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. Diamond Quarry amethyst fever near Blackrock Road

   near Blackrock · population centre · Cork

   The Diamond Quarry, located behind Cleve Hill on the Blackrock Road, sparked a sensation when people believed they found amethysts and diamonds. The 'amethysts' were quartz coloured with manganese oxide and the 'diamonds' were white quartz or rock crystal.

   Read the passage

   I gathered shells or shellfish on the present Park with other little boys and girls, and it was a very happy time. There was a sunken yacht in the mud near the 1 >; Quarry, into which we contrived to get at low water. The Diamond Quarry Sensation made a great noise at one time, as many people had big "finds" of purple or pink amethysts or even diamonds; it was something like gold fever. Alas! the amethysts were quartz, coloured with black oxide of manganese ; the diamonds were white quartz or rock crystal. I had millions' of pounds worth of them in my possession at one time, it they were ol any value, but they were not, though very beautiful rock crystals. The Diamond Quarry is back of Cleve Hill, on the Blackrock Road. I was a married man at the opening to the public ol Victoria Park in the summer of 1854; no, there

   488 CORK HISTORICAL AND ARCH/EOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

   Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 282

2. Final years with Thomas Keane at Shanagarry

   Shanagarry · town · Cork

   Daniel Callaghan lived for fifteen years with his last master, Mr. Thomas Keane of Shanagarry, acting as huntsman and riding and training horses up to the age of 100. Queen Victoria accepted his photograph and sent a gratuity of £5 in 1868.

   Read the passage

   master was Mr. Hedges Eyre, of Macroom Castle, whose hounds he hunted for nine seasons, before he entered the service ol Mr. Power, of Clonmult, whose pack he hunted for thirty-seven seasons. He filled a similar post for four years to Mr. Boles, of Springfield, and for fifteen years lie lived with his last master, Mr. Thomas K of Shanagarry. He acted as huntsman to Mr. Keane for some years, and up to the age of 100 rode and trained horses for him, after which he went to reside near Clonmult, where he died in 1874, aged m years. In 1S6S her Majesty the Queen was graciously pleased to accept his photograph, and sent him a gratuity of ^5. Poor Dan! he was a first-rate horseman and won several steeplechases. There was no

   2%6

   Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 138

3. Foot companies stationed at Mallow during rebellion

   Mallow · town · Cork

   During the rebel army's advance, the foot companies were all in the town of Mallow, five miles from the camp. The Lord President repaired to Mallow as it grew dark and country people flocked to the rebel side.

   Read the passage

   The first of Mungarrett's huge multitude and many pikes which made as great a show as a spacious wood adjoyning to them nothing daunted the aforesaid Lords and Captaynes nor any of their troupers, for I protest unto you there was not a man in our army but had a desire to have fought with them, and the rather because wee expected them long, and suffered many of us much want, yet I dare say they were twenty for one Odds enough they had, yet they durst not descend the hill, and come unto us in the playne wee did encampe [6] not much above muskett shott from them ; we had not any of our foot companyics in the field that day, they were all in the Townc of Mallow, five miles from our Campe, to which place my Lord President thought good to make his repayre, it being almost night and the countrcy people were flocking into Mungarrett's Army.

   When we came to Donnorayle my Lord President left Lieur-tucnant

   Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 172

4. French fleet sighted off Bantry Bay

   near Bantry Bay · bay · Cork · 1796–1797

   On 23 December 1796, news reached Cork of a strong French fleet sighted off Bantry Bay. By 30 December, several French ships entered the bay and landed hundreds of men, but a strong easterly gale dispersed the fleet and all ships had left by 5 January 1797.

   Read the passage

   The names of such of the members as were then enrolled, and who continued in the 1st troop of Muskerry Cavalry down to 1804, appear on pp. 2, 3 of the present volume. A fuller list in 1799 will appear further on. The orderly books of the corps before 1803 are not known to be now in existence. On 3rd December, 1796, the "gentlemen and yeomen" of East and West Muskerry met again at Macroom, and settled on their plans for keeping the country quiet, and preventing persons from joining the French on their expected descent on the coast of Ireland — a very necessary precaution, for Great Britain, being then at war with France, Spain, and I lolland, had few regular troops to spare for service in Ireland. What the work of the yeomanry was likely then to be, is shown by the capture about that time of an American vessel laden with arms and warlike stores, intended to be landed in this country ; she had on board " twenty thousand stand of arms, sixteen brass cannon with carriages, tumbrils, and every appurtenance for field service, with camp equipage for twenty thousand men." This capture happened opportunely, for on Friday, 23rd December, news reached Cork of a strong French fleet being sighted off Bantry bay. What followed then resembles what happened in England on the news of the Spanish Armada being sighted off the south coast of England ; all citizens capable of bearing arms enrolled themselves among the Loyal Cork Legion, or the Royal Cork Volunteers, who undertook the defence of the city, and sent off members to the different towns in Minister to order in the military there

   Augustus-Louis-Carre Warren, eldest son of Sir Robert Warren, first baronet, so created in 1 7S4. Augustus succeeded as second baronet in 181 1 ; he was M.P. for Cork city 1783-1790, and the first captain of the Muskerry corps. He died in 1821, and was succeeded by his son, Sir Augustus, third baronet, who was captain of the corps when re-embodied in 1822.

   Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 120

5. Gold search at Rathurd fort and its souterrain

   Rathurd · townland · Limerick

   A tradition held that gold was hidden in the old fort of Rath Arda Suird (Rathurd). Searchers were said to have dug it out and found a subterranean passage leading toward the nearby castle, but no gold. Locals considered the fruitless search just punishment for interfering with the fort.

   Read the passage

   but too well, treat him to copious draughts, and then get him to dig the first sod. This was done, and Rath Arda Suird was dug out ; no gold was found, but my informant told me that the searchers came upon a passage leading in the direction of the castle, which is close by. This was one of those subterranean chambers or passages to be found in the interior of many forts constructed both for habitation and defensive purposes, and to which the term souterrain is generally applied. DuaUl MacFirbis terms these soileur, no TeagJiass fa tJialnihain, " cellars, or closets underground." " When they got into this," the old chap said, " they considered they had the world of gold, but they got nothing, and served them right," said he, " for interfering with the fort." " But what happened to the gunner from Limerick ?" I asked him ; but he did not know. And there is the story of the old fort of Rath Arda Suird from which the townland is called Rathurd, and the old castle Rathurd Castle. The people consider that the word " sord " means soldier or warrior, and tell some legend about this soldier. In CogadJt GaedJiel Re Gallaibh, xl. 17, the word "suartlcach" occurs, which Dr. Todd renders soldier. As the meaning of " sord " has been lost the peoples' explanation of the word will be of interest.

   Xow it is time to return to Caherconlish. The field south of " Ea Dook " was where William III. and General Ginckle encamped when they visited Caherconlish. Through the middle of this field there is the track of an old road, now hardly distinguishable, called "the King's Road." The field south of this is named " Park Aphroinnse" (the prince's field), and in this field still stand the walls of an old house,(6) the former residence of the Frend family, in which King William slept during his two nights' stay in Caherconlish.

   Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 206

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Rathurd stands the old fort people once called Rath Arda Suird. The tradition was that gold lay hidden in it. A man was treated to copious draughts, and then got to dig the first sod. The fort was dug out, and no gold was found. But the searchers came upon a passage leading in the direction of the castle, which stands close by. This was one of those subterranean chambers or passages to be found in the interior of many forts, constructed for habitation and defensive purposes, and the term souterrain is generally applied to them. Duald MacFirbis called them soileur, meaning cellars or closets underground. The old man who told the story said, "When they got into this, they considered they had the world of gold, but they got nothing, and served them right for interfering with the fort." When asked what happened to the gunner from Limerick, he did not know. The old fort gave its name to Rathurd, and the old castle is Rathurd Castle. The people consider that the word "sord" means soldier or warrior, and they tell some legend about this soldier. In Cogadh Gaedhil re Gallaibh, the word "suartlach" occurs, which Dr. Todd renders as soldier. The meaning of "sord" has been lost, and the people's explanation of the word is of interest.

6. Kanturk Castle and the seven Johns legend

   Kanturk · town · Cork · 1558–1603

   Kanturk Castle, built by Donough McCarthy during Elizabeth's reign, is a three-story quadrangular fortress of brown stone and limestone. It is called Carraig-na-Shan-seor after a legend that seven masons all named Shane or John were forced to work without wages.

   Read the passage

   About a mile from the town or village, a tiny tributary called the Brogucen joins the Dualloa, and at the distance of two fields from this rivulet stands Kanturk Castle, which was built (but never completed) in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. This edifice, raised by an overbearing and savage chieftain, Donough McCarthy, was built in a quadrangle, three stories high (one hundred and twenty feet long by eighty in width), of common brown stone, with the windows, mouldings and coigns of dressed limestone. It went by the name of Carn'^-na-S/iaiii-sctor, or " the rock of the court of the seven masons named John," owing to a legend that seven masons employed there all happened to have the same name, Shane or John, and that they were also forced by Donough McCarthy to work without any wages. There was, besides, another tradition that this brutal chief stopped all wayfarers and compelled them to labour at his castle until they dropped down dead from fatigue and starvation. Not satisfied even then, McCarthy caused the blood of these poor victims to be mixed with the mortar used to cement the stones of the building.

   (')The Duallo, or Oom Duala, signifies the "double stream," while Alloa means the "echoing river." The land in the vicinity is excellent. — Smith's History of Cork, xo\. i.

   Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 152

7. Lord Broghill relieves Osborne's Castle, retreats to Lismore

   Lismore · town · Waterford · 1642

   Lord Broghill relieved Sir Richard Osborne's besieged castle, killing two hundred rebels, and brought Osborne home with him to Lismore. The writer had been with Lord Broghill in March when they put hundreds of rebels to flight at the same castle.

   Read the passage

   My Lord of Broghill relieved Sir Richard Osborne's Castle and brought him home with him to Lismore very lately and killed two hundred of the Rebels which had besieged the castle, I believe they will never besige that Castle any more, because they have had such ill success, for I was with my Lord in the beginning of March last when wee put many hundreds of them to flight, they had besieged it then, and killed many of them and took some prisoners.

   These were killed by the Lord of Inchaquin's troupe and others, they say for certayne that came out of the County of Corke 400 of the Rebels and they took 4 ensigns and 3 drummers from them, with a great deal of good pillage : but there is great doubt of keeping of them, if speedy helpe bee not presently sent over, for the Rebels are very strong in the County of Limbricke and have threatened not to be long away from the County of Corke.

   Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 179

8. Lough Muskry dragon prophecy and the harper Cliach

   near Lough Muskry · lake or lakes · Tipperary

   According to legend, Lough Muskry originated when a harper named Cliach stood so long on one spot that the ground burst under his feet. A prophecy tells of a fiery dragon thrown into the lake, destined to emerge at the end of the world.

   Read the passage

   Some Stray Notes. — The curious legend of the impatient serpent has obtained a wide circulation. I heard it years ago in Cork, and an old native of Caherconlish told it to me lately. The legend may have originated from an old prophecy which O'Curry (Lect. on MS. Materials, 426) translates from Leabhar Mor Duna Doighre. " Loch Bel Sead, or the ' lake of the jewel mouth,' was called also Loch Bel Dragain, or the ' dragon mouth lake '; because Ternog's nurse caught a fiery dragon in the shape of a salmon, and St. Fursa induced her to throw it into Loch Bel Sead. And it is that dragon will come in the festival of St. John, near the end of the world, in the reign of Flann Cinaidh. And it is of it and out of it shall grow the Fiery Bolt which will kill three-fourths of the people of the world." Loch Bel Sead is now called Lough Muskry, from the old territory of Muscraidhe Ui Chuirc, in which it is situated. This lake originated, according to the legend, from the playing of a harper named Cliach. He stood so long on one spot, that the ground burst under his feet. The old name of the Galtee mountains is Crotta Cliach, or the "harps of Cliach." The fiery dragon will begin his course at Dun Cearmna, or Old Head of Kinsale, and will flash as far as Sruibh Brain, or Lough Foyle. The reign of Flann Cinaidh (voracious) will be a momentous one for Cork, for during it also will come the broom out of Fanait, in Donegal, which will bring direful woe to the people of Cork.

   Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 52

9. MacCarthy lords converted Muskerry clan lands to private ownership

   near Muskerry · street · Cork

   The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth lords of Muskerry successively surrendered clan lands to the Crown as if personally owned, receiving regrants that diverted ownership from the clan to themselves. They transformed from chieftains over clansmen under Tanist law into landlords collecting money rents.

   Read the passage

   (4) Donogh MacCormac (oge) MacCarthy, eighteenth lord of Muskerry, son of Cormac oge MacCormac MacCarthy, seventeenth lord, who is shown in the pedigree of the family published at p. 193 of vol. i. of this Journal (1st series), to illustrate an article on the " Sept Lands of Muskerry." The seventeenth lord and his father, Cormac, the sixteenth lord, had followed the example of the fourteenth lord — the famous Sir Cormac MacTeige MacCarthy; and, by successive surrenders of the clan lands, as if their own, to the Crown, and subsequent regrants from the Crown to themselves, had diverted the ownership of the lands from the clan to themselves, and became landlords receiving rents in money, instead of chieftains over clansmen — their status under Tanist law. Donogh's father, Cormac Oge, had been created in 1628 Baron of Blarney and Viscount of Muskerry. Donogh was the second viscount ; and having joined in this civil war, 1641-52, became commander of the Munster forces of the "rebels." He was exiled to the Continent by the Parliament, but afterwards assisted in the Restoration of King Charles II., by whom he was, in 1658, created Earl of Clancarty. His grandson, also called Donogh, fourth earl, joined the losing side of King James II. in his contest with William of Orange, and was taken prisoner at the capture of Cork, 29th September, 1690, and was contined in the Tower, but escaped to France. He was outlawed; but was subsequently pardoned by King William, who allowed him a pension of ,£300 a-year. His estates in Muskerry, i.e. the landlord rights filched a century before from the clan, were forfeited and sold in Dublin to various purchasers in 1702-3.

   Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 15

10. Murder of Timothy MacCarthy at Currabeha, Inniscarra, 1799

    Inishcarra · parish · Cork · 1799

    Timothy MacCarthy, a proctor renting tithes in Inniscarra parish, was murdered at his house in Currabeha on 19 January 1799 after killing one assailant. The Muskerry Cavalry pursued and arrested numerous suspects, several of whom were hanged.

    Read the passage

    The year 1799 was one in which plans for the coming Union between Ireland and Great Britain were much discussed, the opinions for and against it following very much the religions of the disputants. The compiler of the materials from which the present paper is derived records his opinion that it might have been " carried this year in spite of the utmost opposition of the Roman Catholics, but that Lord Cornwallis thought otherwise, and conducted himself accordingly in the government of this kingdom." The duties of the Muskerry Cavalry this year were wholly police duties, chiefly concerned with some atrocious murders. The first was that of Mr. Timothy MacCarthy/^ of Currabeha, parish of Inniscarra, whose house was attacked on Saturday night, 19th January, and the door was soon forced open. Mr. MacCarthy fired at the assailants and killed one, on which he was dragged into his garden and received several stabs, and finally had his head beaten in. After this, Michael MacCarthy, an old man in the house, was also killed. Mrs. MacCarthy was compelled to give up her keys, whereon the house was searched and all valuables were taken, and bonds and promissory notes and other documents (the probable motive for the attack) were destroyed, and the assailants did not leave till they had eaten and drank all provisions and spirits in the house. The Muskerry corps were quickly in pursuit, and on the next Monday had arrested and lodged in gaol eleven of those implicated in the murders ; and on 6th March, another named Redmond Geary, and on the 2 1st they took twenty-seven more, some of whom turned approvers. Next day, aided by a detachment of the Berwickshire Cavalry, and acting on secret information, they searched Glounthane, in the north of Donoughmore parish, and arrested two, named Cotter, out of three whom they were searching for. Several of the persons arrested were afterwards hung. The country was at this time very much disturbed owing to hopes of a renewed landing of the French, and a fleet of forty ships of war was got ready at Portsmouth to oppose them ; and on the 16th of March the county of Cork was proclaimed as being disturbed " owing to the recent atrocities" (murders, houghing cattle, etc.) therein, and all householders were directed to put on their doors a list of the inmates, of

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 123

11. Muskerry Legion Yeomanry Cavalry established at Macroom

    Macroom · town · Cork · 1796–1806

    The First Troop of the Muskerry Legion of Yeomanry Cavalry was banded together in October 1796, headquartered at Macroom, with forty-four men initially enrolled. Their duties included patrolling the country at night, carrying despatches between Cork and Bantry, and maintaining military readiness for potential foreign service.

    Read the passage

    The book commences with a list of the men and the dates of their enrollment, and embodies a record of each day's work down to February 24th, 1806, when it abruptly ends. A few extracts will show in what consisted the daily routine of the mounted Yeoman's life during the first year of the present century. Banded together in October, 1796, their roll call numbered forty-four, when, in the following December, the French made their descent on Bantry and struck terror and alarm into the peaceful inhabitants of the city and county of Cork, which practically undefended was alone preserved by the providential interposition of the Almighty from the inroads of a foreign and hostile soldiery. The names of those who formed this troop are eminently representative ; men of equally good family were found in the ranks of the troop as among those who were their chosen and elected leaders. The duties that they were called upon to perform consisted chiefly in patrolling the country at night, acting as peace officers in bringing law-breakers to justice, carrying despatches from their head-quarters in Macroom to Cork, at one extremity, and to Bantry at the other, and by daily exercise and drill keeping themselves in a state of such soldierly efficiency that their services were counted by the Government for foreign duty. Here follows a list of the troop —

    Name and Rank.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 12

12. Richard Townsend at the Battle of Knockanass

    Knocknanuss · townland · Cork · 1647–1649

    Richard Townsend, the patriarch of the Cork Townsends and an officer in the Irish Army under Lord Inchiquin, was present at the battle of Knockanass near Mallow in 1647. He was later made prisoner in 1649 for offering to join the Parliament side.

    Read the passage

    The patriarch of the Cork Townsends ; supposed to be of English origin ; an officer in the Irish Army under Lord Inchiquin ; was at the battle of Knockanass, near Mallow, 1647; made prisoner for offering to join the Parliament side in 1649, and on his release sailed for New Ross to meet Cromwell, and meeting him at Dungarvan handed to him the keys of Cork ; a purchaser and grantee of forfeited lands, including Castle Townsend ; commanded the Carbery militia, 1666 ; high sheriff Cork county, 1671. He died July, 1692, leaving issue. {Sec Bryan Townsend.)

    Townsend, Richard, of Castle Townsend.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 191

13. Rinuccini hosted at Ardtully Castle by MacFinneen, 1645

    Ardtully · townland · Kerry · 1645

    In 1645, Donagh MacCarthy (MacFinneen) of Ardtully Castle near Kenmare entertained Rinuccini, the papal nuncio and Prince of Fermo, along with twenty-two Italians. Donagh was described as the lord of the circumjacent country called Glenaroughty, a dignity that devolved on the male heir by immemorial Irish custom.

    Read the passage

    The MacFinneen at that time was Donagh MacCarthy, a noble singularly distinguished for his man}' excellences, of the royal and most ancient family of the MacCarthies, etc. All were hospitably entertained in Ardtully by the MacFinneen and his excellent wife Catherine MacCarthy, daughter of Lord Muskerry, etc."

    Donogh was father to Colonel Donal MacFinneen, who fell at Aughrim, and who, on the nth April, 1 69 1 , with Brigadier Story, part 2, Carroll and Colonel MacCarthy, commanded fifteen hundred men at Enniskeen.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 126

14. Siege of Ballyallia Castle using a military sow

    Ballyallia · townland · Clare

    A 'sow' (a mobile military shelter) was used in the siege of Ballyally Castle in County Clare around the time of the 1641 rebellion. This was noted as a remarkable survival of the ancient mode of attack against castles defended by cannon and hand-guns.

    Read the passage

    (14) This preparation of sows for the attack of a castle defended by cannon and hand-guns is a remarkable survival of the ancient mode of attack, but it must be remembered that the cannon of the besieged was mounted on a platform on the top of the Great Castle, and could not bear on the sozv close under the walls. A sow was actually used about this time at the siege of Ballyally Castle, in county Clare (see Narratives Illustrative of Hie Contests in Ireland in 1C41 and 1690; edited for the len Society by Thomas Crofton Croker, in 1S41).

    {To be continued.)

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 21

15. Sir William St. Leger's castle and town of Doneraile burned, 1641

    Doneraile · townland · Cork · 1641

    Sir William St. Leger, lord president of Munster and M.P. for Cork County, was actively engaged in suppressing the 1641 disturbances in Munster, during which his castle and town of Doneraile were burned to the ground. He had previously built the church of Doneraile in 1633.

    Read the passage

    Eldest son of Sir Warham St. Leger, by the Hon. Ursula Nevill, daughter of Lord Abergavenny. Was M.P. also for Kilmallock, 1639. Had grants from James I. of lands in several counties; lord president of Munster, 1627; a privy councillor; sergeantmajor-general of the army at Carrickfergus, 1640; actively engaged in suppressing the disturbances in Munster, 1641, during which his castle and town of Doneraile were burned to the ground; built the church of Doneraile, 1633. In reference to the state of affairs in England in 1642, he wrote thus touchingly to the lord justice, the Earl of Ormonde : — " It grieves me beyond any earthly sorrow for the great distance and difference betwixt His Majesty and the Parliament ; and if all the measures of the times, joined with my long and violent sickness, were not of force to subject me to the grave, yet the sorrow for these unhappy variances would crack a much stronger heart than your servant hath now left him ; but God Almighty puts new vigour into me."

    He married Gertrude Wright de Viries, of Lower Germany, and had issue four sons and one daughter (see John and Hayward St. Leger). His son William fell at the battle of Newbury, 1644.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 161

16. Spanish landing at Kinsale sparks Celtic uprising

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1601

    During Tyrone's war, the Spanish landing at Kinsale triggered a serious outbreak among the Celtic chiefs, unlike earlier rebellions which were confined to lords of English origin. The principal leaders of the MacCarthys, however, largely remained loyal.

    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

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Kinsale, in Cork. In the wars of Elizabeth's reign, South Munster had a twofold division that matters if you want to understand what happened here. The rebellions during that period were almost entirely confined to the lords of English origin. It was only during Tyrone's war, after the Spanish landed at Kinsale in 1601, that there was any serious outbreak among the Celtic chiefs. And even then, the principal leaders of the MacCarthys stayed loyal. The writer says that is perhaps why there is any Celtic population left south of the Shannon. Reading the accounts of the Desmond wars, with their wholesale massacres of women and children, and the famine that followed the sword, it would seem none of the people could have escaped. But during the Desmond war of 1579 the MacCarthy territories were comparatively undisturbed, and must have given refuge to numberless fugitives from the Geraldine districts given over to fire and sword. The same was true in Tyrone's war: Duhallow, Muskerry, and parts of Kerry can have suffered very little. After peace returned the Celtic element 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 after the war of 1641, South Kerry and West Cork were almost exclusively owned by Celtic proprietors.

17. St. Columba's prophecy of Derry's desecration

    Derry · townland · Cork

    St. Columba, foretold that the holy city of Derry would be violated by heretics, expressed grief to his companion St. Baithen, saying 'Anguish, Baithen, that Randal should be in this grove.' The prophecy, long unintelligible, was said to refer to Randal, the English commander.

    Read the passage

    witnesses of the slaughter, who, returning to their English fellows, gave an account of the catastrophe in their native and peculiar manner in these words : — " The Irish god Columba killed us all." Mark the words of the barbarous heretics ! as if the Irish worshipped St. Columba as a god, and not as a faithful servant of God ; who because he observed the commandments of his Creator, and because of his holy and innocent life, is noted in the calendar of the saints for many miracles. In his lifetime, being filled with divine inspiration, he foresaw that this holy city would be violated by heretics. When he was oppressed with great grief on this account, being asked the cause of his sorrow by his companion Bathanus {qy. St. Basthan), " Anguish," said he, " Basthan, that Randal should be in this grove." Which prophecy committed to writing, but after long ages unintelligible, was clearly enough spoken of this Randal of the English.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 266

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Derry, St. Columba is said to have foreseen what would happen to this holy city. In his lifetime, filled with divine inspiration, he prophesied that it would be violated by heretics. When he was overcome with great grief, his companion Baithen asked him the cause of his sorrow. "Anguish," he said, "Baithen, that Randal should be in this grove." The prophecy was committed to writing, but for long ages it remained unintelligible. It was clearly enough spoken of this Randal of the English. The record also tells of witnesses of a slaughter who returned to their English fellows and reported the catastrophe: "The Irish god Columba killed us all." The writer calls them barbarous heretics, as if the Irish worshipped Columba as a god, rather than a faithful servant of God noted in the calendar of the saints for many miracles.

18. Stepney shoots widow's son at Abington

    Abington · street · Dublin

    An old man recounted that Stepney shot a widow's son in Abington, leading to a murder trial at Philipstown. After his acquittal, Stepney kept open house for his friends, became financially involved, and ultimately had to sell his property, though he granted the widow keep of six cows for life.

    Read the passage

    (3) An old man told me a strange tale of how Stepney lost his property. He had shot a widow's son in Abington, and was put on trial for murder at Philipstown, but as Stepney was a general favourite six hundred gentlemen of Munster went down to Philipstown. These were under the leadership of Richard Riach Butler of Clo nmell, and amongst them were Fire Ball MacNamara of Clare ; Ned Burke of Maddyboy, Abington ; his brother William of Farnane ; Jerry Hayes, the "blade of Munster," of Killura, near Cappamore ; and Fitzgerald the Knight of Glen. Riach Butler marched to the courthouse at the head of the Munster men, and lightly springing over the railing of the dock, sat down beside Philip Stepney Rawson. "So you have come Butler," said Stepney. " I have," he replied, " I have come with strong arms and long swords, and whoever injures a hair of your head to-day will answer to me for it." The judge quailed, the jurymen trembled, and as the judge in his charge to the jury informed them that Riach Butler was very capable of performing what he threatened the prisoner was acquitted. Stepney after this kept open house, entertaining his friends, became in consequence involved, and hence the sale. He presented, however, the widow with keep of six cows while grass grew and water ran.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 256

19. St. Fin Barr's retreat at Gougane Barra

    near Gougane Barra · population centre · Cork

    St. Fin Barr left his retreat at Gougane Barra and travelled down the valley of the Lee before founding the city of Cork on a cluster of verdure-clad islands. The site was low-lying and marshy but attracted the saint by its beauty.

