Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 1)

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. Execution of the traitor Christopher Parese

   Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1535

   After the Castle fell, Parese, expecting knighthood for betraying it, was instead paid the promised money and then had his head cut off by the Deputy's order, giving rise to the Irish proverb 'Too late, quoth Boice.'

   Read the passage

   Castell who hath bin so good a lorde to thee ? Truly thou that art so hollow to him, wilt never be true to us.’ And therewithal! turning his talke to his officers, he gave them commandment to delyver Parese the summe of money that was promised him upon the surrender of the Castell, and after to choppe off his head. Parese, at this colde salutation of ‘ farewell and be lianged,’ turning his simpring to whimpring, said, ‘ My lord, had I wist you would have dealte so straitely with me, your lordship shoulde not have wonne the forte with as little bludshed as you dyd.’ Whereat M. Boice, a gentleman of worship, and one tliat reteyned to that olde Earle of Kildare, standing in the preasse, saidein Irishe, ‘ Antragh,’ which is as much iiiEnglishe as ‘ Too late.’ Whereof grewe tlie Irishe proverbe, to thys day in that language used : ‘ Too late, quoth Boice,’ as we say, ‘ Beware of had I wist ;’ or ‘ After meate mustard ;’ or, ‘ You came a day after tlie faire ;’ or, ‘ Better done than sayde. The Deputie demanded of them that stoode by, what was that he spake. M. Boyce, willing to expounde Ins owne wordes, stei)t forth and answered ; ‘ My Lord, I said nothing but that Parese is seised of a towne neere the water side, named Baltra, and I would gladly know how he wil dispose it before bee bee executed.’ The Governoure, notrnistrusting that M. Boice had glozed (for if he had understood the true signification of the tearme, it was very like that ‘ too late ’ had not bin so sharp to Parese, but ‘ too soone ’ had bin a soure to him), willed the money to be tolde to Parese, and presently caused him to be cut slioi’ter by tlie head, declaring thereby, that although for tlie time he embraced the benefyte of the treason, yet after lie could not digest the treacherie of the traytor. The Deputie, having left a garrison in the Castell, returned with the army triumphantly to Dublin.”

   Among the state papers* is the following account of the siege of Maynooth, in a letter written by the Lord Deputy, Sir William Skeffington and the Council of Ireland, to the King, dated 26th March, 1535.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through the town of Maynooth in Kildare, there is a story from 1535 that happened after the castle fell. Christopher Parese had betrayed it, and he came expecting a knighthood for his trouble. The Deputy had other ideas. He told Parese that a man false to his own lord would never be true to them. He ordered the promised money handed over, and then he ordered Parese's head cut off. Parese, turning from smirking to whimpering, said, "My lord, had I wist you would have dealte so straitely with me, your lordship shoulde not have wonne the forte with as little bludshed as you dyd." A gentleman named M. Boice, who served the old Earl of Kildare, was standing in the crowd. He said in Irish, "Antragh," which is "Too late" in English. From that came the Irish proverb used to this day: "Too late, quoth Boice." The Deputy asked what Boice had said. Boice stepped forward and told him he had only mentioned that Parese held a town near the water called Baltra, and he wanted to know how Parese would dispose of it before he was executed. The Governor, not suspecting Boice had deceived him, had the money counted out to Parese and then had him beheaded. The Deputy showed that while he embraced the benefit of the treason, he could not digest the treachery of the traitor. He left a garrison in the castle and returned with the army to Dublin. The siege is recorded in a letter from the Lord Deputy, Sir William Skeffington, and the Council of Ireland to the King, dated 26 March 1535.

2. Betrayal of Maynooth Castle by Christopher Paris

   Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1535

   Christopher Parese, foster-brother to Thomas FitzGerald and trusted with the Castle's defence, secretly agreed with the Lord Deputy to betray it for money, getting the garrison drunk so the army could scale the walls unopposed.

