Journal of the Cork Historical and Archaeological Society

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. Grange hunting covers fencing and rent

   near Grange · townland · Cork · 1806

   The Duhallow Hunt Club paid Patrick Sheean for fencing and Widow Hartnett for rent of hunting covers at Grange in 1806. The payments indicate ongoing use of Grange lands as hunting grounds by the club.

   Read the passage

   „ Do. to Widow Hartnett on account of rent for

   the covers at Grange . . . . . . 7 19 3

   Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 39

2. Marriage bond sureties in Cloyne diocese

   Cloyne · town · Cork

   A bridegroom living in Cloyne diocese had his marriage bond taken out in Cork diocese because his bride and her surety lived there. This illustrates the cross-diocesan nature of marriage bond administration.

   Read the passage

   (5) The bride, and also the surety in this case, lived in the diocese of Cork, so naturally the bond was taken out there, though the bridegroom lived in Cloyne diocese. Even when this latter diocese was united with Cork and Ross, the records for these last were always kept separately from those of Cloyne.

   (fi) Surety's name (accusative case).

   Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 310

3. Loftus family baptisms recorded in Waterford

   Waterford · city · Waterford · 1704–1757

   A family record written in a Book of Common Prayer (1730) documents the births and baptisms of the children of John Loftus of Waterford and Bridget Killhenny, married in 1724, listing godparents from local families including Power, Burke, and Wright.

   Read the passage

   "John Loftus, esq., born in Waterford, November 1st, 1704.

   Bridget Killhenny, born July 4th, 1699.

   Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 285

4. Lady Ingoldsby mural tablet in Caherconlish church

   Caherconlish · town · Limerick · 1600

   Dineley recorded a mural tablet in Caherconlish church commemorating Lady Ingoldsby, wife of Sir George Ingoldsby of Ballybricken Castle near Caherconlish. She was daughter of James Gould, Second Justice of Munster in 1600, who owned Ludden Castle near Caherconlish.

   Read the passage

   Dineley gives a copy of inscription on a mural tablet in Caherconlish church, erected in memory of Lady Ingoldsby, wife to Sir George Ingoldsby, of Bally bricken Castle, near Caherconlish, and daughter to James Gould (or Gold), Second Justice of Minister in 1600, to whom belonged Ludclen Castle, near Caherconlish. In a future number I hope to be able to lay before the readers of the Journal some interesting items concerning the parish of Ludden. At present I shall merely state that I have succeeded in identifying Ludden with Lothian, a name which the " Grand Old Man " has made so familiar to us, and with Lodan, a very well-known name connected with our de Danann friends ; the " learned Lodan " was father of Sinann, the heroine of the Shannon (l) legend.

   (1) Many fanciful derivations have been given of the name Shannon. Cormac MacCuillennain explains it as being from scan, "old," and abhain, "a river." Ptolemy writes the names Senos, which, by dropping the Greek affix, gives the root sen, which occurs in many river names, and means "water" or "river;" for example, in Sequana, old name of Seine, in Samar (now Somme) and Morning Star of Limerick, Sebethus, Selinus, Selleis, in which the 11 has become // Sena (now Nevola), Senones, name of a tribe in Gaul; Siris (now Sinno), Serus, and many others; Su in Turkish means "water"; Sen (or Se) is connected with tan, ti, or te, another fruitful river formative. It occurs in Tiber, Tigris, Tagus, Tanus, Tanarus, Tanager, Tamesis (now Thames), Tees, Tay, and numerous other river names; also in Irish, Tiobraid, which properly means "water flowing from a well." Tan has become Dan in Danube, Dneiper, Dneister, Don, Dineen in Kilkenny, etc. Ti occurs in the names of many Indo- China rivers. The rules of ellipsis in Irish grammar explain the retention or assimilation of the 11. The river which Ptolemy however calls Senos may not be the present Shannon, and I think it is not. The river which he calls Dur seems

   Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 223

5. Gabbett monumental slab moved to new Caherconlish church (1871)

   Caherconlish · town · Limerick · 1718–1871

   A monumental slab with Gabbett arms, erected by William Gabbett in 1718, was removed from the old church to the porch of the new church in 1871. Its inscription records burials of the Gabbett and Spire families, including William Gabbett of Ballyvoreen and Thomas Spire of Rathgannan.

   Read the passage

   In the porch of the new church there is a monumental slab, removed from the old church in 1871, with the Gabbett arms and following inscription : —

   This monument was erected by William Gabbett, Esq., 1718.

   Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 223

6. Birthplace of Philip O'Sullivan Bear on Dursey Island

   near Dursey Island · townland · Cork · 1602–1603

   The historian Philip O'Sullivan Bear was born on Dursey Island, off Crow Head. In 1602, while still a boy, he was sent to Spain with his cousin, son of The O'Sullivan Bear, who was going as a hostage to Philip III. His thirteen brothers perished in the wars of the closing years of Elizabeth's reign in Ireland.