    Read the passage

    HEN the fair-haired Fin Barr left his retreat in Lone Gougane Barra, and wandered duwn the valley of the Lee, his eye was caught by the beauty of a cluster of verdure-clad islands, mirrored in crystal water which ringed them lovingly round, as the Atlantic clasps green Erin. On these clustered islands the good saint determined to found a place, which from his time grew and throve, until it became what it is to-day — the beautiful city of Cork. It was not much of a site in an engineering point of view on which to found a city, being too far from the sea for one reason, being too low for another, and he never thought that the green hills around it would be a line place for the cannon of future days to batter down his little city. I hold it was the presence of one of the pillar towers of Ireland, which stood at the foot of a hill on the mainland, near to what is now Elizabeth Fort, was the attraction, as most church builders built Christian edifices very near to a round tower. Father Mat Horgan, of Blarney, finding no towers at Waterloo or Whitechurch. built them independently for himself, and there they are.

    486 CORK HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 281

20. Stone coffin of Falvey Foin found at St. Dominic's Mill

    Crosse's Green · street · Cork

    During alterations at St. Dominic's Mill on Crosse's Green, workmen discovered a stone coffin said to be that of Falvey Foin, Admiral of Munster, embedded in a wall. The mill proprietor presented it to the Dominican Friars at St. Mary's, Pope's Quay, but the author's lengthy search for the coffin among the friars proved fruitless.

    Read the passage

    Next is St. Dominic's Mill in the same spot, with its wheel across the same stream shown in the map. There is an entry in Tuckey's Cork Remembrancer: — "In making some alterations in St. Dominic's Mill in Crosse's Green, the workmen employed came across the stone coffin of Falvey Foin, Admiral of Minister, which was embedded in the wall. They carefully had it removed, and the courteous proprietor of the mill, Mr. Keeffe O'Keeffe, presented it to the Dominican Friars, St. Mary's, I 'opes Quay." I went many times to see that coffin, and never did. I asked all the priests, including our Rev. Council Member Father Dwyer, and they neither knew nor heard of it.

    266 CORK HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 157

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Crosse's Green stood St Dominic's Mill, with its wheel across the stream. There is an entry in Tuckey's Cork Remembrancer. In making alterations at St Dominic's Mill in Crosse's Green, the workmen came across the stone coffin of Falvey Foin, Admiral of Munster, which was embedded in the wall. They carefully had it removed, and the courteous proprietor of the mill, Mr Keeffe O'Keeffe, presented it to the Dominican Friars, St Mary's, Pope's Quay. The author went many times to see that coffin, and never did. He asked all the priests, including our Reverend Council Member Father Dwyer, and they neither knew nor heard of it.

21. The Castlecor Chace and its silver hunt buttons

    Castlecor · electoral division · Cork · 1750–1800

    The Duhallow hunt was known long before 1800 as 'The Castlecor Chace.' Solid silver parcel-gilt buttons bearing a stag in full chase and the hunt's name were made by Cork goldsmith John Ilillery around 1752 and preserve the memory of this sporting pack at Castlecor.

    Read the passage

    [Having been informed by gentlemen in the Duhallow country that long prior to A.D. 1800, the hum was known as "The Castlecor Chace ;" and having been told'by one that he had somewhere seen a silver button bearing this device, I mentioned it to others, and among Lo William Norton Barry, esq., the hospitable owner of Castlecor, who up till 1893 was ll-known and popular master of the pack, and he most kindly lent me the two buttons which are here engraved the full size. Both are of solid silver, and are parcel gilt. One has engraved upon a ribbon, which is gold upon a silver ground, "The Castlecor Chace." Its companion has a stag in full chase, with antlered head thrown back, within a wreath, inscribed "The Castleor Chace," all gilt, upon a silver groundwork. These are the first examples of parcel-gilt hunting buttons that we have met with. They have additional local interest in

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 40

22. Tober Srulane well near Newmarket

    Newmarket · town · Cork

    A holy well called Tober Srulane lies near Miss Moylan's Rock outside Newmarket. Local tradition holds that whoever drinks its water will infallibly be compelled to return to Newmarket.

    Read the passage

    from the town, on the site of which Neptune Blood built a house early in the century. This may be the castle referred to in the Annals of Loch Ce. This castle is said to have belonged to the Mac Auliffs, but could their territory have extended so close to Kanturk ? The Mac Auliffs held three castles near Newmarket. One was in the present demesne of Colonel Aldworth, just close to the schoolhouse, on the top of a hill called the Mount. Many years ago some coins were found here. Another was about two miles west of the town, not far from the graveyard, and the site of the old parish church of Clonfert. The site of this castle is still called Castle Mac Auliff. About half a mile from this, at opposite side of river, there is a romantic cave in the Island Wood. The people call the rock in which this cave is " Miss Moylan's Rock ;" and they say " Miss Moylan " was a daughter of Mac Auliff, whom her father wished to marry some chief to whom she had a great objection, but Mac Auliff would stand no nonsense, and the wedding day was fixed. On the night before " Miss Moylan" flew from the castle across the river valley, and placing a hand on this rock, which immediately opened, she vanished for ever from human ken. The impress of her hand, or something like it, continued on the rock until about the beginning of this century, when a carpenter, belonging to Newmarket, in a drunken freak, broke it off. The people say his hand withered immediately, and that he came to a bad end. Not far from the rock there is a well, Tober Srulane, whoever drinks the water of which will infallibly have to return to Newmarket.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 192

23. Battle between Cork and Mallow: Fitzgerald routs the Earl of Desmond

    Mallow · town · Cork

    Sir Thomas Fitzgerald (the 'bald knight') charged his cavalry against his nephew, the youthful Earl of Desmond, routing him and leaving a thousand men dead on a battlefield between Cork and Mallow. This was part of ongoing Geraldine family feuds and shifting alliances in the Desmond territories.

    Read the passage

    The Geraldines of Desmond having connections in England, Thomas Fitzgerald, who could speak English as well as Irish, may sometimes have gone over to that country, though there is no mention of it in the Chronicles. He was described as being a very brave and fortunate leader, and he took part in nine pitched battles. Although divorced from his first wife, he aided her relations against his nephew, the Earl of Desmond, whom he hated, and by a charge of his cavalry he routed his youthful chief, who fled leaving a thousand men on the battlefield between Cork and Mallow ; but at a later date Sir Thomas Fitzgerald turned against his allies, and to his great satisfaction killed his erewhile father-in-law and brother-in-law, both Lords of Muskerry.

    This savage and quarrelsome Geraldine usually went by the name of Maol Calvus, or the "bald knight." As his marriage to his cousin, Katherine Fitzgerald of Dromana, was never called in question, it may be assumed that care was taken on this occasion to procure a proper dispensation. He may have taught her to speak English, and the extraordinary tales concerning the good looks of Richard III., and the absence of the traditional hump, may have been related to her either by her husband or by one of the ladies of his family.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 94

24. English army encamps at Kildorrery awaiting rebels

    Kildorrery · town · Cork

    English forces under the Lord President encamped at Kildorrery for two days and two nights to confront Lord Mungarrett's rebel army. The rebels, however, did not show up to fight despite their previous threats.

    Read the passage

    We continued in the field at Kildorrary aforesaid two dayes and two nights expecting their coming, according to promise and their many threatenings, but they did not dare to come to us, or fight with us then, for wee had a daynty Champion Countrey which doth much antipathize their cowardly natures, they fight and deale altogether upon advantages, they will have woods and boggs to second them or they will not fight can they any way shun it.

    They marched to the Towne of Kilmallock in the County of Limbricke, where 1 heard the Lord Mungarrett was loveingly received by the Townsmen with the rest of his discontented gentlemen for they used the English very courfcly that lived in those partes and others that had occasion to deale and commerse with them.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 171

25. Lord Muskerry returns to Blarney, argues with Lady

    near Blarney · townland · Cork · 1642

    After his narrow escape, the Lord of Muskerry returned home to Blarney and fell out very sorely with his Lady for persuading him to join with the country in their rebellious actions and desperate attempt.

    Read the passage

    The Lord of Muskery escaped with life very narrowly at that tyme. Narrow * heard when his Lordship came home to the Blarney he fell

    escape of Lord out very sore with his Lady for p.suading him to ioyne Muskerry. wj^ ^Q coun^rey m their rebellious actions and desperate

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 178

26. Red Abbey of St. Augustine in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork

    St. Austen's or Augustine's Abbey, called the Red Abbey from the colour of the friars' gowns, was a place of great note whose grounds extended to Friar's Walk with rights to the river strand and fisheries. Its square tower still stands and braves the elements, and the district was associated with the nearby Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem.

    Read the passage

    Cross the ferry and we go south to the Red Abbey. St. Austen's, or Augustine's, called the Red Abbey from the colour of the friars' gowns, was a place of great note in the olden times, for its grounds extended up to Friar's Walk, and its rights to the strand of the river, including fisheries. Its square tower still braves the driving rain and the howling blast, and will do so for another century at least if not meddled with. The district, it might be said, was all consecrated ground, for the House of the Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem was but a short distance south-east from the abbey, and it may be supposed that the monks acted as chaplains and spiritual advisers to the good knights ; their lands joined and they lived together in brotherly harmony. Not one stone remains of St. John of Jerusalem's Hospital. An old graveyard at the back of the houses at the south side of Douglas Street, and called St. John's, is all that now remains in memory of the Knights Hospitallers. I was at a funeral at the old place when I was a small boy, and the memory of it remained with me, for I took a liking to the quaint old place, and in after years I often stood looking through the bars of a little iron gate which was the entrance to it, and wished I could get into it again. There are several priests buried there, but the place is almost a common now, for you can get into it from any of the houses in front of it. There is a little stone-mullioned window as a grave mark, and it is placed upside down and stands over the earth like the letter U, and it is the only mark or token of the religious house of which it formed a part. I was withC. G. Doran, architect (Council Member), about two years ago, and while we were exploring the place a working man came up to us and said " he was paid a small sum yearly for taking care of it, as the owner did not want it preserved, and she would rather all the stones were removed." The headstone of a Cork soldier is the great attraction of the place, for the inscription on the stone above him records that he took part in every battle of the Peninsular War except that of Waterloo. It does not say why ; it was too much for him perhaps, and though the names of all the battle-fields are recorded, he left his bones in his native city. The entrance gate of Cat Fort is in Hospital Lane, and I think the name of the lane comes from the hospital of the good knights. The escape of Lady Fanshawe from the Red Abbey is a romantic story of the place, but she did not escape from the abbey, but from the city; for, like a valiant woman as she was, she made her way

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 155

    As the companion tells it

    As you move through Cork, the road brings you near the Red Abbey of St. Augustine, called Red from the colour of the friars' gowns. It was a place of great note in the olden times, its grounds extending up to Friar's Walk, with rights to the strand of the river and the fisheries. Its square tower still braves the driving rain and the howling blast, and will do so for another century at least if not meddled with. The district was all consecrated ground. The House of the Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem stood a short distance south-east from the abbey, and it may be supposed that the monks acted as chaplains and spiritual advisers to the good knights. Their lands joined and they lived together in brotherly harmony. Not one stone remains of St. John of Jerusalem's Hospital now. An old graveyard at the back of the houses on the south side of Douglas Street, called St. John's, is all that remains in memory of the Knights Hospitallers. Several priests are buried there. A little stone-mullioned window stands as a grave mark, placed upside down, standing over the earth like the letter U, the only token of the religious house of which it formed a part. A working man once told an explorer that he was paid a small sum yearly for taking care of the place, as the owner did not want it preserved and would rather all the stones were removed. The headstone of a Cork soldier is the great attraction of the place, for the inscription records that he took part in every battle of the Peninsular War except Waterloo. It does not say why. The names of all the battle-fields are recorded, but he left his bones in his native city.

27. Army marches from Lismore to Dungarvan, burning cabins

    Dungarvan · town · Waterford · 1642

    On Wednesday, March 3, the combined army marched from Lismore toward Dungarvan, killing rebels and taking prisoners along the way. All cabins in the countryside were burned during the march.

    Read the passage

    [13] Wednesday the third day of March wee our army marched from Lismore towards the Towne of Dungarvane killed some in the way, took many prisoners, and burned all the Cabins in the countrey. My Lord President's troupe and my Lord's troope marched some 4 or 5 miles before the army ; when we came near Sir Richard Osborne's Castle, about three miles from Dungarvane, wee saw seven companyes with their coulors displayed, nigh opposite unto us, only a river between us and a little bogg, wee made all possible speede wee could to a ford to gett over the river that wee might gett before them, to keep them from marching home to the Towne, but they marched on exceeding fast pace insomuch that wee were no sooner in the ford but they were within muskett shott of us and discharged at us, the river was so deep that our horses were enforced to swime, wee seeing what advantage they had of us, wheeled about and came foorth out of the river, and galloped up to another foorde a mile from it, and passed over safe, before such time as they could make unto us, they seeing we had gotten before them fell into a body close by a wood side a little more than muskett shott of us wee braved each other a while, at length wee made towards them, they seeing our carbines all ported and my Lord and Captayne Bridges Colonefse and discrying with all our army presently furdled up their coulors and fled with all haste towards the passage of Yoghall and to caves in the wood, there were many of them taken and killed in their fiight, and many more their had byn, had not the woods and boggs byn their especiall friends.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 174

28. Athlone first to offer raising yeomanry

    Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1796

    In August 1796 the inhabitants of Athlone addressed the Lord Lieutenant offering to embody themselves for the defence and protection of their town and neighbourhood against insurrection and invasion. This was the first such offer in Ireland.

