Owcn and Tirconnell, will cause our reference to the Narration to be brief, and only to such portions as deal directly with some of the actors already mentioned, who appear on the stage in connection with Ints-Owen and Tirconnell, before, at, or about the time of O'Doherty's revolt. Docwra details his first landing with 4,000 foot and 200 horse, on the 16th May, A.D. 1600, at Culmore, "when 100 men gave us a volley of shot and retired". This was the only protest Shane O'Doherty was in a condition to make against such an overwhelming force, but it was clearly and unmistakeably an act of war ! In the instructions given toDocwra, appears his patent of authority. " Under the great Seale, you have authority to prosecute with fire and sword all Rebels and Traitors" .... "which will require great foresight and Council". " And we wish you . ..." to draw in so many of the better sort of Irish as you can, and like-wise of the meaner sort, whereby the Archtraitor [O'Neill] may be weakened and you strengthened. In which course you are to use faithful instruments, and if

    64

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 230

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Culmore, you are near where Sir Henry Docwra made his first landing on the 16th of May 1600, with 4,000 foot and 200 horse. A hundred men under Shane O'Doherty gave the invaders a volley of shot and retired. The source has it in Docwra's own words: 100 men gave us a volley of shot and retired. It was the only protest O'Doherty was in a condition to make against such an overwhelming force, but it was clearly an act of war. Docwra carried a patent of authority under the great seal, with power to prosecute with fire and sword all rebels and traitors. His instructions told him to draw in as many of the better sort of Irish as he could, and likewise of the meaner sort, whereby the arch-traitor O'Neill might be weakened and Docwra strengthened. The landing opened the conquest of Inis-Owen and Tirconnell.

50. Flaithbertaigh Ua Brolchain and the rebuilding of Derry cathedral

    near Derry · city · Derry · 1164–1175

    Flaithbertaigh Ua Brolchain, coarb of Columbkille, died at Derry in 1175. He was engaged in re-erecting his Cathedral of Derry and was for that reason not permitted by the Archbishop of Armagh and the King of Ireland to accept the abbacy of Iona offered to him in 1164.

    Read the passage

    Annals is TnAelbjii^lToe HA "bfiotcnAn, styled by the " Four Masters " prnorhfAori, or chief artificer of 6pm ; and his death is set down at 1029. Keeves quotes Ann. Ult. where he is styled (Chief Mason of Ireland) ttlAelior'A UA bfiolctiAin, Lector of t)och-ChonAif, in Inis-Owen, the wisest senior in Ireland, died 16th January, 1086.' Ae*oTi ITIAC THAet-1ofA U A brtotcliAin; who is styled praecipuus lector, died 1095, and at 1097, TTlAet bi^troe (THAC ATI rfAor*), son of the artificer, 11 A blotch Ain, who had become Bishop of Kildare, died. Of this family, TTlAel-cotAitn and another TnAet-bjujlToe, were bishops of Armagh, dying in 1122 and 1139 respectively, and "ptAicbejAUAch UA bjAotcAin, coarb of Columbkille died at Derry 1175, about this time (1164) the abbacy of Hy was offered to Flaithbertaigh— but owing to the task of re-erecting his Cathedral of Deny, he was not permited by the Archbishop of Armagh, and the King of Ireland to accept it.

    'OomtiAtt HA b]Ao1cliAin, prior of Derry, died April 27th, 1202. It is to this Domnal that the erection of the Eclus-Mor of lona, is attributed. " On the capital of the south-east column under the tower, near the angle of the south transept and choir of the cathedral in Hy are the remains of the inscription ^ DONALDU8 O'BBOLCHAN FECIT Hoc OPUS, Graham says in 1850, "Two years ago the inscription was quite perfect, but since that time the corner of the capital has been knocked off, and some of the letters obliterated."2 Reeves says he examined it in 1853 and found only DONALDUS 0 ...... ECIT Hoc OPUS.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 15

51. Fothad the Canonist of Fahan-Mura's Quatrain

    Fahan · town · Donegal · 1138

    The ancient Armagh manuscript contains a quatrain attributed to Fothad, the Canonist, associated with Fahan-Mura, referencing the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost.