   Read the passage

   From the Catholic History we learn that his father's name was Dermot (Tom ii., lib. iv., cap. xiv., et passim), that his grandfather's was also Dermot, and was The O'Sullivan Bear (Tom ii., lib. iii.,cap. iv., et passim) ; that his father was a younger son appears from the fact that he was not The O'Sullivan Bear, whose name was Daniel, and to whom our author refers as his " patruelis" (Tom iv., lib. iii., cap. iv) ; that he was born in Dursey Island, off Crow Head (Tom i., lib. i., cap. v.) ; that in the year 1602, while yet a boy, he was sent to Spain with his cousin, son of The O'Sullivan Bear, and who was going as a hostage to Philip III. (Tom iii., lib. vii., cap. i.) ; that he was educated by a Jesuit father, Synott, " one of his own people," and by Roderic Vendanna, a Spaniard, and other professors (Tom iii., lib. vii., cap. i.J ; that he obtained a commission in the Spanish navy from Philip III. ( DecJicortion of History) ; and that in 161 8 he fought a duel outside Madrid with an Anglo- Irishman, Bath, who had insulted his cousin (Tom iv., lib. iii., cap. iv.). With his history he published letters to Fr. Synott and Patrick Traunt, giving an account of the actions of the fleet in which he took part.

   Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 228

7. Cromleac and Druidical circle at Killin

   Killin · townland · Louth

   A cromleac and a so-called Druidical circle once stood in the townland of Killin, north of Dundalk, in the parish of Kane. The stone bore curious markings, but no copy of the inscriptions survives, as it was only described from memory.

   Read the passage

   1. In the townland of Killin, north of Dundalk, in the parish of Kane, was a cromleac and a Druidical circle, as it is sometimes called. On this stone were some curious markings. I cannot give a copy, as it was only described to me from memory. This curious relic of prehistoric times

   Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 231

8. General marches to Lord Roche's house near Mallow

   Mallow · town · Cork

   The rebel General, feeling unwell, travelled with horsemen to Lord Roche's house six miles from Moyalloe and never entered Moyalloe himself. He delegated command of all business at Moyalloe to the Lord of Ikerrin, while sending intelligence and direction almost hourly.

   Read the passage

   much of their movables and provisions behind them ; only some persons of good estate and esteem kept a stone house about the middle of the town, wherein they with their families were engaged, being taken on the sudden and having no time to remove themselves and their domestics thence. By this time is the General returned from his hunting out of the park, and all the army drawn together in one body on the hill. At their first coming to which, they, in a great bravado, made as though they would plant the small piece of artillery they brought with them, whose motto, or rather meaning, seemed to be " Resist and die ; " which produced but poor effect, it being well known the piece could hardly shoot so far at random as between the hill and the town, and that for the matter of battery it would do little more than an ordinary musket. About an hour before the appearing of the army, you might, from the top of the Great Castle (which is a place very conspicuous), have seen such a numberless crew of unarmed, pilfering rogues run up and down in every place for pillage, for five or six miles in breadth, so that from a louse to a lion there could nothing escape them ; some of whom adventured so near to the castle that they paid dearly for it, but they were so numerous it was to no more purpose to kill them than go about to kill the locusts sent among the Egyptians. A part of these (while the rest made exact inquisition abroad in the fields and farm houses* which stood alone and were forsaken) came into the town, partly to get pillage, and partly to receive information whether the town were so abandoned that the army might march into it with security; which being advertised of, about the falling of the evening, some of the foot companies began to advance towards the town, the General and most of his troops of horse staying on the hill, where they continued till all the The General ^oot was come m and till it was dark. And then the went to the General, with a convenient number of horse, took his near to ' Journey to the Lord Roche's house, being six miles distant,

   Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 13

9. O'Sullivan More Burial at Killarney Monastery

   Killarney · town · Kerry · 1420

   A century after the Bantry foundation, O'Sullivan More chose a burial place in a Franciscan monastery founded by MacCarthy More near the Lower Lake of Killarney, a site which an old legend relates was miraculously pointed out.

   Read the passage

   The O'Sullivans appear to have been settled in their new home early in the fourteenth century, as in 1320 we find them founding a Franciscan monastery at Bantry, in which they and many other nobles chose burial places {Annals Four Masters, iii., 523). A century later the line of cleavage between the two families is marked by an entry in the Annals of the Four Masters, iii., 566-7, that O'Sullivan More chose a burial place in another Franciscan monastery founded, by The MacCarthy More, on a site near the Lower Lake of Killarney, which an old legend relates to have been miraculously pointed out. At what time our author's family assumed the cognomen " Bear," I have not been able to ascertain. It first occurs in the Annals of Four Masters under the year 1485. The name is now always spelled O'Sullivan, but our author wrote O'SulWan. The Irish word is O'Suilebhain {O 'Hart's Irish Pedigrees). To count up the various spellings in the patents, etc., of James I. and Elizabeth would be a tedious and profitless task. The deeds of Derring-do, of the historian's father, and the unhappy dissensions in his family, form part of his history, so need not be anticipated here. Apparently the only materials for a biography are contained in O'Sullivan's own works.

   Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 227

10. Standard of the Old Blackpool Horse, 1790

    Blackpool · townland · Cork · 1790

    A unique exhibit at the Cork conversazione was the standard of the Old Blackpool Horse cavalry corps from 1790, described as being in a wonderful state of preservation.