    Read the passage

    Athlone appears to have the honor of being the first to offer to raise yeomanry. In August, 1796, the inhabitants addressed the Lord Lieutenant offering to embody themselves " for the defence and protection of their town and neighbourhood," and to help to frustrate the hopes of " traitors who are exciting insurrection, in order to make the descent of an invading enemy more practicable, and to take advantage of the naked and defenceless state of the kingdom if the regular troops be drawn off." This expresses very well the popular loyal view of the use of the corps. Early in the next month Government determined to " embody a certain number of cavalry and infantry in each county, to preserve the peace while the army and militia are engaged in protecting the coasts against invasion." Before the end of that month the authorities received offers from all parts of Ireland to adopt any mode of national defence which they should direct. Government issued certain regulations, applying to the corps raised in each barony, among them were these :— 1st, Every member shall take the oath of allegiance to His Majesty, as now framed for the different denominations of loyal subjects, i.e. of any religion ; 2nd, shall exercise on certain days in their own neighbourhood ; and 3rd, shall suppress riot and disturbance in their own barony and that next to it. If any corps should offer voluntarily to serve beyond their baronies, or with the regular troops, they were to be under the Mutiny Act and military law, and in such case were to receive constant pay. In October numerous meetings were held in Cork city, Bandon, Imokilly, and Barrymore baronies, etc., and on the i/th, Muskerry came forward with the following public advertisement : —

    The Gentlemen of the baronies of East and West Muskerry are requested to meet at the Court House in Macromp, on Monday, the 24th of Oct. inst., for the purpose of Imbodying themselves, under the sanction of the Government, to preserve the present tranquility of the country.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 119

29. Bishop Bennett's rotating reading room above Cloyne caves

    Cloyne · town · Cork

    Bishop Bennett built a circular wooden reading room shaped like a large hogshead on the rocky height overlooking the entry to the caves of Cloyne, in the Bishop's grounds. It turned on an iron pivot sunk in the rock so the occupant could shelter from the wind; local urchins sometimes came and turned it round to annoy the Bishop.

    Read the passage

    Of this Bishop Bennett, my informant, often spoke. He remembered his face and figure well. Bishop Bennett was a many of very considerable learning, and his literary productions were also considerable. In order to obtain perfect security from interruption he had a somewhat peculiar arrangement made. On the rocky height overlooking the entry to the caves of Cloyne in the Bishop's grounds at the end of the grove, called "the rock shrubbery," leading from the palace garden to the caves, where the philosopher bishop loved to walk and meditate, Dr. Bennett had a reading room of wood. It was of the shape of a large hogshead, circular. It turned on a pivot of iron sunk in the rock, and according as the wind blew the occupant moved it round, so as to have complete shelter. Here he had books and paper and materials for writing. Probably it was only in summer months or fair weather that he resorted to it, but it was well known, and sometimes the urchins from the town used to come and turn the structure round until assailed from inside by the Bishop thus rudely interrupted.

    Bishop Brinkley also he spoke of — his liberality, and especially his love of the cultivation of flowers ; that the entire space at the south of the old palace facing the cathedral was one maze of flower beds, and in summer one blaze of blossom.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 78

30. Boughal-breaga standing stone and destroyed cairn near Caherconlish

    Caherconlish · town · Limerick · 1827–1866

    A craggy hill south of Ludden church bears a standing stone called the 'false boy' (buachaill breága), 7.5 feet high, within two stone circles over 70 feet across. In 1827 a Limerick merchant named Kelly destroyed the cairn to erect a 'sugar loaf' marker, uncovering large human skulls, bones, and a small bronze celt, which were preserved at Caherconlish House.

    Read the passage

    erected in the year 1827 by a Limerick merchant, a Mr. Kelly, who, hav ing purchased from the representative of the Ingoldsby Massys, erected the " sugar loaf," which stood about twenty-five feet high, as a mark on his property. In doing this Mr. Kelly uprooted a cairn on the top of the hill which was surrounded by a stone circle, fragments of which may still be seen. Several large human skulls and bones were then found in the cairn, which were taken to Caherconlish House by Captain Wilson, where they were preserved until the year 1866. A very small bronze celt was also found, and was in Caherconlish House for a number of years. So far as I can judge now there were two stone circles, a large outer one, over seventy feet in diameter, and an inner one not concentric with the outer circle, with a diameter of twenty-five feet. It was about eleven feet from the south side of the outer circle, and in this small circle stands the bouchaill, which is seven and a half feet high, four and a half feet wide, and one and a half feet thick. The broad sides face east and west. It was probably the headstone(7) of the old warrior who was buried here. Compare LeabJiar Laigneach, p. 258, quoted by Meyer in his notes to the Cath Finntragha : ro claided nag do FJieirb iar sin agus do tocbad a lia agus ro scribad ainm oguim agus dorigned duma immon lice — "a grave was dug for Ferb after that, and her stone was raised, and an inscription in ogham was written, and a mound was made around the stone." Mr. Kelly's "sugar loaf" fell on the 14th of last March, but the lia still stands, stands as it stood perhaps for a couple of thousand years. At the foot of the hill, north side, may be noticed a small piece of masonry. This is all that is left of the strong castle of Luddenmore, built by the Burkes, which belonged to James Gould or Gold,(8) second justice of Munster, who died in the year 1600, seized of the Dominican Abbey in Limerick, and castle, town, and lands of Corbally, and much other land beside. Justice Gould was married to Thomasin, daughter of Sir Thomas Browne, of Hospital. Mrs. Verschoyle, wife to Rev. Hamilton S. Verschoyle, is descended from Justice Gould, and holds considerable property in Caherconlish parish. Mary, daughter to Justice Gould, was

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 274

31. Burning from Lismore to Dungarvan, 1642

    Lismore · town · Waterford · 1642

    After taking Castle Curbeigh, the Lord President's forces marched into County Waterford and burned the country from Lismore to Dungarvan, accompanied by several knights including Sir Charles Vavasor and Sir Hardress Waller.

    Read the passage

    On the 2nd March, 1642, all Condon's country was burned by the Lord President's forces, about 1,500 foot and 300 horse, and the Castle of Curbeigh (now Castle Cooke) was taken. From thence they marched into the county of Waterford, and burned the country from Lismore to Dungarvan. The Lord President was accompanied by Sir Charles Vavasor, Sir Hardress Waller, Sir Edward Denny, Sir John Brown, and Sir William Courtney .(5) There is a tradition that Garrot Condon, brother to Patrick Condon, of Cloghleigh, was ill with typhus fever at Curbeigh, and on his enquiring the cause of the uproar he jumped out of bed, and, seizing his long duck-gun, placed himself at a port hole and took aim at a gunner that was laying a piece of cannon playing on the top of the castle crowded with Condons, and so true was Garrot's aim that his bullet struck the gunner in the forehead. It was the only shot fired in the defence of the castle. All the Condons not killed escaped by an underground passage, still inside the castle, to the river Araglen flowing below, the banks of which were thickly covered with underwood.

    On the 10th May, 1642, the Lords Barrymorc and Dungarvan with their troops went in pursuit of the Condons, a party of whom sheltered themselves in the Castle of Ballymacpatrick (now Careysville), upon which they sent for two pieces of ordnance to Castle Lyons, which took six hours. A party of the Condons from the north of Blackwater forded over close under the castle in order to relieve it, but they were driven back by some English musketeers, and retreated to a hill on the other side of the river. The English plied the spike holes of the castle with their pieces, so that the cannon was drawn down within musket -hot of the castle ; from whence the battery was continued till six in the evening,

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 280

32. Caherconlish Castle fortified against Rapparees

    Caherconlish · town · Limerick · 1690

    In August 1690, Robert Frankland informed King William that Mr. Wilson and Lieutenant Croker had fortified themselves in Caherconlish Castle against the Rapparees, prompting the king's visit to the area.

    Read the passage

    Earl}- in August, 1690, the English army, 20,000 strong, arrived at Golden Bridge, in count)' Tipperary. While here Mr. Robert Frankland arrived and informed the king that Mr. Wilson and Lieutenant Croker had fortified themselves in Caherconlish Castle against the Rapparees. On the 7th of August, 1690, King William came to Caherconlish, where he was joined by the forces of Douglas from Athlone. On the evening of the 8th King William, accompanied by Prince George and General Ginckle, went to reconnoitre the position of the enemy in Limerick. That night a council of war was held, and it was decided to begin the march at once to Limerick. At five o'clock the following

    ('') A short distance to the south-east of this old house, and in Boskill townland, there is a hill, Carrigafeepera, or "the Piper's Rock," so called because a fairy piper is often heard there. In the Comeragh Mountains there is a Piper's Rock, thus named, it is said, from a piper who lost his way and played his pipes on this rock to bring the help which never came, and oft may still be heard, the people say, the sound of pipes from Carrigafeepera.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 206

33. Copley's Dock, Cork

    Union Quay · street · Cork

    An area of many acres where Union Quay now stands was formerly called Copley's Dock, originally waste ground rather than marsh. After the dock was abandoned, model schools, terrace houses, builders' yards, and police barracks were built on the site, which extended from Union Quay to Copley Street and Anglesea Street.

    Read the passage

    Let us go now to the east, over Parnell Bridge, which I look on as a very ugly structure, not near as handsome as the Metal bridge that preceded it, which was so simple of construction that two boys at each side could raise the centre part for passing ships. That bridge was opened to the public in 1830 by the Lord Lieutenant, Marquis of Anglesea, and called after him ; it was constructed from designs by Sir Thomas Deane. Parliament Bridge was often injured in its parapet by the bowsprits of ships, but it is safe enough now, as when all traffic ceased in the south channel it was thought high time to erect Parnell Bridge, at a cost of ^30,000 ; it is very useful for coal ships, nevertheless. There was an area of many acres where now is Union Quay, and it was called Copley's Dock ; it was not a marsh, but waste ground. After the dock was given up, the model schools, terrace houses, builders' yards, police barracks, etc., were built on Copley's Dock, for it extended from Union Quay to Copley Street and Anglesea Street. The last of the islands (Lapp's Island), beyond which both branches of our river meet again and flow united to the Atlantic, was a place of melancholy note in the penal times, for on it was a great open grave, into which the bodies of men hanged at "Gallows Green" (now Greenmount) used to be thrown, and also those who died of epidemics. The old Custom House is now the Free Library ; the foundation stone of the present Custom House on Lapp's Island was laid on the 28th October, 1 814, by Robert Aldridge, esq., comptroller, and opened in 1818.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 281

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Union Quay, you are passing over what used to be Copley's Dock. It was an area of many acres, and though you might think of a dock as wet ground, this was not a marsh but waste ground. After the dock was given up, they built on it. The model schools went up there, and terrace houses, and builders' yards, and police barracks. The ground stretched from Union Quay to Copley Street and Anglesea Street, so the whole built-over site you are moving through now once carried the name Copley's Dock. Nothing remains of it as a dock. The schools, the houses, the yards, the barracks all took its place once it was abandoned. The name Copley Street still keeps a trace of it, and Anglesea Street marks the far edge of what the old dock covered. Union Quay itself stands on what was once that open waste ground, before any of those buildings went up and before the dock was given over to other uses.

34. Donal MacFinnan at the ford of Slane, 1690

    Slane · town · Meath · 1690–1691

    Donal MacFinnan, fourth in line of ascent from Geoffrey, defended the ford of Slane on 1 July 1690 during the Battle of the Boyne, leaving three hundred of his Kilgarvan men dead. He subsequently fell at the Battle of Aughrim.

    Read the passage

    T page seventy-eight of the present volume of this Journal, the editor of the Sloane MS., which describes the " Rise and Progress of the Rebellion in Munster, 1642," expresses in a note his wish that he could identify further the family of Florence MacDonell MacFinin MacCarthy, who fell fighting bravely in opposing the sally of the garrison of Cork in March, 1642. The following particulars relate to the family of that " right valiant gentleman, called by nickname ' Captain Suggane,' " Mr. Fynyne MacCarthy, who took an active part in the rebellion of 1641. On the 15th October, 1853, an article appeared in the Nation news- The Nation paper on " The Clan of MacCarrha," of which the following newspaper, is an extract : — " Now for the MacFinnans. This was the 15 c--i 53- distinctive title of the MacCarthys of Ardentully, now Ardtully, near Kenmare, whose chiefs in every generation down to the last were so styled. Geoffrey MacCarthy, of Tulla, not far from their former castle, was the last that bore it. He was the fifteenth MacFinnan in direct line from Dermod Tralee, so called from having been assassinated in the assize court of that ancient town, and in the very presence of the judges, by the fourth Lord Kerry in 1325, and was father of the late respected Randal MacFinnan MacCarthy, c.C, Killarney, as well as of the present equally respected Daniel MacCarthy, professor of rhetoric at the Royal College of Maynooth, etc. One of the most distinguished of those chieftains who led their clans to the unnatural combat between James II. and his son-in-law was Donal MacFinnan, the fourth in line of ascent from Geoffrey. He it was who gloriously defended the ford of Slane on the 1st July, 1690, leaving three hundred of his brave Kilgarvanmen dead in the Boyne. He fell at Aughrim. Trinity College has his estates. His descendants are landless."