    Read the passage

    This MS. iin the Irish language and characters was written, as it appears, at Armagh, in the year 1138. It contains a quatrain by Fothad, the Canonist, of Fahan- Mura, beginning : " 6ccn<\ incliucc connate",1 which O'Curry renders " Wisdom, Intelligence, Counsel", and refers to " the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost".

    There appears also a passage in this MS. at p. 24-b,2 which O'Curry translates into " Maelissa that cut the first line here". May not this have been Maelissa O'Brolloghan, " who cut [wrote] the first line" ?3

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 259

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Fahan, in Donegal. An ancient manuscript in Irish, written at Armagh in 1138, holds a quatrain by Fothad, the Canonist, of Fahan-Mura. It begins with words that O'Curry renders as "Wisdom, Intelligence, Counsel", and refers to the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost. The same manuscript carries a passage that O'Curry translates as "Maelissa that cut the first line here". It may have been Maelissa O'Brolloghan, who cut or wrote the first line.

52. Norman castle raised at Green Castle in 1305 to guard Lough Foyle

    Greencastle · town · Donegal · 1305

    Previous attempts to establish an English colony at Derry from the time of John de Courcy in 1182 through Elizabeth's reign had all ended in failure, though a Norman castle of great strength had been raised in 1305 at Green Castle to guard the entrance to Lough Foyle.

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    The foundation of the City of Deny, as it is now known, dates from Docwra's landing. Previous attempts made, from the time of John de Courcy in 1182, and on through Elizabeth's reign, to establish an English colony at Deny, had all ended in failure, though a Norman castle of great strength had been raised in 1305, at Green Castle, to guard the entrance to Lough Foyle.2

    However, after the death of John O'Doherty, chieftain of Inis-Owen in 1601, his son Cahir, then a boy of 16 years of age, was selected as chief instead of his uncle> to fill the place of the dead chieftain. It is now clear, this selection was made by the crafty advice of Niall Garve O'Donnell, and with the consent of Phelimy Eeagh Mac David. The object of the first was to forward his own designs against the Earl of Tirconnell ; and that of the second, perhaps arose out of a feeling of clanship in support of the claims of the boy to his father's inheritance. James 1st, who had succeeded to the English throne in 1603, had for years been watching the progress of events in Ireland, by means of active agents, James Fullerton and James Hamilton ; two Scotchmen in his pay, who under the guise of school-masters, taught a school in Ship Street in Dublin, close by and within reach of the Castle, and no doubt in direct touch with

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 222

53. Pilgrimage Stone with Water-Bowl at Carrowmore

    Carrowmore · townland · Donegal

    Adjoining the second high cross at Carrowmore lies an irregular stone carved with a small cross and an elliptical sunk water-bowl, still used by local peasantry making the turas or pilgrimage to draw water from it.

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    Immediately adjoining the last-described cross, and lying with its surface inclined to the slope of the field, is an irregular-shaped stone, about 5 ft. by 5 ft., on which is carved a small cross, 17 in. by S£ in., formed by a halfcircular, sinkage, as a corresponding circular margin, near which is an elliptical sunk water-bowl, used by the peasantry who still frequent the place in making the Uujvvp, or pilgrimage, and out of which they take some portion of the water it may at the time contain.

    The cross on this inclined stone is much like those described as found cut on the interior of caves in Fifeshire,1

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 201

54. St Connell's Bell Kept at Woodhill, Ardara by Major Nesbitt

    Ardara · town · Donegal · 1835

    O'Donovan visited Major Nesbitt, then possessor of the bell of St Connell, at Woodhill, Ardara in 1835. Nesbitt refused to open the shrine case to inspect the bell, fearing rumours of treasure similar to those about Sir William Betham and the Cathach of the O'Donnells.