   Read the passage

   layed siege to tlie CastelP on the north side, towardes the Parke. But before any peece was discharged, Sir William Brereton, by the Deputie his appointment, did sommone the Castell, offering suche as kej)te it to depart with their bagge and baggage, and besides their pardon, to bee liberally rewarded for their good and loyall service. But such as warded the Castell scornfully scoffing the knight his offer, gave him heartie thanks for his kindnesse, which they sayed proceeded rather of his gentlenesse than of their deserving, wishing him to keepe in store such liberal offers for a deere yeare, and to write his commendations home to his friends, and withal to keepe his head warme, for that at their hands he was like to have but a cold suite ; finally, to take suche keepe of their safetie in that they were assured that he and hisfellowes shoulde be sooner from the siege raised, than they from the holde removed. Upon this rounde answere, the ordinances were planted on the north side of the Castell, which made no great batterie for the space of a fortnight, yet the Castell so warely of cache side environed as the rebels were imbarred from al egresse and ingresse. Christopher Parese, foster-brother to Thomas Fitz-Giralde, to whome of especiall trust the charge of the Castell was chiefly committed, })roffering his voluntarie service, which for the most part is so tlianklesse and unsavoury as it stinketh, determined to goe an ace beyond his fellowes in betraying the Castell to the Covernoure. In this resolution he sliot out a letter endorsed to the Lorde Deputie, the effect whereof was, that hee woulde devise the means that tlie Castell should be taken, so that he myght have a summe of money for his paynes, and a competent stay during his life. This motion, by letters to and fro, agreed upon, Parese cnnsed such as kept the warde to swill and boll so much, as they snorted al the night like grunting hogges, little mis-deeining that wildest they slepte, anye Judas had bin waking within the Castell. Tlie occasion of the extraordinaiy exceeding was coloured for by snatching into the Castell a field peece the day before from the army, for whiche they kept such pot revels and triumphant carousing as none of them coulde discover his beddes head from the beddes feete. Parese, taking his tide and time, made signe to the army, between twilight and dawning of the day, who, having skahng ladders in readinesse, wolde not overslip the opportunitie offered. Holland, petite captaineto Salisbury, was one of the forwardest in this exploite, who leaping downe from the wall, fell by mishap into a pipe of feathers, where he was up to the arme-pittes.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 158

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Maynooth, this town was the site of a famous betrayal in 1535. The castle here was held for Thomas FitzGerald against the crown's army. The Lord Deputy's forces laid siege, and Sir William Brereton offered the garrison pardon and reward if they would surrender. They scorned the offer, telling him to keep his head warm and save his liberal promises for a dear year. The cannon battered the walls for a fortnight but did little damage. Christopher Parese, foster-brother to Thomas FitzGerald and entrusted with the castle's defence, secretly wrote to the Lord Deputy offering to betray the castle for money and maintenance for life. The deal was settled by letters back and forth. Parese then got the garrison drunk, using as excuse a field piece they had snatched from the army the day before. The men caroused so hard that, in the source's words, they "snorted all the night like grunting hogges," and none could tell his bed's head from its feet. Between twilight and dawn, Parese signalled the army, who had scaling ladders ready and lost no time. A captain named Holland was among the first over the wall, and fell by mishap into a pipe of feathers up to his armpits.

3. Silken Thomas renounces allegiance and fortifies Maynooth

   Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1534

   After a false report that his father the Earl of Kildare had been beheaded, Thomas FitzGerald, Lord Offaly, called 'Silken Thomas', renounced allegiance to the King, defeated a force at Clontarf, and fortified Maynooth Castle so strongly it was said nothing equal to it had been seen in Ireland.

   Read the passage

   Soon after, in consequence of a report that the Lari had been beheaded in the Tower of London, and that the same fate was intended for his son. Lord Offaly (who was called “ Silken Thomas,” from the silken trappings of the horses of himself and followers) renounced his allegiance to the King of England. Having defeated at Clontarf a small force that had marched against him, he sent his prisoners to the Castle of Maynooth, which was so strongly fortified with men and ordnance that it was said at the time, that “ nothing equal to it in strength had been seen in Ireland since the English first held rule in the land.” He then entrusted the command of the Castle to his fosterbrother Christopher Paris, while he went into Connaught to levy forces among the Irish.

   In January, 1535, by orders of the Council of Ireland, seven hundred men were sent to burn Maynooth, wliere there was a skirmish in which thirteen of the rebels were slain, but the royal troops retired, having suffered little loss.*

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 157

   As the companion tells it

   You're passing through Maynooth now. In 1534, Thomas FitzGerald, Lord Offaly, called Silken Thomas for the silken trappings on his horses and followers, heard a false report that his father the Earl of Kildare had been beheaded in the Tower of London. He renounced his allegiance to the King of England, defeated a small force at Clontarf, and sent his prisoners here to Maynooth Castle. He fortified it so strongly that it was said "nothing equal to it in strength had been seen in Ireland since the English first held rule in the land." He left his foster brother Christopher Paris in command and went to Connaught to raise more forces. In January 1535, seven hundred men were sent to burn Maynooth. Thirteen defenders were killed in a skirmish, but the royal troops withdrew having suffered little loss.