    Read the passage

    The display of exhibits was of an extensive and comprehensive character, and illustrated to a large degree the scope and resources of the joint societies associated with the conversazione. Both the Cork Historical and Archaeological Society, and the Cork Naturalists' Field Club were represented by many exhibitors, whose specimens drawn from nature and art, were antique, rare, or costly. Mr. Robert Day, F.S.A., without whom no exhibitions of the class would be complete, showed the flags of the Cork Volunteers, with the medals and regimental decorations of the First Volunteers of 17S2 and 1796, and many other curiosities. He was only represented by a fraction of his well-known collection, but the selections were very interesting. There were flags of the Cork Volunteers and Yeomanry decorations. Among the Volunteer decorations were the C.B. gold star, and cross and gold medal for Java, given to Lieutenant-Colonel James Watson, of the 1st Battalion 14th Regiment, who led the storming party at Java ; gold medal for Salamanca ; gold medal for the Egyptian campaign of 1S01, given by the Sultan to Robert Fulton, who commanded the 79th Highlanders. A unique exhibit was the standard of the Old Blackpool Horse of 1790, which is in a wonderful of preservation. There were also to be seen in Mr. Day's collection a fine show of early bronze and gold Celtic ornaments. A rare exhibit were the chalices of the Franciscan and Dominican Fathers. These articles, all consecrated, were enclosed in a glass case, and some are of almost priceless value. They included a ciborium, silvergilt, date 1614; chalices, silver-gilt, dates 1610, 1611, 1632, 1639, 1741, etc., from the

    184 CORK HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 112

11. Abbey Owney almost entirely disappeared

    Abington · townland · Limerick

    Of Abbey Owney (Abington), almost nothing can be said as it has almost entirely disappeared, in contrast to the better-preserved ruins of Holy Cross, Kilcooley, and Hore Abbey.

    Read the passage

    The beautiful east windows in the chancel and transept chapels of Kilcooley certainly almost equal those of Holy Cross in elegance, but the nave of the former abbey is a mere barn unadorned by the graceful arcades separating off the side aisles ; however, there is little doubt that Kilcooley formerly had this decoration. As for Abbey Owney, we can say nothing of it, for it has almost entirely disappeared. Hore Abbey has probably nothing particular about it, except perhaps that its east window is not a combination but three separate lancet-lights. In Kilcooley there are some ancient monuments, for the preservation of one of which the chancel is kept roofed ; there are also two one-seated sedilias, one of which is handsomely ornamented and engraved above with two

    escutcheons (Butler and ), but it is not to be compared to the triple

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 151

12. Belfast Field Club's pioneering archaeological work in the north

    near Belfast · city · Antrim

    The Belfast Field Club, flourishing for a quarter century, embraced archaeology and the study of Irish antiquities from its inception. It was credited with doing more for the practical study of the archaeology of the north of Ireland than any other kindred society.

    Read the passage

    In opening the conversazione, Mr. Robert Day, j.p., F.S.A., said by the very merest accident of birth his name had been placed first upon the programme, and that because the society over which he had the honour to preside was a little older than its twin sister the Field Club. He took no credit whatever to himself for the happy union of that evening, as he was away from Cork when all the arrangements were made, and when the idea was commenced by Mr. Copeman. On his having informed him of what had been done his only regret was that the conversazione could not have been continued upon a second day, so that a larger number of the country members of both societies would have been afforded an opportunity of seeing the various collections which had been so generously lent for the occasion. In Belfast a Field Club had flourished for a quarter of a century. He was a member of it for quite that period, and he alluded to it because it embraced from its inception archaeology and the study of Irish antiquities. It held its annual conversaziones, at many of which he had been present, and it gave him pleasure to testify that the Field Club of Belfast had done more for the practical study of the archaeology of the north of Ireland than any other kindred society in the kingdom. He well remembered when the flint flake knife and scraper were unknown in Antrim, until they were sought for and gathered by a few of its members, foremost among whom was their old townsman, Mr. William Gray, who had done more pioneer work for his adopted province than perhaps any other man in it. The section which was developed by the antiquaries grew and flourished. In Antrim, the home of the flint, a county of many lakes and upland plains and hills, and within sight of Scotland, there must have been in pre-historic and early Christian times a larger and more thicklypopulated district than perhaps in any other part of Ireland. This was evidenced by the vast number of stone implements and weapons, flints and arrows, spears and tools, with those of more recent Celtic bronze, which occurred there. Prior to the foundation of the Field Club all these, with few exceptions, were either unheeded, thrown away, or sold to dealers and such like, and were thus lost to the country. Among the outside collectors he had done his share, and continued to do so until the members of the club woke up and in their turn became collectors, and so his occupation in the hunting grounds of Antrim, Down, and Derry came to an end. What that club had done for the north their dual clubs should do for the south. He feared that the name and claims of the Archaeological Society were not so attractive to the general public as were those of the Naturalists' Field Club. He knew a little of the enjoyment of the naturalist, the pleasures of the botanist, the patient study of the student of geology, and the

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 111

13. Bronze sword found in Greenmount tumulus

    Greenmount · townland · Louth

    A bronze sword was discovered in a tumulus in Greenmount townland, referenced in the discussion of County Louth manufactured antiquities. The article notes that such finds are often lost or destroyed by finders.