    Read the passage

    O'Donovan, though he wrote to Major Nesbitt, " requesting to get the words of the prayer repeated by O'Breslan", has left no record that they were obtained ; perhaps some person connected with Inis-Keel or Glengesh might yet procure in the neighbourhood the words of the prayer. O'Donovan endeavoured at the time to induce the Major to open the case "that we might see if the bell was gapped or had an inscription on it, but he would not, lest a report might spread that he got treasure within it such as Sir William Betham is said to have got in the CAchAch or sacred standard of the O'Donnells".2

    The bell of St. Connell is made of plate-iron, formed into shape and held together by flat-headed rivets. The size of the R.I. A. engraving (which we believe is intended for the full lize of the bell, is reduced to one-half in our zincograph), shows the bell to have been about seven inches high, three and three-quarter inches by about three inches at the mouth, tapering to about two inches at the top. The bell is much worn by age, and shows on the top corner and extend-

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 158

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ardara in Donegal, you are near Woodhill, where Major Nesbitt kept the bell of St Connell in 1835. The scholar O'Donovan wrote to Nesbitt and visited him there, hoping to inspect the bell and hear a prayer repeated by O'Breslan. Nesbitt refused to open the shrine case, fearing a report might spread that he had found treasure inside, as Sir William Betham was said to have done with the Cathach, the sacred standard of the O'Donnells. The bell itself is made of plate-iron, held together by flat-headed rivets, standing about 7 inches high and measuring roughly 3 and three-quarter inches by 3 inches at the mouth, tapering to about 2 inches at the top. It is much worn by age. O'Donovan never recorded whether he obtained the words of the prayer he sought.

55. The Enchanted Sea-Castle Legend of Inishowen

    near Inishowen · townland · Donegal

    A legend tells of an enchanted castle belonging to the O'Doherty clan, existing invisibly off the coast of Donegal and visible only to those of O'Doherty blood. Marble statues of chieftains within its walls are said to be clansmen transformed to stone by enchantment, awaiting a spell to restore them to life.

    Read the passage

    Canon O'llanlon's Notes : — 1. The enchanted castle of the O'Doherty, has a fabled existence off the coast of Donegal, and far out on the Atlantic Ocean. It is invisible to all except those bearing the name of the former chiefs and clansmen of Inishowen. The description of its appearance on the Ocean Island corresponds with that attempted in this legend. Tradition holds that marble statues to be seen with girded swords, and ranged within the walls are veritable effigies of chieftains and warriors belonging to the renowned race of the O'Dohertys, who, by some strange enchantment, were metamorphosed into stone, at EV period long remote. When these spells shall be spoken, the inanimate statues are to resume; their former vigour and condition, to draw their swords and recover possession of a lost inheritance. This legend is

    390 INIS-OWEN AND TIRCONNELL.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 183

56. Codex Foylensis Once Owned by Bishop Ezekiel Hopkins of Derry

    near Derry · city · Derry · 1671–1814

    The Codex Foylensis manuscript belonged to Protestant Bishop Ezekiel Hopkins of Derry, who fled to England during the siege of Derry and died at Aldermanbury in 1690; his successor William King later willed the books to the clergy, kept in the old Free School of Derry until 1814.

    Read the passage

    intended to be carried about by an itinerant priest, that he might be provided not only with the Scriptures, but also with the essential parts of the Liturgy for celebrating Mass". From a paper descriptive of this manuscript by Mr. A. G. Geoghegan, it appears to have been in the library of a former Protestant Bishop of Derry, Ezekiel Hopkins, D.D., who had been Bishop of Raphoe from October, 1671, till his promotion to Derry, llth November, 1681. During the time of the siege he fled to his native England, where he died at Aldermanbury in June, 1690. His successor, William King, D.D., purchased from his executors all the books of his library, and by Dr. King's will they were left for the use of the clergy and gentlemen of the diocese, and were kept in the old Free School of Derry till 1814, when they were transferred to Foyle College ; where it is presumed they yet remain.

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 171

57. Drowning of Clonmany Fishermen in Binion Bay Storm

    Clonmany · town · Donegal

    A poem recounts a sudden hurricane that overtook a small fishing boat from Clonmany near Binion Bay, drowning the crew who received no cross or hallowed grave, their bodies lost to the sea.