4. Battle of Bellagh-Mugna at Ballymoon, County Carlow, 908

   Ballymoon · townland · Carlow · 908

   A desperate battle took place in 908 at Bellagh-Mugna, identified as Ballymoon in Idrone, County Carlow, between Cormac MacCullenan's forces of Munster and Ossory and the combined armies of Flann and Cearbhal of Leinster. Cormac was killed along with several nobles and about 6000 followers.

   Read the passage

   “ I)V far the most celebrated man of these times in Ireland was Cormac MacCullenan, who was not only hishop of Cashel but lilcewise King there, that is, of all Munster, of wliicli that city was the capital. Little is kno^\^l concerning the earlier part of Cormac's life. He was born in 837, and was of the Kugenian branch of the royal house of ^lunster. That he was educated for the ecclesiastical state is evident from his having been possessed of great learning, tor the acquisition of which he must have spent a great part of his time amidst the tranquillity of college or religious establishments. It is said that he was instructed by Snegdus, a learned and pious abbot of Castledermot, and it is certain that he was a bishop before he became a king. . . . While he was governing his kingdom in peace, Flann, King of All Ireland, and Cearbhal, King of Leinster, marched with an army towards Munster, and laid waste the whole country between GrOT^Tan and Limerick. But in the following year, Cormac, accompanied by Klathertach, Abbot of Inniscathy, a man of a very military disposition, set out with the forces of Munster, and gave battle to Flann and his confederates at Magh-leana, in the present King’s County, and defeated them with great loss, Flann being forced to submit and give hostages to Cormac. Flann did not long submit to this degradation, but, together vith Cearbhal of Leinster and others, raised a large army, which was met, in 90S, at Bellagh-Mugna (Ballymoon, in Idrone, county Carlow), by Cormac, at the head of the forces of Munster and Ossory. A desperate battle then took place, ill which Cormac was killed by one Fiacha, and, along with him, several nobles and princes, besides about 6000 of their followers. The battle is said to have been fought on the 16th of August, and some writers

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 258

5. Catherine Sheil's defiant defence of Woodstock Castle against Preston

   Woodstock Castle · castle · Kildare · 1648

   In 1648, Catherine Sheil, wife of the physician Owen Sheil and daughter of Captain Tyrrell, held Woodstock Castle against General Preston's demands for surrender, refusing even when Preston threatened to hang a young messenger, her nephew, in front of the castle.

   Read the passage

   In 1648, the castle appears to have been in possession of O’Neill and to have been the residence of Owen Sheil, a distinguished Irisli Doctor, called “ The Eagle of Physicians,” a memoir of whom is found in the “ Aphorismical Discovery.” Whilst the Doctor was in Ulster with Oeneral O’Neill and his forces, Preston, who had parted from O’Neill and had now become liis implacable enemy, being on his marcli southwards, came by 8tradbally to Athy and planted his ordnance before Woodstock Castle. Catherine, the wife of Doctor Sheil and daughter of old Captain Tyrrell, was then within the castle. Preston commanded a trumpeter to sound surrender, promising her all safet}'’ and immediate restoration in this castle or in another at pleasure. The lady replied that never could she betray the trust reposed in her by Ceneral O’Neill by surrendering the castle to his enemies. A second time he comiuanded the trumpeter to sound, demanding a promise that after the taking of Athy slie would surrender the castle. She answered that neither before nor after could she ever surrender unless to main force. A third time he essayed, and sent three captains whom he knew to be well-affected towards tlie Doctor and Mrs. Sheil, that they might prevail on her to deliver up the castle. But she, constant and generous lady, would not be thus persuaded. A fourth time he wrote a letter, in which he stated it to be honourable and safe and ad- \ antageous for her to surrender Woodstock Castle, and to send him a written reply by a trustworthy messenger. She wrote a round ” answer that if not a man remained in the castle, but only women and heaps of stones, never would she surrender. With this answer she sent a nephew of the Doctor’s, which, when Preston received, so maddened him that he commanded the youth to be seized and forthwith hanged. For this purpose he ordered a cart to be got read}^ for a gallows, and sent a trumpeter to inform Mrs. Sheil what he intended, and that she should behold the execution if she did not immediately deliver up the castle. Nothing daunted, the valiant woman replied that it was a base, dishonourable act, a violation of the laws of all nations and of arms, to hang the messenger sent from one enemy to another ; that she would never ransom him at so dear a price as was involved in capitulation. Moreover, if her husband and all her children were in the same critical position, she