    Read the passage

    arc only found at rare intervals. The bronze spear found in the tumulus in Ash townland, and the bronze sword in the Greenmount one, has been referred to. Hut unfortunately all articles, if not of intrinsic value, are often thrown away or lost by the finders. Last year a man ploughing in a field, called Carracushin, near the back-gate of Fanevalley, came upon a flagstone, which on bein^" raised disclosed an earthenware jar. This, the most valuable thing, was at once smashed in pieces by the man, who hoped to find a treasure, but there were only bones, and what from the description given by him was a small bronze pin. With the help of the man himself rooting about the place, I was able to recover some fragments of the jar and a few of the bones, but the bronze pin was never found again, though I offered a reward. Mr. Byrne, the firmer who owned the field, had it searched for, but unsuccessfully. These cinerary urns(,) are sometimes found and always contain bones, and generally some article belonging, it may be supposed, to the person whose bones are buried there. The bones are necessarily not entire, but are either broken into fragments, burnt or reduced to powder.

    I hope that any one now present who may hear of any discoveric of these or any other ancient remains will endeavour, as far as possible, to ensure their preservation until they can be deposited in a place of safety. The rules regarding such finds give to the finder a certain and even liberal reward, more than the mere intrinsic value of the article, so that no one need be afraid that he will be a loser who finding any relic 11I past ages entrusts his secret to his nearest antiquarian neighbour, so that no chance may he lost of presen in;', everything that turns up which may throw some light on the history and customs of times hidden from us by the lapse of a;

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 235

14. Cahernarry church and tower antiquities

    Cahernarry (Cripps) · townland · Limerick · 1400

    The graveyard at Cahernarry contains a church tower erected in Bishop Warburton's time and dismantled about thirty years prior, plus a small ivy-covered portion of a church built by Richard White in the early fifteenth century, dedicated to St. Nicholas. The ivy gave rise to the local name 'Puicin'.

    Read the passage

    Cahernarry. — In my note I omitted some items. In the graveyard is the tower belonging to the church, erected in the time of Bishop Warburton, dismantled about thirty years ago. Close to the tower there is a very small portion of the church built by Richard White early in the fifteenth century. This is covered with

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 235

15. Cahirelly castles built by MacClancy and Hynes

    Caherconlish · town · Limerick

    Two castles stood in the parish of Caherconlish: the Black Castle in east Cahirelly, built by MacClancy, has long since tumbled down and its stones removed; the other in west Cahirelly, built by Hynes, remained in good repair. The Black Castle was last occupied by the Wilkinsons, while the Furnells long resided in the other.

    Read the passage

    this church has none of the marks of primitive Irish churches, which were of small size and built of very large stones with very little mortar, and with the doors broader at the bottom by some inches than at the top. Ailbe is believed to have built a church at Cahirelly, but this belief arose perhaps from the incorrect explanation of Cahirelly as the cathair of Albe. There are some very old inscriptions on the tombstones in the graveyard, but it is not easy to decipher them. There were two castles in this parish, the one in east Cahirelly, the Black Castle,(l3) built by MacClancy, tumbled down many years ago, and all the stones have been removed ; the other, in west Cahirelly, built by Hynes, is in good repair.

    Sir William King/'4) who was mayor of Limerick three times, 1665, '78, '79, and also M.P. for the county in 1661, '92, '95, got large grants of forfeited estate in this parish.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 276

16. Donough McCarthy killed by exploding gun-barrel at forge near Kanturk

    Kanturk · town · Cork

    A folklore account tells how Donough McCarthy, a ferocious petty chieftain, was killed at a smith's forge near Kanturk Castle. The smith was forced to make a horseshoe from an old rusty gun-barrel, which exploded when heated, firing a hidden charge that struck McCarthy dead, reportedly fulfilling a prediction by McAuliffe.

    Read the passage

    sudden explosion occurred, alarming all who were present, and Donough McCarthy was seen lying dead of a gunshot wound. The muzzle of the old gun had been unwittingly pointed in his direction, and the fire having heated the metal, a charge which had lain there unknown to the smith had gone off, and thus in a most unexpected manner the prediction of McAuliffe was fulfilled, and Minister was delivered from one of those ferocious petty chieftains whose lawless proceedings inflicted so much misery upon the country.

    260 CORK HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 153

17. Elizabethan confiscations in East Cork

    East Cork · municipal district · Cork · 1579–1603

    Following the Desmond rebellion, the confiscations and English plantations of Elizabeth's reign were almost entirely confined to North Kerry, Limerick, and East Cork. South Kerry and West Cork remained almost exclusively owned by Celtic proprietors down to the 1641 war confiscations.

    Read the passage

    For the student of the wars of Elizabeth's reign it is important to bear in mind this twofold division of South Munster. The rebellions during that period were almost entirely confined to the lords of English origin. It was only during Tyrone's war, and after the Spanish landing at Kinsale, that there was any serious outbreak among the Celtic chiefs ; and even then the principal leaders of the MacCarthys remained loyal. It is, perhaps, owing to this that there is now any Celtic population south of the Shannon. Reading the accounts of the Desmond wars, with their wholesale massacres of women and children, and the famine which followed the ravages of the sword, it would seem that none of the population could have escaped. But during the Desmond war of 1579 the territories of the MacCarthys were, comparatively speaking, undisturbed, and must have afforded a refuge to numberless fugitives from the Geraldine districts given over to fire and sword. So, too, in Tyrone's war, Duhallow, Muskerry, and parts of Kerry, can have suffered very little. After the restoration of peace the Celtic element would naturally spread again over the almost depopulated lands where the Desmonds had ruled. The confiscations and English plantation of Elizabeth's reign, following the Desmond rebellion, were almost entirely confined to North Kerry, Limerick, and East Cork. Down to the confiscations that followed the war of 1641, South Kerry and West Cork were almost exclusively owned by Celtic proprietors.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 211

18. Epitaph with forge implements in Fedamore churchyard

    Fedamore · town · Limerick

    A tombstone in Fedamore churchyard, County Limerick, bears forge implements carved on its upper part and an epitaph reading 'My sledge and hammers are declined, My Bellows, too, has lost his wind, My fires extinguished, My forge decayed, And in the earth my Vice is laid.'