    Read the passage

    Tlie storm has ceased, the night is on, and sighs the dying gale, And quick the swollen streamlets run in murmurs down the vale ; And where 's the boat — poor tiny thing— that rode the wave at morn, And spread in pride its snowy sail like butterfly just born ? And where's the crew that mann 'd that boat — Clonmany's seamen bold Who feared no tide, disdained all storms, felt not the winter's cold ? They 've sunk beneath the billows's breast, down in the salt-sea wave — No humble cross in hallowed spot shall mark their lonely grave. Their shroud shall be the sea-weed green, their tomb the ocean sand, Their epitaph — the tale which tells their fate upon the land.

    The summer's sun again looks down on Binion's waveless bay,

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 169

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmany in Donegal, you are in a place remembered for a sudden storm that swept over Binion Bay. A small fishing boat that had set out in the morning with Clonmany's seamen was overwhelmed by the gale, and every man aboard sank beneath the waves. The poem that tells their fate says they had "no humble cross in hallowed spot" to mark their grave. Their shroud was the seaweed, their tomb the ocean sand, and their epitaph was the tale itself, carried on the land.

58. High Commemoration Cross at Clonca Church

    Clonca · townland · Donegal

    The ruins of a small seventeenth century church known as the Church of Clonca occupy an older foundation on the road to Culdaff; west of its graveyard stand the remains of a High Commemoration Cross carved with panels of Scriptural figures in the style of the Monasterboice crosses.

    Read the passage

    The ruins of a small seventeenth century church, about 48 ft. by 21 ft., known as the Church of Clonca, that occupies an older foundation, lie eastward of Both-chonais, on the road to Culdaff. Outside, west of the graveyard of this church, are the remains of a High Commemoration Cross, equal in many respects to some of the sculptured crosses described by the late Henry O'Neill.2

    The portion of the shaft now erect in its original site measures about 10 ft. high by 16 in. by 8£ in. It is divided into panels, and carved with figures representing Scriptural subjects, after the style of the Monasterboice crosses. In the same field is what is stated to be the

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 201

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere near here are the ruins of a small 17th century church, about 48 ft by 21 ft, known as the Church of Clonca, built on an older foundation on the road to Culdaff. West of its graveyard stand the remains of a High Commemoration Cross. The shaft still upright measures about 10 ft high, divided into panels and carved with figures of Scriptural subjects, in the style of the Monasterboice crosses.

59. King Aedh's army marches to Dun-Cuair on Meath-Leinster border

    Rathcore · townland · Meath · 804

    King Aedh Oirnie collected an army from all Ireland except the revolting Leinster men and marched as far as Dun-Cuair, now identified as Rathcore in Co. Meath, on the borders of Leinster and Meath, accompanied by the successor of Patrick and clergy of the North.

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    JLageniam ; eamque secundo infra unius mensis spatium vastavit. Denub collegit alium exercitum ex universal Hibernice, et populo et Clero, exceptis Lageniis tune tumultuantibus, et venit usque Dun-Cuair, [now Rathcore in Co Meath] in Lagenice et Midios confinibus : venit cum eo tune Conmachus Patricii Successor (hoc est Archiepiscopus Ardmachanus) Aquilonaris Hibernice Clero comitatu&s Clerus autem iniquo animo ferebat se ad Bellicas expeditions vocari: et coram Rege tali gravamine conqueritur. Rex promisit se in hac re facturum quod Fothadius, cognomento de Canonibus indicaret expedire. Fothadius autem tulit sententiam pro clero, quae cum a Bellicis expeditionibus dt ccetero liberavit",

    [TRANSLATION.]

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 208

60. Order to demolish the convent at Lough Derg

    near Lough Derg · lake or lakes · Donegal · 1632–1703

    In 1632, the Lords Justices issued an order, with the advice of the Privy Council, to break down, deface, and demolish the Convent at Lough Derg, County Donegal. Because this order was not sufficiently carried out, a further Act of Parliament against pilgrimages in general was passed in 1703.

    Read the passage

    1 The Lords Justices, September 13th, 1632, issued an order with the advice of the Privy Council, to break down, deface, and demolish any Convent at Lough Derg, County Donegal, and this order not being sufficiently attended to, an act of Parliament was passed in 2nd year reign of Queen Anne (1703), against Pilgrimages in general; Richardson's Folly of Pilgrimages, pp. 44-45 (Dublin, 1727.)

    • Gordon's lona, p. 37 (Glasgow, 1885).

    Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 11