    Dermod of Tralee was second son to Donal Roe MacCarthy Mor, Lodo-e and king of Desmond, by his wife, Margaret, daughter to the Cronncl/v, third Lord Kerry, who married Slaine, the daughter of '' O'Brien, prince of Thomond, and was murdered by his own

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 125

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, Donal MacFinnan defended the ford of Slane on 1 July 1690, at the Battle of the Boyne. He was one of the most distinguished chieftains who led their clans to what the source calls "the unnatural combat between James II and his son-in-law." He left three hundred of his brave Kilgarvan men dead in the Boyne. He fell later at Aughrim. Trinity College has his estates, and his descendants are landless. The MacFinnans were the MacCarthys of Ardtully, near Kenmare, whose chiefs in every generation were styled by that name. Geoffrey MacCarthy of Tulla, not far from their former castle, was the last to bear the title. He was the fifteenth MacFinnan in direct line from Dermod Tralee, so called because he was assassinated in the assize court of Tralee, in the very presence of the judges, by the fourth Lord Kerry in 1325. Donal MacFinnan was the fourth in line of ascent from Geoffrey. Geoffrey was father of the late respected Randal MacFinnan MacCarthy of Killarney, and of Daniel MacCarthy, professor of rhetoric at the Royal College of Maynooth. Dermod of Tralee was second son to Donal Roe MacCarthy Mor, king of Desmond, by his wife Margaret, daughter to the third Lord Kerry, who married Slaine, daughter of O'Brien, prince of Thomond, and was murdered by his own. The editor of the Sloane MS, describing the Rise and Progress of the Rebellion in Munster 1642, wished he could further identify the family of Florence MacDonell MacFinin MacCarthy, who fell fighting bravely opposing the sally of the garrison of Cork in March 1642. The family connects to a "right valiant gentleman, called by nickname 'Captain Suggane,'" Fynyne MacCarthy, who took an active part in the rebellion of 1641. On 15 October 1853, the Nation newspaper carried an article on the clan.

35. Elizabethan pardons of the Synan family of Doneraile

    Doneraile · townland · Cork · 1566–1599

    Multiple Elizabethan fiants from 1566 to 1599 record pardons for members of the Synan family of Doneraile, often alongside the Roches of Fermoy. The pardons reveal a pattern of Crown plunder followed by conditional forgiveness requiring release of claims for compensation.

    Read the passage

    In the Fiants of Elizabeth we come across the Syrians and their neighbours, the Roches, pretty often. Fiant 836 (2) (April 10, 1566), is a pardon to Maurice, son and heir to Lord Roche, and three other Roches, his kinsmen, and GilleduffShynan of Downerraill, especially for the death of Gibbon McShane Gibbon (son of the White Knight) by the said Maurice. Fiant 2,244 (May 6, 1573), is a pardon for, among others, "James riough (ti]4b4e, i.e. "grey") Shynan of Castlefoyky, gent.; William Shynan fitz James Shynan of Donarayle, alias Shinan, gent. ; William Shynan of the same, gent. ; Philip Shynan, William crone Shynan, Gilliduff Shynan, and William Shynan fitz John of the same place ; and John fitz Ullick Roche of Kilbyrne, gentleman ; " in consideration of their having released all debts due to them by the Crown, and all exactions and cesses for the Queen's service in Munster, which had been taken from them." This concluding paragraph throws an interesting side-light on the means adopted by Queen Elizabeth's representatives to carry on the war of extermination against the native Irish First plunder all who had anything to take from, and then grant them pardon (for what qv.) on condition that they sign a release for claim of compensation for the robbery of their goods and cattle, and doubtless often the slaying of anyone who was not sufficiently submissive.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 304

36. Hidden Bridges and Lost Waterways of Cork City

    Cork · city · Cork

    The author catalogues numerous hidden or covered bridges throughout Cork City, including Cross Street Bridge at the Franciscan Friary, Austen's Lane Bridge under the Dispensary, one in Paradise Place at the original 'Cork Arms,' and one in front of 'Ye Queenes Old Castel' on the Grand Parade. Many streams have been converted to main sewers, and citizens now pass over the bridges unknowingly.

    Read the passage

    Cross Street Bridge at the east end of the Franciscan Friary ; Austen's Lane Bridge, now under the Dispensary ; one in Paradise Place at the west end of the Ship Dock, which was the original "Cork Arms"; one in front of "Ye Oueenes Old Castel," on the Grand Parade. Patrick Street was open in the last century. There is a bridge opposite Drawbridge Street by the statue of Father Mathew, and one ought to be opposite Marlborough Street. That stream, now called a main sewer, runs into the North Channel, near Patrick's Bridge, as the arch there is plain enough to be seen. There was a canal on the Grand Parade, by which people crossed over Tuckey's Bridge to the eastern side ; there must be another at the end where the water ran into the South Channel, the arch of it is at the back of the little green. Warren's Place was open in the last century, and of course there was a bridge or two to cross over to Lapp's Island; one of these bridges was in a line with the east end of George Street. There was a stream at the upper end of Grattan Street, over which there stood a couple of bridges ; the arch of that stream is on Bachelor's Quay at northern end. The street was called after Admiral Duncan, in honour of Camperdown, but it has gone back to its old name again. There is a hidden bridge at the end of the Coal Quay, where the water ran into the Coal Quay dock. There is one opposite the Cork Distilleries Company where the water ran into Copley's Dock. There are several hidden bridges on the Watercourse Road, which were not covered in until little more than fifty years ago. " The Roaring Bridge " was about opposite O'Connell Street, and there are at least two more somewhere about, one was at the back of Lady's Well Brewery, which I remember well myself. There is also a hidden bridge at the river end of Nelson Place, where the water ran into the Old Custom House Dock. But I think I have given you more than enough of them to prove that Cork is a city of many bridges, for strangers and even citizens walk and ride over them, unconsciously of course, for bicycles are more interesting than bridges. In conclusion, I may remark that I did not count five wooden bridges across the South Channel, of which the College Bridge is one, nor four on Prospect Place (two of stone and two of wood), as they belong to the Lee Mills. Nor did I count a stone bridge of two arches over the stream at Wise's Distillery, for there are enough without them to prove that the Beautiful City of Cork resembled at one time (in a small way) Beautiful Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 284

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Cork, you are passing over bridges you cannot see. The author of this record set out to prove that Cork is a city of many hidden bridges, and that strangers and even citizens walk and ride over them unconsciously. There is Cross Street Bridge at the east end of the Franciscan Friary. There is Austen's Lane Bridge, now under the Dispensary. There is one in Paradise Place at the west end of the Ship Dock, which was the original Cork Arms. There is one in front of what was called Ye Queenes Old Castel on the Grand Parade. There is a bridge opposite Drawbridge Street by the statue of Father Mathew, and one that ought to be opposite Marlborough Street. That stream, now called a main sewer, runs into the North Channel near Patrick's Bridge, where the arch is plain enough to be seen. There was a canal on the Grand Parade, by which people crossed over Tuckey's Bridge to the eastern side. There must be another at the end where the water ran into the South Channel, and the arch of it is at the back of the little green. There was a stream at the upper end of Grattan Street, over which stood a couple of bridges, and the arch of that stream is on Bachelor's Quay at the northern end. There is a hidden bridge at the end of the Coal Quay, where the water ran into the Coal Quay dock. There is one opposite the Cork Distilleries Company, where the water ran into Copley's Dock. There are several hidden bridges on the Watercourse Road, which were not covered in until little more than fifty years ago. The Roaring Bridge was about opposite O'Connell Street, and there are at least two more, one at the back of Lady's Well Brewery. The author says Cork resembled at one time, in a small way, Beautiful Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic.

37. John Doyle, the 'Mayor' of Caherconlish and Sovereign Pickers

    Caherconlish · town · Limerick · 1842

    About fifty years ago, an old man named John Doyle died in Caherconlish. In his youth he had been connected with the 'Sovereign Pickers,' a lawless group who visited houses by night demanding money for 'powder and balls.' As a president of their tribunals, Doyle was called the 'Mayor' of Caherconlish.

    Read the passage

    At the year 1304, Annals of Inisf alien, occurs the following: "Torlogh O'Brien proceeded with an army to Cathair Cinnlis, and attacked the English of that town, of whom he made great slaughter ; he demolished the castle, and burned the town from the inner citadel to the outer walls." Early in this century some heavy iron swords and a large quantity of human bones were found in a field just beside the present village at west side. These may have been relics of the year 1304. Lewis says that "Caherconlish was formerly incorporated, as appears from a grant made in the 32nd of Edward III. and dated November 9th, 1358, conferring murage for 20 years on the Provost, Bailiff, and Commonalty of the town of Catherkenlyshe." This money was obtained in tolls and customs from Limerick and Waterford merchants, who had to pass through Caherconlish. The memory of the " mayor " of Caherconlish has been well preserved by the people. About fifty years ago there died an old man in Caherconlish, named John Doyle, in his youth he had been connected with a lawless body of men dubbed in the district, "Sovereign Pickers." They visited people's houses by night, and demanded money for "powder and balls." If the people did not yield to the demands of the Sovereign Pickers they were tried, and if convicted, punished, and John Doyle being one of the presidents of these self-constituted tribunals was called the "Mayor" of Caherconlish.

    (To be continued.')

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 186

38. McCarthy smashes glass roof into the Brogueen

    Kanturk · town · Cork

    Furious at being forced to halt construction by government order, Donough McCarthy commanded that the nearly completed glass roof be smashed to pieces and thrown into the Brogueen river.

    Read the passage

    The seer's words were verified, for the English settlers established on the lands of Geraldines ruined by their great insurrection, became suspicious of Donough McCarthy's ulterior motives, and complained to the Privy Council that the castle "was much too large for a subject," whereupon an order was sent to McCarthy to stop his work just as the battlements were about to be raised. Unable to defy the Government, Donough McCarthy in his furious disappointment gave orders that the glass roof, then nearly ready, should be smashed in pieces and thrown into the Brogueen. When Mr. Windele, in the early part of this century, unable to gain admittance into the ruins, peered through a window at the pointed arched doorway into one of the towers, he also observed the existence of three very thriving rookeries within the precincts of the old half-built castle.

    During the rebellion of 1641, it is said, Donough McCarthy was killed by O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, and that his estate was seized by his kinsman Dermod MacOwen McCarthy, who mortgaged the castle and land of Kanturk to Sir Philip Perceval, and this Englishman in turn obtained full possession at the time when the property was forfeited by Dermod McCarthy for his participation in the rebellion.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 152

39. Muskerry Cavalry searches for hidden arms cache near Killorglin

    Killorglin · town · Kerry · 1803

    The 1st Muskerry Cavalry rode from Killarney to a cave near Killorglin in search of a depot of over 300 stands of arms. They arrived at daybreak but found the arms had already been removed.

    Read the passage

    to show us a depot of upwards of three hundred stand of arms of different kinds, near Killorglin, twenty miles north-west of Killarney, in ye county Kerry. Arrived at the spot at daybreak next morning, found the cave, but the arms were removed. Many of those who went returned to Killarney and staid there one night ; came home through Glanflesk."

    Here follow the names of the gentlemen who went to the county- Kerry, and the amount of their " travelling expenses " —

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming into Killorglin in Kerry. In 1803 the 1st Muskerry Cavalry rode out from Killarney, twenty miles to the south-east, to a cave near this town. They had word of a depot of upwards of 300 stands of arms hidden there. They reached the spot at daybreak, found the cave, but the arms were already gone. Many of the men rode back to Killarney that night and came home the next day through Glanflesk.

40. O'Donnell's retreat losses at ford near Abington

    Abington · townland · Limerick · 1601

    Sir George Carew in Pacata Hibernia relates that Rory O'Donnell in his retreat after the Battle of Kinsale lost several men when passing over the ford near the abbey of Wonye.

    Read the passage

    (2) Sir Edmond Walsh was son to Peter Walsh, who died 20th June, 1575, and " was seized in his demesne as of fee of the site and precinct of the late abbey or religious house of Wonye, and of all the castles, messuages, lands and tenements in Wonye, Castleneboynage, Killnenoge, Knockenegurten, Rathreagh a/ias Rathrareg, Kappernowke, Kappicullen, Lesmolane, Kyshecurke, and Aunagh." The abbey of Wonye or Uaithne was founded in 1189 by Theobald Fitzwalter, ancestor of the Ormonde family. It was a daughter of the Cistercian abbey of Savigney, in the diocese of Avranches, Normandy. Some writers say that Fitzwalter was buried in this abbey in 1206 ; others say that in 1204 he gave " two palfreys " for licence to go to England, where he died. He was nephew to Thomas a Becket, and his brother Hubert was made archbishop of Canterbury in 1 193. A small private chapel in a very dilapidated state is all that is left of the abbey of which Dineley gives a sketch. In this chapel there is a monument of the Walsh family with a long Latin inscription now nearly illegible. It was erected in 1618 by Lady Ellice Walsh in memory of her husband Sir Edmond. The old graveyard containing many valuable monuments was destroyed by Philip Stepney Rawson, as he intended building a mansion house on the site of the abbey. It is now a pasture field. Sir George Carew in Pacata Hibernia relates that Rory O'Donnell in his retreat after the battle of Kinsale lost several men when passing over the ford near this abbey. Carew also details at length how O'Donnell had previously eluded him on the way to Kinsale by making a forced march over the Slieve Phelim mountains, lying a little north of the abbey. There is a stone on bridge at Abington inscribed with Walsh arms and an inscription now illegible but given by Dineley.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 255

41. St. John's graveyard and Knights Hospitallers on Douglas Street

    Douglas Street · street · Cork

    An old graveyard behind houses on the south side of Douglas Street, called St. John's, is all that remains of the Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem. Several priests are buried there, and a stone-mullioned window placed upside down is the only mark of the religious house. A Cork soldier's headstone records his service in every Peninsular War battle except Waterloo.