    Read the passage

    Forge implements carved on the top part of tombstone : —

    " My sledge and hammers are declined, My Bellows, too, has lost his wind, My fires extinguished, My forge decayed, And in the earth my Vice is laid."

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 236

19. Escape from the Town Cross during the siege

    North Main Street · street · Cork

    During a siege of Cork, a woman passed through the South Gate and reached the Town Cross in the centre of North Main Street, where she obtained a pass from the commanding general. She then traveled by cart with her children to safely reach her husband in Kinsale.

    Read the passage

    hrough the South Gate "through hundreds of naked swords" on the night of the siege, and at the Town Cross (centre of North Main Street) she got a "pass" from the general in command, by means of which, in a cart, she and her children got safely to her husband at Kinsale. There was near being a more romantic and tragic story in connection with the abbey tower some years ago, but as it was frustrated it need not be told. There was an important discovery made not long ago, for a restless horse poked his foot through the ground of a yard in Cove Street belonging to Mr. John Sisk, builder. On investigation it was found that underground passages and brick arches nine feet high communicated with the Red Abbey. They were filled with dry rubbish, like earth, and I went to see them with Captain Hutson, of the fire brigade. The first antiquity I poked out of the rubbish was a rusty tin teapot with a hole in the bottom, through which was forced a bit of leather to stop a leak. But it was an important clue, for it proved that the passages communicated with sewers or open places on higher ground, such as Abbey Street, and useless articles thrown into them were forced forward by the overweight of tons of rubbish hundreds of yards from where they were thrown in, showing that the old woman's rusty teapot was an important archaeological link in showing from where and to where the passages led out. A dog ran barking after a rat through a passage leading towards the Red Abbey, and though he got safely home to his master, it was not by the way he went, and, of course, he could give no information. Several theories were broached : they were the haunt of smugglers in the old times (they were well suited for that purpose) ; they were wine vaults; they were many other things. But I hold they were the usual mortuary vaults of the abbey, for there were cartloads of bones removed, but no skulls. There are similar brick arches under the surface of French's Bog, and who can say who was the lunatic that had them for wine vaults. Mr. Sisk could not keep his yard open until it was decided whether it was "Tweedle-dum" or "Tweedle-dee," so he closed the passages all but one arch, which he concreted and made a tank of. There are other buildings shown in the Pacata between the Red Abbey and the South Gate, but I know nothing of what they were.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 156

20. Fenian insurgents defeated at Tallaght

    near Tallaght · town · Dublin · 1867

    Sub-Inspector Dominick F. Burke, in command at Tallaght on the night of 5 March, defeated Fenian insurgents. Many were taken prisoners and a large quantity of arms and ammunition was captured.

    Read the passage

    2. Sub-Inspector Dominick F. Burke. In command at Tallaght on the same night, when the Fenian insurgents were defeated, many taken prisoners, and a large quantity of arms and ammunition captured.

    3. Sub-Inspector Oliver Milling, who proceeded on the morning of the 6th of March from Kilfinane to Kilmallock, with a small body of constabulary to the relief of the

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork

21. Head Constable Gale arrests Fenian Captain Mackey in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork

    Head Constable Gale of Cork received the constabulary medal for arresting Captain Mackey, otherwise Lomasney, who commanded the Cork contingent in the Fenian rising. Mackey made a determined resistance and mortally wounded one of the constables accompanying Gale.

    Read the passage

    HIS medal was pinned upon the recipient's breast by Lord Carlisle, when Lord Leutenant of Ireland, at a full parade of the force in the Phcenix Park, Dublin. Head Constable Crowley was for many years stationed in Cork, and during the Young Ireland movement in 1848, and the disturbed times that followed, rendered fearless and signal service to the State as a Peace Officer of the Crown. Among other clever arrests, was that of Terence Bellew McManus, who he made prisoner when attempting to embark in disguise for America. This order of merit is of much rarity, as it is never issued except for signal acts of bravery. It was conferred upon the late Head Constable Gale, of Cork, for arresting Captain Mackey, otherwise Lomasney, who in the Fenian rising commanded the Cork contingent, and who, when arrested, made a determined resistance, mortally wounding one of the constables who accompanied Gale.

    On the 6th of September, 1867, the following officers and men of the Royal Irish Constabulary were presented with medals by the Lady Lieutenant, the Marchioness of Abercorn : —

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 153

22. Holy Cross relic preserved at Blackrock Convent

    near Blackrock · population centre · Cork

    The relic of the true cross originally given to Holy Cross was replaced by a large double cross of rough wood, which is still preserved in the Ursuline Convent at Blackrock, County Cork. It is enshrined in a decorated reliquary featuring symbols of the four evangelists and the crucified Redeemer.

    Read the passage

    holiest of the two monks they found there ; one of the robbers ordered him to display his power by causing a huge tree " to touch the earth with its bowed top ;" the hermit argued that he should not tempt God, but the robber threatened death or obedience, whereupon the huge tree bowed its crest to the earth ; the robbers thinking they would prevent it rising again caught hold of it, but it rose lifting them up just as King Donald appeared on the scene, who ordered the robber's hands to be cut off. This incident forms the subject of the frontispiece of a book written by a monk of the abbey in the seventeenth century, and preserved in the college in Thurles ; the robbers hands are still clinging to the tree, while they hobble maimed about the trunk. On whatever this legend may have been founded, it gave a sanctity to the place which induced King Donald to grant the site of the old cell to the now famous order of Cistercians, while at the same time he bestowed upon the monks " a piece of the true cross," said to have been given by the Pope to his granduncle, King Murtogh, about the year mo. This relic, which was very small, soon disappeared, but was replaced by a large double cross of rough wood; which is still preserved in the Ursuline Convent at Blackrock, county Cork, and of which some account may be seen in the Journal, vol. iii., p. 46. It is enshrined in a decorated reliquary on which appear to be represented the symbols of the four evangelists, the crucified Redeemer, the Virgin and Child, and what may be the arms of Butler and Burke to signify the maker of the reliquary. On account of this relic pilgrimages were made from all parts of the country by all classes to Holy Cross. It is marvellous how it escaped the iconoclasm of the Reformation, for it was looked upon by the reformers as " that idol whom the Irish nation more superstitiously reverence than all the other idolatries in Ireland." Such was the popular reverence for it that for more than a century after the lands of the abbey were granted to the Earl of Ormonde, at a rent of ^15 10s. 4d., the monks continued to be maintained in the building apparently by the alms of the people.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 150

23. Hore Abbey east window design

    Hore Abbey · ecclesiastical site · Tipperary

    Hore Abbey's east window is notable for being three separate lancet-lights rather than a combination, distinguishing it from the other Cistercian abbeys discussed.

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    The beautiful east windows in the chancel and transept chapels of Kilcooley certainly almost equal those of Holy Cross in elegance, but the nave of the former abbey is a mere barn unadorned by the graceful arcades separating off the side aisles ; however, there is little doubt that Kilcooley formerly had this decoration. As for Abbey Owney, we can say nothing of it, for it has almost entirely disappeared. Hore Abbey has probably nothing particular about it, except perhaps that its east window is not a combination but three separate lancet-lights. In Kilcooley there are some ancient monuments, for the preservation of one of which the chancel is kept roofed ; there are also two one-seated sedilias, one of which is handsomely ornamented and engraved above with two

    escutcheons (Butler and ), but it is not to be compared to the triple

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 151

24. Kilpeacon House and Sir William King's estate

    Kilpeacon · townland · Limerick · 1706–1851

    Sir William King died in 1706 at Kilpeacon House, situated close to a castle built by the Burkes. His property descended through grandnephews to Joseph Crips of Edwardstown, who took the name Villiers. The Kilpeacan estate was sold in 1851 in the Incumbered Estates' Court and bought by Major Gavan.

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    (m) Sir William King was governor of Limerick in 1690, and was made prisoner by the Irish, but escaped in August, 1691, and joined Ginckle at Caherconlish, to whom he gave important information. Sir William King married Barbara, daughter of Dr. Boyle, bishop of Cork. Hediedin 1706 at Kilpcacon House, which is situated close to the castle, which was built by the Burkes. Sir William King having no issue, his property descended to his grandnephews, Richard and Edward Villiers, who also dying without issue, Joseph Crips, of Edwardstown, near Balfyneety, inherited it, and took the name of Villiers. The Kilpeacan estate was sold in 1851 in the Incumbered Estates' Court, and was bought by Major Gavan, Kilpeacan, " St. Becan's Church.''

    O5) The tradition that giants were buried in these "leabthacha" has prevailed in Ireland at any rate for eleven centuries. In the Book of Armagh, which is thought to belong to the eighth century, it is mentioned that St. Patrick was once passing near a "giant's grave," when some of his followers, anticipating our antiquaries of the nineteenth century, expressed their unbelief that a giant was really buried in the grave. St, Patrick, however, to prove the truth of the old tradition," confronted the sci with the giant whom he raised from his bed, and who spoke the following words : — Ego sum Mace mate Cais maicc Giais qui fui subulcus Rig Lugir, rig hi Rotie; j'ugulavit me Flan mac maicc Con in regno Con pre nitli fer — " I am the grandson oi the son of Glas, who was a swineherd to King Lugir, a king in Rotius ; Flan, the grandson of Con, slew me in the kingdom of Cairbre, the heroic man."

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 276

25. Lord Philip Hodnet of Great Island slain in battle, 1329

    near Great Island · townland · Cork · 1329

    In 1329, John FitzRobert Keating, Lord Philip Hodnet of the Great Island, and Hugh Condon were slain in battle by the Harrys and Roches in Cork county.