    Read the passage

    Cross the ferry and we go south to the Red Abbey. St. Austen's, or Augustine's, called the Red Abbey from the colour of the friars' gowns, was a place of great note in the olden times, for its grounds extended up to Friar's Walk, and its rights to the strand of the river, including fisheries. Its square tower still braves the driving rain and the howling blast, and will do so for another century at least if not meddled with. The district, it might be said, was all consecrated ground, for the House of the Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem was but a short distance south-east from the abbey, and it may be supposed that the monks acted as chaplains and spiritual advisers to the good knights ; their lands joined and they lived together in brotherly harmony. Not one stone remains of St. John of Jerusalem's Hospital. An old graveyard at the back of the houses at the south side of Douglas Street, and called St. John's, is all that now remains in memory of the Knights Hospitallers. I was at a funeral at the old place when I was a small boy, and the memory of it remained with me, for I took a liking to the quaint old place, and in after years I often stood looking through the bars of a little iron gate which was the entrance to it, and wished I could get into it again. There are several priests buried there, but the place is almost a common now, for you can get into it from any of the houses in front of it. There is a little stone-mullioned window as a grave mark, and it is placed upside down and stands over the earth like the letter U, and it is the only mark or token of the religious house of which it formed a part. I was withC. G. Doran, architect (Council Member), about two years ago, and while we were exploring the place a working man came up to us and said " he was paid a small sum yearly for taking care of it, as the owner did not want it preserved, and she would rather all the stones were removed." The headstone of a Cork soldier is the great attraction of the place, for the inscription on the stone above him records that he took part in every battle of the Peninsular War except that of Waterloo. It does not say why ; it was too much for him perhaps, and though the names of all the battle-fields are recorded, he left his bones in his native city. The entrance gate of Cat Fort is in Hospital Lane, and I think the name of the lane comes from the hospital of the good knights. The escape of Lady Fanshawe from the Red Abbey is a romantic story of the place, but she did not escape from the abbey, but from the city; for, like a valiant woman as she was, she made her way

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 155

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Cork, there is a place that remembers the Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem. Their house stood a short distance south-east from the Red Abbey, St. Augustine's, so called for the colour of the friars' gowns. The monks of that abbey may have acted as chaplains and spiritual advisers to the knights. Their lands joined, and they lived together in brotherly harmony. Not one stone remains of the hospital itself. All that survives is an old graveyard behind the houses on the south side of Douglas Street, called St. John's. A stone-mullioned window stands there as a grave mark, placed upside down, rising over the earth like the letter U. It is the only token of the religious house of which it formed a part. Several priests are buried in the ground. The narrator of the source visited the place as a small boy for a funeral, and the memory stayed with him. In after years he would stand looking through the bars of the little iron gate that was the entrance, wishing he could get in again. A working man once told him he was paid a small sum yearly for taking care of it, though the owner did not want it preserved and would rather all the stones were removed. The headstone of a Cork soldier is the great attraction of the place. The inscription records that he took part in every battle of the Peninsular War except Waterloo. It does not say why. Perhaps it was too much for him. The names of all the battlefields are recorded, but he left his bones in his native city. Hospital Lane, where the entrance gate of Cat Fort stands, may take its name from the hospital of the good knights.

42. Stone-lined souterrains at Kilcrumpher

    Kilcrumper · parish · Cork

    Souterrains at Kilcrumpher differed from others in the area by being lined with stone. Exploration with candles and spades found only decayed ox bones and charcoal; one inner chamber had a small square ventilation aperture sloping upwards at about seventy degrees.

    Read the passage

    Since writing my last letter I have been exploring underground chambers by the dozen, and find them to my surprise much more frequent than ever we had imagined. My first dive was into one set on the lands of Ballyhendon,^ within two miles of Fermoy, precisely similar in formation to those we examined near Carrigtwohill. On coming out I gave my guide a couple of shillings, which so pleased his numerous friends that they flocked around me, each offering to lead me to others. I chose a few of the most intelligent, and followed them. In the course of an hour I visited five sets within a circuit of two miles. Those on Mr. Joyce's farm, as well as a set at Kilcrumpher, differ from the others in being lined with stone. We had candles and spades, so that every corner was explored, but no discovery was made except decayed bones, apparently of the ox, and charcoal. In the inner chamber of those on Mr. Joyce's farm I perceived a small square aperture as if to admit air, it did not rise perpendicularly, but sloped upwards at an angle of about seventy degrees. A fourth excavation, near the third at Kilcrumpher, consisted of long galleries only. . . . None of these were connected with ancient entrenchments or forts, though there were several in the immediate neighbourhood, and the remains of two cromlechs. . Some of these had been discovered forty years ago, others recently and accidentally. The country people say that they discover new chambers every year, all of the same shape and size. . . . Finding the accounts given me of those I had visited so correct, and having ascertained that these chambers were all so nearly alike and that nothing was to be found in them, I did not visit more.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 244

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through the parish of Kilcrumper, it travels ground that holds souterrains at Kilcrumpher, underground chambers dug into the earth. These differ from others in this part of Cork. Most match each other in formation, like those near Carrigtwohill, but the chambers here, like those on Mr. Joyce's farm, are lined with stone. An explorer came through this country working his way through underground chambers by the dozen, and found them far more frequent than anyone had imagined. He had candles and spades, so that every corner was explored. What he found was decayed bones, apparently of the ox, and charcoal. Nothing else. The chambers were not connected with ancient entrenchments or forts, though there were several in the immediate neighbourhood, and the remains of two cromlechs. Some had been discovered forty years before, others recently and by accident. The country people said they discover new chambers every year, all of the same shape and size. In an inner chamber of the stone-lined set on Mr. Joyce's farm, he perceived a small square aperture, as if to admit air. It did not rise perpendicularly but sloped upwards at an angle of about seventy degrees. A fourth excavation nearby consisted of long galleries only. Finding the accounts given him so correct, and the chambers so nearly alike with nothing in them, he did not visit more.

43. Tipperary men alienated from Cork men

    Tipperary · town · Tipperary · 1641–1642

    During the rebellion, men from Tipperary who arrived with the General became alienated from the men of County Cork. As a result, they refused to risk any of their own men in the assault on the Short Castle.

    Read the passage

    And now, the evening approaching, and seeing they could do no good on the Lieutenant by persuasion, they began to prepare themselves for the assault on the Short Castle, which was to be performed by the Lord Roche's, McDonogh's, O'Callaghan's, and Edmond Fitzgerald's men of the Clonlesse (for the strangers which came out of Tipperary with the General were now so alienated from the county of Cork men that they would not adventure a man in the service). To this purpose there was choice made of a select number of musketeers and of the companies of all those undertakers ; amongst the rest thirteen were chosen out of the Lord Roche's men, the main part whereof did belong to Rayle, a freeholder under his lordship ; and Sergeant-Major Purcell (the ablest soldier amongst them), was designed for the government of that action, by whose advice they brought their brass piece of artillery into an upper loft of the house where the Deputy-General lay, and where they sat in council, situate scarce a musket shot from the castle, against which they placed it by pulling down some of the shingles of the house, rather for terror than for service sake ; and about seven o'clock in the evening, when they began to make their approaches, the officers of these that were to assault demanded powder for their men, to whom answer was made by those who came with the General that they had no powder to spare for that employment, and had very little for themselves, whereupon the Lord Roche brought in a small proportion of powder, and distributed it amongst the assailants, giving each not over three shots at most, and, being thus accommodated, they marched to the castle about eight or nine o'clock, and then only gave a volley of shot in at the windows of the Short Castle without hurt, and soon returned back to supper to the house, immediately after which they began to fall to the work, and set a great thatch house adjoining the castle on fire with intent to annoy the defendants. But it proved directly otherwise, for by the light of that fire those in the castle saw their assailants as well as in day, and shot at them with advantage. Who, on their first coming, by their pioneers fell upon a window made of wood, which gave light unto the kitchen, during whose work the musketeers played on them in the castle towards the place from whence they saw them shoot, but without doing them any offence But the defendants on the other side shot out of their spike-holes at the assailants, who had no shelter, and, therefore, were sent apace to hell. However, they had within a short time gotten down the window and some of the wall about it, and made a reasonable large breach, for the defence of which the Lieutenant and some three or

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 18

44. Unlawful assembly and military shootings at Bandon

    Bandon · town · Cork · 1797

    At Bandon, eight men were committed for unlawful assembly and firing on a party of Fencible Dragoons. Two soldiers of the Wexford Militia, quartered at that town, were shot for taking the United Irishmen's oaths.

    Read the passage

    for . . . the destruction of the established Constitution . . . by means of open Violence and secret Arrangements for raising, arming and paying a disciplined Force . . . who have frequently assembled in large armed Bodies and plundered Houses, etc."; and the proclamation warns all not to enter into the conspiracy, but to give information as to meetings of such societies, and orders the seizure of arms, and ends by offering a pardon to all who may have been seduced, on condition of their coming in by 24th June and giving surety to be of good behaviour for seven years. Government had at this time received from secret informers — (1; The declaration and constitution of the United Irishmen ; (2) minutes and proceedings of two of the societies ; (3) reports from provincial and county committees ; (4) report of the military committee ; (5) forms of the oath of an officer and of a soldier ; (6) names of many of the society with the arms in their custody, and much other knowledge, which shows how readily Government secured information, as is always the case in Irish conspiracies. In Cork, on the 22nd May, from information obtained, over twenty United Irishmen, including two "delegates" from the north, were arrested and lodged in bridewell ; and at Bandon eight men were committed for unlawful assembly and firing on a party of Fencible Dragoons ; and two soldiers of the Wexford Militia, quartered at that town, were shot for taking the oaths. The famous mutiny at the Nore followed next month, fostered, as was believed, by Irish influence ; and the seizures of persons for seditious oaths became more frequent, the Muskerry Cavalry being diligent in this work. John Warren and John Hawkes, members of the corps, were among the committing magistrates of several persons arrested in Muskerry. But Government, nevertheless, deemed themselves strong enough now in force to dispense with some of their precautions which pressed heavily on district corps, and the Muskerry Cavalry, with others, received a Government circular, dated 25th August, directing that picquets and guards mounted by such corps, may be discontinued, except where ordered by the General of the district.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 121

45. 1872 cloudburst damages the Old Youghal Road

    Old Youghal Road · street · Cork · 1872

    On July 26, 1872, a torrential downpour in Cork washed away the surface of the Old Youghal Road, laying bare the rock and exposing gas and water pipes. Debris piled up to six feet against houses at the foot of the hill.

    Read the passage

    The heaviest rainfall of short duration in my recollection occurred on the morning of Thursday, July 26th, 1872. It fortunately lasted but one and a half or two hours. The total rainfall that day was two and a half inches, most of which fell in those two hours. Torrents of water rushed down the hills ; the boundary walls of private grounds in many places were overturned. The surface of the Old Youghal Road was almost completely washed away, laying bare the rock and exposing the gas and water pipes. The debris was piled up at the foot of the hill to the height of six feet, and lay against the doors and shop-fronts of several houses.

    Though as a rule the atmosphere is damp during rain, yet such is not always the case, as is proved by the indications of the hygrometer, which sometimes shows more than average dryness notwithstanding the downpour. This occurs when the rain falls from the higher atmosphere, or from heavy detached cumulous clouds ; the rain on such occasions is generally heavy and of short duration. On the other hand we frequently have a degree of moisture in the air, much above the average, unaccompanied by rain, but when this increases to the point of saturation, the atmosphere being overcharged, discharges itself of the excessive moisture in a thick, steady, fine rain, sometimes called a "Scotch mist."

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 129

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on the Old Youghal Road, you are on a street that took the brunt of the heaviest short rainfall in living memory on Thursday, July 26, 1872. It lasted only an hour and a half to two hours, but two and a half inches of rain fell that day, most of it in those two hours. Torrents of water rushed down the hills. Boundary walls of private grounds were overturned in many places. The surface of this road was almost completely washed away, laying bare the rock and exposing the gas and water pipes beneath. At the foot of the hill, debris piled up to six feet high against the doors and shop fronts of several houses. The observer noted that rain of this kind falls from heavy detached clouds in the higher atmosphere, heavy and brief, unlike the thick, steady fine rain sometimes called a Scotch mist, which comes when the air is overcharged with moisture and discharges it slowly. But that morning was the other sort, sudden and destructive.

46. Burial of Thomas Maol in Youghal Franciscan church

    Youghal · town · Cork · 1534

    Thomas Maol Calvus, the elderly and turbulent Earl of Desmond, died aged eighty and was buried in the Franciscan church at Youghal, together with most of his ancestors. State Papers record that the earl and his kinsmen held all the king's manors and castles across Limerick, Cork, Kerry and Waterford.