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    In 1329 John FitzRobert Keating, Lord Philip Hodnet, of the Great

    Island, and Hugh Condon, were slain in battle by the Harrys and Roches

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 277

26. Macroom Castle's strategic inaccessibility in Tudor era

    Macroom · town · Cork · 1199–1603

    Macroom Castle was said to have been an English outpost during the reign of King John. By Elizabethan times, it was considered almost inaccessible to an English army and served as a strong strategic position for the MacCarthys at easy striking distance from Cork, Mallow, and Castlemaine.

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    The relative positions of the two countries will go far to explain why the MacCarthys, in spite of their division into several branches often more hostile to one another than to the common enemy, resisted successfully the constant attacks of the Geraldincs. Their territories formed a compact mass projecting into the country of their enemies, and were besides of great natural strength. The straggling form of the Geraldinc kinds made it impossible for the Earls of Desmond to concentrate their forces on one point without leaving their frontier exposed to an enemy with a much shorter distance to traverse. A force at Macroom was at easy striking distance of Cork, or Mallow, or Castlemaine, while if the Fitzgeralds had assembled their fighting men near Cork it would be impossible to move them to protect their Kerry lands, except by a dash through the heart of the hostile country. And so we find that the Irish elans, who, according to some writers of Elizabeth's time, had been in the thirteenth century confined to a small district in West Cork and South Kerry, were gradually extending their boundaries during the fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. Macroom Castle, for instance, said to have been an English outpost in the reign of John, was in Elizabeth's time looked on as almost inaccessible to an English army.

    364 CORK HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 211

27. Muskerry spared during Tyrone's war

    near Muskerry · street · Cork · 1593–1603

    During Tyrone's war, the territories of Duhallow and Muskerry, along with parts of Kerry, suffered very little compared to other regions. After the restoration of peace, the Celtic element naturally spread again over the almost depopulated lands where the Desmonds had ruled.

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    For the student of the wars of Elizabeth's reign it is important to bear in mind this twofold division of South Munster. The rebellions during that period were almost entirely confined to the lords of English origin. It was only during Tyrone's war, and after the Spanish landing at Kinsale, that there was any serious outbreak among the Celtic chiefs ; and even then the principal leaders of the MacCarthys remained loyal. It is, perhaps, owing to this that there is now any Celtic population south of the Shannon. Reading the accounts of the Desmond wars, with their wholesale massacres of women and children, and the famine which followed the ravages of the sword, it would seem that none of the population could have escaped. But during the Desmond war of 1579 the territories of the MacCarthys were, comparatively speaking, undisturbed, and must have afforded a refuge to numberless fugitives from the Geraldine districts given over to fire and sword. So, too, in Tyrone's war, Duhallow, Muskerry, and parts of Kerry, can have suffered very little. After the restoration of peace the Celtic element would naturally spread again over the almost depopulated lands where the Desmonds had ruled. The confiscations and English plantation of Elizabeth's reign, following the Desmond rebellion, were almost entirely confined to North Kerry, Limerick, and East Cork. Down to the confiscations that followed the war of 1641, South Kerry and West Cork were almost exclusively owned by Celtic proprietors.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 211

28. O'Ryan of Owney in Limerick and Tipperary

    Owney and Arra · barony · Tipperary

    O'Ryan ruled Owney, a country located in the modern counties of Limerick and Tipperary, under the authority of O'Brien of Thomond. He probably also acknowledged the authority of the Earls of Desmond when it suited.

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    Within the territories we have assigned to the Desmonds there were some districts still ruled by Irish chiefs. In North Kerry most of the barony of Iraght-i-Connor was held by O'Connor Kerry, who in Tudor times, at least, was a vassal of the earls ; so, too, was O'Brien of Coonagh, in Limerick. O'Brien of Poble Brien, a small but rich country close to Limerick city, was under his great kinsman O'Brien of Thomond, as was also O'Ryan of Owney, a country in the modern counties of Limerick and Tipperary. They probably, however, when occasion suited, acknowledged also the authority of the earls. Finally, in the east of Limerick and west of Tipperary, the Burkes of Clanwilliam tried to keep their freedom against both the Earls of Ormonde and of Desmond. To make

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 210

29. Singland prophecy of the final battle between Gael and Saxon

    Singland · townland · Limerick

    A local tradition holds that the last battle between the Gael and the Saxon will be fought at Singland, where the Saxon will be defeated with dreadful slaughter and driven from Ireland. The sign that this is the final battle will be a man with six fingers on his right hand rushing out to seize the English general's bridle.

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    ivy, which probably is the reason why the people call it Puicin, which means "a cover for blindfolding the eyes." Puic also means " a bribe, for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise." This church was dedicated to St. Nicholas. Up to the time of the disestablishment of the Church, Cahernarry was a perpetual curacy in the gift of the Dean of Limerick, and this arose from the fact that Robert of Emly, bishop of Limerick, 1 25 1- 1 272, gave to Thomas Wodeford, dean of Limerick, and his successors the benefices of Carnarthy and Rathsiward in 1253. Rathsiward, or Rathurd, lay between Donaghmore and Limerick, and took its name from the old fort whose history I have given. In Rathurd there was an important monastery, but no traces of ecclesiastical buildings are now visible, and the parish is merged in that of St. Nicholas. The incumbent of Cahernarry, Rev. G. M. Luther, has informed me that a few years ago, when some repairs were carried out at the glebe house of Cahernarry, a piece of oak, hard as iron, was found in the roof, on which was marked 1746. An old man also told me that the English army under King William encamped on Cahernarry hill, and that he saw traces of the camp there. North of Rathurd is Singland, corrupted from Sain Aingeal, " a different angel," because a different angel from the one named Victor, who usually attended St. Patrick, appeared to him here. After the battle of Sulchoit, near Limerick Junction, Mathgamhain and Brian pursued the Danes to Limerick, which they captured a.d. 968. "The whole of the captives were collected on the hills of Saingel, and every one of them that was fit for war was killed, and every one of them that was fit for a slave was enslaved." — Cogadh Gaedhel Re Gailaibh. At Singland, I have often heard, is to be fought the last battle between the Gael and the Saxon, when the latter will be defeated with dreadful slaughter, and driven out of Ireland for good. The sign given that this battle will be the final one is that a man with six fingers on his right hand will rush from the Irish ranks and seize the bridle of the English general's horse.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 236