    Read the passage

    Tower of London, and of his own impending arrest, his resolution to .rebel against the English Government was strongly opposed by his father's oldest and warmest friend, the " bald earl " of Desmond ; who, however, must have connived at much of the prevailing disturbances in 1534, when Henry VIII. commanded the Earl of Ossory to subdue the Earl of Desmond, who " has broken all his oaths of allegiance and obedience, and has not reduced his subjects to good order."(lo> But the days of his long and turbulent career were nearly spent, and in this year, aged eighty ,(ll) Thomas Maol Calvus died, and was buried in the Franciscan church at Youghal, with most of his ancestors. To the end of his life the earl was a fierce and grasping man, by the following account given in the State Papers — " The Earl of Desmond and his kinsmen and servants within four shires of Limerick, Cork, Kerry and Waterford have all the king's manors and castles. Your Grace has not one groat of yearly profit or revenue. The Earl of Desmond has subdued all your Lords of Parliament, and none of your laws are observed."

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 95

47. Castle garrison at Dungarvan holds out then surrenders

    Dungarvan · town · Waterford · 1642

    The garrison in Dungarvan Castle continued to shoot at the army, wounding several men and shooting Sir John Browne through the coat without injuring his body. On 6 March the castle garrison surrendered on terms, allowed to depart with colours flying and bagpipes playing.

    Read the passage

    those that were in the Castle stood out and shott at us, they killed \ of

    c. , , our men and hurtcd three or four more, that was all thi

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 175

48. Cloghleagh and Dungullane Castles as rebel strongholds

    Cloghleagh · townland · Clare · 1641–1642

    The enemy still maintained Cloghleagh Castle and Dungullane Castle, two very strong castles, though both lacked water. The writer hoped for their demolition or a strong English ward, calling them the bane of the English in those parts.

    Read the passage

    Cloghleagh Castle and Dungullane Castle, the enemy still mayntaynes and keepes, they are two very strong castles, but they want water both of them. Daniell McShane 6'Bryan is captayne of Dungullane Castle, he hath a company of desperate naughty ffellows about him, they came to a gentleman a parishioner of myne whose land lyeth in Letrim, one James Fitz Gerald who is now maryed unto the Lord of Muskery's aunt and p.suaded him to leave his thatched house in Letrim and goe with them to the said Castle of Dungullane, and there they would create him Earle of Desmond and put him in possession of all his lands, the gentleman being a very weak man both of body and minde was soon p.suaded, and went with them, and there he is yet for anything I know to the contrary.

    I believe the gentlewoman his wife hath store of money and plate there with her. To my knowledge there is store of plate, brass pewter iron potts and ffeather beds in those two Castles and amongst the reste there is four of myne.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 178

49. Cormac Oge created Baron of Blarney and Viscount of Muskerry, 1628

    near Blarney · townland · Cork · 1628

    Donogh MacCarthy's father, Cormac Oge, was created Baron of Blarney and Viscount of Muskerry in 1628. Donogh succeeded as second viscount and became commander of the Munster rebel forces during the 1641-52 civil war.

    Read the passage

    (4) Donogh MacCormac (oge) MacCarthy, eighteenth lord of Muskerry, son of Cormac oge MacCormac MacCarthy, seventeenth lord, who is shown in the pedigree of the family published at p. 193 of vol. i. of this Journal (1st series), to illustrate an article on the " Sept Lands of Muskerry." The seventeenth lord and his father, Cormac, the sixteenth lord, had followed the example of the fourteenth lord — the famous Sir Cormac MacTeige MacCarthy; and, by successive surrenders of the clan lands, as if their own, to the Crown, and subsequent regrants from the Crown to themselves, had diverted the ownership of the lands from the clan to themselves, and became landlords receiving rents in money, instead of chieftains over clansmen — their status under Tanist law. Donogh's father, Cormac Oge, had been created in 1628 Baron of Blarney and Viscount of Muskerry. Donogh was the second viscount ; and having joined in this civil war, 1641-52, became commander of the Munster forces of the "rebels." He was exiled to the Continent by the Parliament, but afterwards assisted in the Restoration of King Charles II., by whom he was, in 1658, created Earl of Clancarty. His grandson, also called Donogh, fourth earl, joined the losing side of King James II. in his contest with William of Orange, and was taken prisoner at the capture of Cork, 29th September, 1690, and was contined in the Tower, but escaped to France. He was outlawed; but was subsequently pardoned by King William, who allowed him a pension of ,£300 a-year. His estates in Muskerry, i.e. the landlord rights filched a century before from the clan, were forfeited and sold in Dublin to various purchasers in 1702-3.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 15

50. Danish pikes and axe heads found near Kilteely

    Kilteely · town · Limerick

    An old man reported that a number of what he called 'Danish pikes' were found near Kilteely many years ago. He also found, under a large stone about a mile west of the Boughal Breaga, several axe heads made of an unknown metal and a couple of inscribed coins that were neither gold nor silver.

    Read the passage

    To the north of Ballinalough is the parish of Kilteely,(l6) that is, " St. Tidal's church." Lewis mentions that on an eminence near the village are some remains of the church of Kildromin, founded by the Knights Templars in 1291. Lonan, chief of the Ui Fidhgheinte, who made a great feast for St. Patrick on Mullach Cis, was buried at Kilteely. Near the village is, or rather was, a remarkable rock, for the greater part is now quarried away, which the people call Carrickittle, that is, as it is written by the Four Masters and in the Annals of Lough Ce, Carraig Ciotal, " Ciotal's Rock." The Earl of Kildare built a castle on this rock in 1 5 10, which is shown in Speede's Map of Munster contained in Pacata Hibemia. Dr. Joyce, in Irish Names, thinks that Ciotal is a diminutive from " Cet," a name which often occurs in old Irish tales, but he is not quite satisfied with this derivation owing to the absence of the genitive inflexion. In the Wars of the Gaedhil with the Gaill, it is stated that in the year 853 Amlaibh, king of Lochlainn, killed the son of Cennfaeladh, king of Muscraidhe Breoghain, a district not far from the town of Tipperary, and Caetil the White, with his whole garrison. This Caetil was a chief of the Gaill-Gaedhil, or apostate Irish, and it is not known where his fortress was situated. There is the probability however that it was not far from Tipperary, and as there seems to be great diversity in the annals as to the proper form of this name, may there not be a possibility that he may be identified with Ciotal of Carrickittle. Dr. Todd considers the name Caetil to be the same as the Scandinavian name Ketill. Many years ago a number of what an old man called Danish pikes were found near Kilteely. The same old man told me that under a large stone about a mile to the west of the Boughal Breaga he found, a few years ago, several axe heads made of a metal he did not know, and a couple of coins with inscriptions ; as these were neither gold nor silver he did not

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 276

51. Description of the city and cathedral of Ross

    near Ross · parish · Cork · 1517

    Witnesses in 1517 deposed that the city of Ross is situated on a plain looking southward to the sea, contains nearly two hundred houses surrounded by a wall, and has a cathedral built of cut stone in the form of a cross with three naves. A round tower with one large bell stands in the cemetery outside.

    Read the passage

    On the iv. kalends of January, 1488, Pope Innocent VIII. confers on Thaddeus, bishop of Ross, the abbey of Maur, or " de Fonte vivo," in that diocese, in commendam, on the resignation of Edmund de Courcey, bishop of Clogher, who also held it in the same manner and resigned it in favour of Thaddeus. Bishop de Courcey, as mentioned before, was transferred to Ross in 1495, and resigned on 4th November, 1 5 17, in favour of John O'Murrily (Hurley), abbot of " Fonte vivo," retaining his abbey. In this document (witnessed by Lady Elinora McCarthy, of Kilbrittain castle, and wife of McCarthy Reagh ; Cornelius Cahalane, guardian of Timoleague abbey when the resignation took place ; and Maurice O'Murrily, cleric. It is attested by an apostolic notary of the diocese of Dublin. These precautions were found necessary on account of the many misrepresentations sent to Rome) the abbot is described as of the diocese of Cork, and of good address, grave, and learned in canon and civil law. His great age, more than eighty years, and being unable to the duties of his see, the merits of the said John, and being also related to him by a certain degree of affinity, are the causes assigned for his resignation ; the appointment was also recommended by the king of England. In the consistory held for the appointment, we see again the caution used. The abbot John is presented, and the cardinals are asked to judge of him themselves. Two witnesses are examined on oath in the case, Brother Richard, a professed monk of the Cistercian order, about thirty years of age, and Maurice O'Cullinane, aged forty, both priests of the diocese of Ross. The abbey is valued at sixty marks. On the state of the church they depose : The city of Ross is situated on a plain, looking southwards to the sea ; contains nearly two hundred houses, surrounded by a wall ; the soil fertile ; the cathedral church is built of cut stone, having two entrances — one in front, the other at the side ; is in the form of a cross ; about the size of B. Marire de Populo ; roofed with slates ; there are three naves with pillars ; the floor has no pavement ; the choir is in the centre, with wooden seats ; at the top of the choir is the high altar ; to the left of it is the sacristry, in which are the vestments, crosses, silvergilt chalices, mitre, silver crozier. In the cemetery outside is the round tower, with one large bell. In the said church after the bishop is the dean, who is the first dignitary, valued at twelve marks ; the archdeacon,

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 289

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through the parish of Ross in Cork, you are in a place that witnesses in 1517 described in detail. They were examined on oath in a case involving the appointment of John O'Murrily, abbot of Fonte vivo, as bishop of Ross, succeeding Bishop de Courcey, who resigned in favour of him on 4 November 1517 at more than eighty years of age, unable to perform the duties of his see. The appointment was recommended by the king of England, and the cardinals were asked to judge John themselves. The two witnesses were Brother Richard, a Cistercian monk about thirty years old, and Maurice O'Cullinane, aged forty, both priests of the diocese of Ross. They deposed that the city of Ross is situated on a plain, looking southwards to the sea. It contains nearly two hundred houses, surrounded by a wall, and the soil is fertile. The cathedral church is built of cut stone, with two entrances, one in front and one at the side. It is in the form of a cross, about the size of Saint Mary de Populo, and roofed with slates. There are three naves with pillars. The floor has no pavement. The choir is in the centre, with wooden seats. At the top of the choir is the high altar. To the left of it is the sacristy, in which are the vestments, crosses, silver-gilt chalices, a mitre, and a silver crozier. In the cemetery outside stands the round tower, with one large bell. After the bishop, the dean is the first dignitary, valued at twelve marks, and then the archdeacon.

52. Destruction of Abington graveyard by Philip Stepney Rawson

    Abington · townland · Limerick

    The old graveyard at the site of the abbey of Wonye, containing many valuable monuments, was destroyed by Philip Stepney Rawson, who intended building a mansion house on the site. The area is now a pasture field.

    Read the passage

    (2) Sir Edmond Walsh was son to Peter Walsh, who died 20th June, 1575, and " was seized in his demesne as of fee of the site and precinct of the late abbey or religious house of Wonye, and of all the castles, messuages, lands and tenements in Wonye, Castleneboynage, Killnenoge, Knockenegurten, Rathreagh a/ias Rathrareg, Kappernowke, Kappicullen, Lesmolane, Kyshecurke, and Aunagh." The abbey of Wonye or Uaithne was founded in 1189 by Theobald Fitzwalter, ancestor of the Ormonde family. It was a daughter of the Cistercian abbey of Savigney, in the diocese of Avranches, Normandy. Some writers say that Fitzwalter was buried in this abbey in 1206 ; others say that in 1204 he gave " two palfreys " for licence to go to England, where he died. He was nephew to Thomas a Becket, and his brother Hubert was made archbishop of Canterbury in 1 193. A small private chapel in a very dilapidated state is all that is left of the abbey of which Dineley gives a sketch. In this chapel there is a monument of the Walsh family with a long Latin inscription now nearly illegible. It was erected in 1618 by Lady Ellice Walsh in memory of her husband Sir Edmond. The old graveyard containing many valuable monuments was destroyed by Philip Stepney Rawson, as he intended building a mansion house on the site of the abbey. It is now a pasture field. Sir George Carew in Pacata Hibernia relates that Rory O'Donnell in his retreat after the battle of Kinsale lost several men when passing over the ford near this abbey. Carew also details at length how O'Donnell had previously eluded him on the way to Kinsale by making a forced march over the Slieve Phelim mountains, lying a little north of the abbey. There is a stone on bridge at Abington inscribed with Walsh arms and an inscription now illegible but given by Dineley.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 255

53. Donal MacFinnin defender of the bridge of Slane

    Slane · town · Meath · 1690

    Donal MacFinnin, of the Ardtully MacCarthy line, was the heroic defender of the bridge of Slane at the Battle of the Boyne. His descent to the present day is described as complete, though few generations connect him to Dermod of Tralee.

    Read the passage

    ^FreTmeri short This branch of the MacCarthys, located in Ardtully Journal, [8th Castle, near Kenmare, derive their descent from Dermod May, 1875. of Tralee, who was the younger son of Donal Roe, prince of Desmond. This family lost their property in the Williamite confiscation. The most remarkable members of it were Dermod of Tralee, slain by Maurice, fourth Lord Kerry, on the bench of justice, before the judge ; and in long generations after, Donal MacFinnin, the heroic defender of the bridge of Slane at the Boyne. The descent from Donal of Slane to the present day is complete, but between him and Desmond of Tralee there arc but few of the many generations given.''

    The MacCarthys.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 127

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Slane, you are in the town where, in 1690, Donal MacFinnin made his stand. He was of the Ardtully MacCarthys, near Kenmare, tracing descent to Dermod of Tralee, younger son of Donal Roe, prince of Desmond. This family lost property in the Williamite confiscation. Their most remarkable members were Dermod of Tralee, slain by Maurice, fourth Lord Kerry, on the bench of justice before the judge, and, in long generations after, Donal MacFinnin, heroic defender of the bridge of Slane at the Boyne. The descent from Donal of Slane to the present day is complete, but between him and Dermod of Tralee there are but few of the many generations given.

54. French descent on Bantry Bay strikes terror in Cork

    Bantry · town · Cork · 1796

    In December 1796, the French made their descent on Bantry, striking terror and alarm into the peaceful inhabitants of the city and county of Cork. The area was practically undefended and was only preserved from foreign invasion by providential interposition.

    Read the passage

    The book commences with a list of the men and the dates of their enrollment, and embodies a record of each day's work down to February 24th, 1806, when it abruptly ends. A few extracts will show in what consisted the daily routine of the mounted Yeoman's life during the first year of the present century. Banded together in October, 1796, their roll call numbered forty-four, when, in the following December, the French made their descent on Bantry and struck terror and alarm into the peaceful inhabitants of the city and county of Cork, which practically undefended was alone preserved by the providential interposition of the Almighty from the inroads of a foreign and hostile soldiery. The names of those who formed this troop are eminently representative ; men of equally good family were found in the ranks of the troop as among those who were their chosen and elected leaders. The duties that they were called upon to perform consisted chiefly in patrolling the country at night, acting as peace officers in bringing law-breakers to justice, carrying despatches from their head-quarters in Macroom to Cork, at one extremity, and to Bantry at the other, and by daily exercise and drill keeping themselves in a state of such soldierly efficiency that their services were counted by the Government for foreign duty. Here follows a list of the troop —

    Name and Rank.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near Bantry, here in Cork. In December 1796, the French made their descent on this town and struck terror and alarm into the peaceful inhabitants of the city and county of Cork. The place was practically undefended. It was preserved from the inroads of a foreign and hostile soldiery only by what the record calls the providential interposition of the Almighty. A mounted yeomanry troop had banded together just weeks before, in October 1796, with a roll call of forty-four men. Their names were eminently representative, men of equally good family found in the ranks as among their chosen and elected leaders. Their duties consisted chiefly in patrolling the country at night, acting as peace officers in bringing law-breakers to justice, carrying despatches from their head-quarters in Macroom to Cork at one extremity and to Bantry at the other, and by daily exercise and drill keeping themselves in soldierly efficiency. Their services were counted by the Government for foreign duty. The record of each day's work runs down to February 24th, 1806, when it abruptly ends.

55. Head Constable Crowley's arrest of Terence Bellew McManus in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1848

    Head Constable John Crowley, long stationed in Cork, rendered signal service during the Young Ireland movement of 1848 and the disturbed times that followed. His most notable arrest was that of Terence Bellew McManus, captured while attempting to embark in disguise for America.

    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

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this city holds a story from the Fenian rising of 1867. Head Constable Gale of Cork was awarded the Constabulary medal for arresting Captain Mackey, otherwise known as Lomasney. Mackey commanded the Cork contingent in the rising. When Gale moved to arrest him, Mackey resisted with determination. In the struggle, he mortally wounded one of the constables who had accompanied Gale. The medal Gale received was never issued except for signal acts of bravery. The same order had been given to Head Constable Crowley, also of Cork, years earlier during the Young Ireland movement of 1848. Crowley had arrested Terence Bellew McManus as he tried to embark in disguise for America. These medals were rare. They were pinned on the recipient's breast by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland at a full parade of the force in Phoenix Park, Dublin.

56. Knockeen or Cnoc Fhinn, hill of Fionn in county Limerick

    Knockeen · townland · Limerick

    A limestone hill near Caherconlish called Knockeen was traditionally known as Cnoc Fhinn, 'the hill of Fionn,' said to be the first place in county Limerick where Fionn MacCumhaill was seen after slaying the Ceannurran, a one-eyed giant, near the Suir.

    Read the passage

    About a mile and a half from village, right-hand side of road to Boher railway station, there is a high limestone hill called Knockeen,' > "little hill." An old, old man, however, told me that the hill was properly Cnoc Fhinn, that is " the hill of Fionn," and said he heard it was so called from its being the first place in county Limerick at which Fionn was seen after having slain the Ceannurrun, " a Cyclops, or one-eyed giant," near the Suir. This old fellow said that Fionn MacCumhaill was the son of the King of Ulster, but a Druid having foretold that Fionn was fated to kill his father and marry his mother, the king, at Fionn's birth, ordered him to be put to death. His mother, however, managed to evade the decree and Fionn was brought up as her own son by the henwife who lived in the lodge at the entrance to his father's castle. Years after a great hurling match, Leinster v. Ulster, was held in the castle grounds, at which Fionn was one of the players, and having highly distinguished himself,

    (2) The hill at opposite side of road from Knockeen is Cnocaneh, that is, Cnoc-aneich, " hill of the horse. " Ech is a very old word for horse ; it is the Sanscrit Ofvat and Latin cquus. Recently I was very much amused listening to two old men in the village disputing about their knowledge of Irish. " What is the Irish for horse?' said one. " Cu/xili," replied the other. "Vulgar Irish," said the first; " ech is the proper word." "Now," asked the second, who was very much nettled, "could you give me the Irish lor fox '.J " " Ah, couldn't I," answered the lirst ; "its sionnach. You thought I would say madradh ruadh, 'red dog.'"

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 225

57. Last Mac Auliff chief died in poverty near Newmarket

    Newmarket · town · Cork

    A tradition recalls that the last Mac Auliff chief, whose clan once held three castles near Newmarket, died very many years ago near the town in poor circumstances. The weighmaster of Kenmare had earlier claimed to O'Donovan to be the last representative of the chiefs of Clan Mac Auliff.

    Read the passage

    The third castle was near Priory, where the " Monks of the Screw" oft sported under their genial abbot, John Philpott Curran. This was Carrigacashel. Curran was born in a house on or near the site of the present courthouse of Newmarket. The handsome Celtic cross placed over the grave of his daughter, Sarah, in Newmarket churchyard, was due to the initiation of Bishop John Gregg, who headed the subscription list which Miss Aldworth opened at his request. O'Donovan, in one of his notes to O'Heerin's Topographical Poem, gives an account of an interview he had with the weighmaster of Kenmare, who claimed to be the last representative of the chiefs of Clan Mac Auliff. I have a distinct recollection of hearing a tradition that the last Mac Auliff died very many years ago near Newmarket in poor circumstances. The Mac Auliffs were a fighting race, and of Danish origin, as the name means " the sons of Amhlaibh, Amlaf, Olaf, or Aulaf," many chiefs of which name ruled over the Danes of Limerick. In the year 1535 Mac Auliff defeated with great slaughter FitzGerald, the Lord of Clenlish. Early in the seventeenth century Sir Richard Aldworth received a grant of a large portion of Mac Auliffs territory.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 192

58. Legend of the impatient serpent told in Cork and Caherconlish

    Cork · city · Cork

    The legend of the impatient serpent circulated widely, being heard in Cork and recounted by an old native of Caherconlish. The legend may have originated from an old prophecy translated by O'Curry from Leabhar Mor Duna Doighre.

    Read the passage

    Some Stray Notes. — The curious legend of the impatient serpent has obtained a wide circulation. I heard it years ago in Cork, and an old native of Caherconlish told it to me lately. The legend may have originated from an old prophecy which O'Curry (Lect. on MS. Materials, 426) translates from Leabhar Mor Duna Doighre. " Loch Bel Sead, or the ' lake of the jewel mouth,' was called also Loch Bel Dragain, or the ' dragon mouth lake '; because Ternog's nurse caught a fiery dragon in the shape of a salmon, and St. Fursa induced her to throw it into Loch Bel Sead. And it is that dragon will come in the festival of St. John, near the end of the world, in the reign of Flann Cinaidh. And it is of it and out of it shall grow the Fiery Bolt which will kill three-fourths of the people of the world." Loch Bel Sead is now called Lough Muskry, from the old territory of Muscraidhe Ui Chuirc, in which it is situated. This lake originated, according to the legend, from the playing of a harper named Cliach. He stood so long on one spot, that the ground burst under his feet. The old name of the Galtee mountains is Crotta Cliach, or the "harps of Cliach." The fiery dragon will begin his course at Dun Cearmna, or Old Head of Kinsale, and will flash as far as Sruibh Brain, or Lough Foyle. The reign of Flann Cinaidh (voracious) will be a momentous one for Cork, for during it also will come the broom out of Fanait, in Donegal, which will bring direful woe to the people of Cork.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 52

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, there is a legend that has circulated widely here. It was heard in Cork years ago, and an old native of Caherconlish told it as well. It may come from an old prophecy that O'Curry translated from Leabhar Mor Duna Doighre. The prophecy tells of Loch Bel Sead, the lake of the jewel mouth, also called Loch Bel Dragain, the dragon mouth lake. Ternog's nurse caught a fiery dragon in the shape of a salmon, and Saint Fursa induced her to throw it into the lake. That dragon will come on the festival of Saint John, near the end of the world, in the reign of Flann Cinaidh. Out of it shall grow the Fiery Bolt, which will kill three-fourths of the people of the world. Loch Bel Sead is now called Lough Muskry, from the old territory of Muscraidhe Ui Chuirc. The lake itself originated, according to the legend, from a harper named Cliach, who stood so long on one spot that the ground burst under his feet. The old name of the Galtee mountains is Crotta Cliach, the harps of Cliach. The fiery dragon will begin at Dun Cearmna, the Old Head of Kinsale, and flash as far as Sruibh Brain, Lough Foyle. The reign of Flann Cinaidh, the voracious, will be momentous for Cork, for during it also will come the broom out of Fanait in Donegal, bringing direful woe to the people of Cork.

59. Ligauns pillar-stones marking ancient pathway to Lough Gur

    near Lough Gur · lake or lakes · Limerick

    Four conglomerate pillar-stones, called ligauns, remain in situ between the stone circle on Knockroe and the chief circle at Lough Gur. The author suggests they mark an ancient pathway through a forest across a ford near Ballinabratherbeg friary.

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    Iaudden. — Mr. Lynch promises " some interesting items about this parish." I would draw attention to a line of pillar-stones known in this locality as ligautis, only four of which remain in situ, between the stone circle on the summit of Knockroe (six hundred feet high) in that parish, and the chief circle of Lough Gur, four miles and a quarter distant. The first stone on the top of Knockroe is called Bouchaill-brege ; the second, close to the ancient road from Limerick to Cork, called Boherligaun, is one mile from Bouchaill-brege ; the third called Cloghligaun, also close to the road, is a quarter of a mile from number two, and number four is ninety perches from number three. They are all conglomerate, a stone not common in this district. A straight line from number one and two will cross the Camoge River at a ford near the ancient friary, called Ballinabratherbeg, and will strike the large stone circle at Lough Gur. A line from number one and three and four will also cross the river near the ford, and will strike the large pillar-stone at paddock hill (see Journal, July, 1895). I may add that the stone circle on the summit of Knockroe was almost destroyed in the year 1829 by the proprietor of the lands, who erected a turret almost on its site to commemorate Catholic Emancipation, which fell to the ground last spring. In the excavations made at that time a quantity of human bones of au unusually large size were unearthed near the pillar-stone known as Bouchaill-brege, i.e., "the lying or deceptive boy," as this stone presents the appearance of a man from a distance. Some thirty years ago an old man informed me that "in the ould ancient times two giants lived in the neighbourhood ; one had his stronghold at Lough Gur and the other at Knockroe, and having a bit of a falling out began to pelt stones at one another, and sure the ligauns are there to this day. They kilt one another in the long run, and one is buried under the Bouchaill-brege and the other at Lough Gur." As Grange Hill, some five hundred feet high, intervenes between the stone circles at Lough Gur and on the summit of Knockroe,

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 259

60. Lismore as base; Portrieve Bryan Cavernor dissuades battle

    Lismore · town · Waterford

    The Lord's troupe returned to Lismore after operations. When rebels from Condons' country pillaged the neighbourhood, the Lord rode out against them but was persuaded not to give battle by the Portrieve of Lismore, Bryan Cavernor.

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    hee thought it was a very unreasonable motion, considering our handful of men unto their multitude, and hee made known unto him that my Lord when he came forth was informed they were but a company of cow-stealers and had he any way known of their great army he would have come better provided, yet he thought we were able to encounter with them, and so departed from him ; only telling him it was his best course to returne home with his army the way hee came and hee doubted not but Gerrald of Coolissline would furnish them with boates to carry them over the Blackwater and entertayne them as formerly. Butler made answer, that was not their intent, they came not over to that end, but hee did hope they would do better service before they did depart the country. My Lord uppon Smithyes returne and answere had a full intent to have fought with them, but his Lordship was p.suaded to the contrary by some noblemen of the company and the PortrirTe of the Towne of Lismorene, Bryan Cavernor, an honest religious man, and one that hates Popery.

    Internet Archive journalofcorkhisv21896cork, Chapter 172