30. Sir Thomas Norris mortally wounded at Kilteely, 1599

    Kilteely · town · Limerick · 1599

    In 1599 Sir Thomas Norris, president of Munster, was mortally wounded in a skirmish with Thomas Burke of Castleconnell, fought at Kilteely. He died a few days later at Mallow.

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    ('6) In the Tripartite it is stated that when St. Patrick was in the territory of Ara Cliach, a district which comprised Knockaney, Kilteely, Doon and Cullen, he built a church at Kill-teidhill (Kilteely). In 1599 Sir Thomas Norris, president of Munster, was mortally wounded in a skirmish with Thomas Burke, of Castleconnell, fought at Kilteely. He died a few days after at Mallow.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 276

31. Sir William King joined Ginckle at Caherconlish, 1691

    Caherconlish · town · Limerick · 1690–1691

    Sir William King, thrice mayor of Limerick and M.P. for the county, received large grants of forfeited estate in the parish. Having been made prisoner by the Irish in 1690, he escaped in August 1691 and joined Ginckle at Caherconlish, giving him important information.

    Read the passage

    (m) Sir William King was governor of Limerick in 1690, and was made prisoner by the Irish, but escaped in August, 1691, and joined Ginckle at Caherconlish, to whom he gave important information. Sir William King married Barbara, daughter of Dr. Boyle, bishop of Cork. Hediedin 1706 at Kilpcacon House, which is situated close to the castle, which was built by the Burkes. Sir William King having no issue, his property descended to his grandnephews, Richard and Edward Villiers, who also dying without issue, Joseph Crips, of Edwardstown, near Balfyneety, inherited it, and took the name of Villiers. The Kilpeacan estate was sold in 1851 in the Incumbered Estates' Court, and was bought by Major Gavan, Kilpeacan, " St. Becan's Church.''

    O5) The tradition that giants were buried in these "leabthacha" has prevailed in Ireland at any rate for eleven centuries. In the Book of Armagh, which is thought to belong to the eighth century, it is mentioned that St. Patrick was once passing near a "giant's grave," when some of his followers, anticipating our antiquaries of the nineteenth century, expressed their unbelief that a giant was really buried in the grave. St, Patrick, however, to prove the truth of the old tradition," confronted the sci with the giant whom he raised from his bed, and who spoke the following words : — Ego sum Mace mate Cais maicc Giais qui fui subulcus Rig Lugir, rig hi Rotie; j'ugulavit me Flan mac maicc Con in regno Con pre nitli fer — " I am the grandson oi the son of Glas, who was a swineherd to King Lugir, a king in Rotius ; Flan, the grandson of Con, slew me in the kingdom of Cairbre, the heroic man."

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 276

32. Smarmore entrenchments linked to Queen Medb's camps

    Smarmore · townland · Louth

    The entrenchments at Smarmore are suggested to have surrounded the camps of Queen Medb and her chiefs. Eugene O'Curry derives the name Smarmore from a word signifying a 'marrow bath,' connecting it to Cuchullain's healing of his wounded ally Cethern.

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    into my mind that I was looking at the entrenchments which once surrounded the camps of Queen Medb and her chiefs ; and the fact that Mr. Eugene O'Curry {Manners and Customs of the Ancient Irish, vol. iii., p. 10 1 ) derives Smarmore from a word signifying a marrow bath, and that Cuchullain had used this as a means of healing his wounded friend and ally, Cethern, connected the place with these events in my imagination, and I think there is some ground for the supposition.

    Another place connected with the same time is Barmeath. It used to be spelt Barne and Berne-Meath, which the writers of the Ordnance Letters derive, not improbably, from two Irish words signifying "Medb's Gap." This, if true, would be another link with The Cattle Prey of Cuailgne. But most of the names of rivers and places mentioned in the tale have long ago disappeared, and it is hardly possible will ever be identified.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 234

33. Souterrain Entrance at Kilberehert

    Kilberehert · townland · Kerry

    The entrance to the underground chambers at Kilberehert rath is located sixty-one feet from the southernmost point of the interior floor. The passage slopes downwards and is built of rough field stones without mortar, covered by large flat stone slabs.

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    structure of the kind. Sixty-one feet from the southernmost point of the interior floor of the rath, measured along a diameter pointing north, is an entrance leading to underground chambers.

    The general appearance of the entrance is shown in the subjoined illustration, made from a photo, taken with a camera pointing downwards at an angle of nearly forty-five degrees, and close to the mouth of the entrance.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 242