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 79

   As the companion tells it

   Woodstock Castle is right here beside the road. In 1648, this castle was held by Owen Sheil, a distinguished physician called "The Eagle of Physicians," who was away in Ulster with General O'Neill and his forces. His wife Catherine, daughter of old Captain Tyrrell, was left holding the castle. General Preston, who had parted from O'Neill and become his implacable enemy, marched south through Stradbally to Athy and planted his ordnance before these walls. He sent a trumpeter to demand surrender, promising Catherine safety and restoration in this castle or another at her pleasure. She replied that she could never betray the trust reposed in her by General O'Neill. A second time the trumpeter sounded, demanding she surrender after the taking of Athy, and she answered that neither before nor after would she yield except to main force. A third time, Preston sent three captains friendly to the Sheils to persuade her, but she would not be moved. A fourth time he wrote, urging that surrender was honourable and safe and advantageous. She sent back a round answer: if not a man remained in the castle but only women and heaps of stones, never would she surrender. With this reply she sent her husband's nephew as messenger. Preston, maddened, ordered the youth seized and hanged. He had a cart readied for a gallows and sent a trumpeter to tell Catherine she would behold the execution if she did not immediately yield. Nothing daunted, she called it a base and dishonourable act, a violation of the laws of all nations and of arms, to hang a messenger sent from one enemy to another. She said she would never ransom him at so dear a price as capitulation, and that if her husband and all her children were in the same critical position, she would hold.

6. Lambert Simnel crowned king at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin

   Christ Church Cathedral · ecclesiastical site · Dublin · 1487

   Lambert Simnel, claiming to be the Earl of Warwick, was proclaimed king and crowned at Christ Church Cathedral with a crown borrowed from a statue of the Blessed Virgin in the nearby Church of St. Marie del Dam, then carried to the Castle on the shoulders of a giant Meath knight known as Great Darcy of Platten.

   Read the passage

   In the year 1486, Edward, Earl of Warwick, son of George Duke of Clarence, the last male Plantagenet, was a prisoner in the Tower of London. Early in this year a report was spread that he had made his escape, and in the following year Lambert Simne],wlio represented himself to be the young Prince, landed in Dublin with several English noblemen, together with a force of 2000 Germans sent by the Duchess of Burgundy, sister of King^Edward IV. Gerald, the 8th Earl of Kildare, Sir Thomas’s eldest brother, then Lord Deputy, was deceived, and at once acknowledged him as the real heir to the tlirone. His example was followed by almost the whole of the gentry of the Pale, “ or English land.” Simnel was proclaimed king by the title of Edward VI., and on Whit Sunday was taken to Christ Church Cathedral in great state, where the ceremony of coronation was performed, a crown being borrowed from the statue of the Blessed Virgin in the neighbouring Church of St. Marie del L)am for the occasion. Simnel was tlien carried from the Cathedral to the Castle on the shoulders of a gigantic Meath knight, known as “ Great Darcy of Platten.” An invasion of England was now resolved on. A large force of Irish and Anglo-Irish was raised by the Earl of Kildare ; these, with the Germans, all under the command of the Earl of Lincoln, set sail from Dublin in June, 1487. Sir Thomas, in order to accompany them, resigned the Chancellorship. The invading force landed at Foudrey in Lancashire, and eventually came into collision with King Henry’s army at Stoke in Nottinghamshire. The result of the battle was the utter defeat of the Simnel army with great slaughter. Among the slain lay the body of Sir Thomas of Lackagh.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 175

   As the companion tells it

   Right here, at Christ Church Cathedral, a boy was crowned King of England in 1487. His name was Lambert Simnel, and he claimed to be Edward, Earl of Warwick, son of George Duke of Clarence and the last male Plantagenet, who was actually a prisoner in the Tower of London. A report had spread that Warwick had escaped, and Simnel landed in Dublin with several English noblemen and a force of 2000 Germans sent by the Duchess of Burgundy, sister of King Edward IV. Gerald, the 8th Earl of Kildare, then Lord Deputy, was deceived and acknowledged him as the real heir to the throne. Almost the whole gentry of the Pale followed his example. Simnel was proclaimed king by the title of Edward VI, and on Whit Sunday he was taken to this cathedral in great state, where the coronation was performed. A crown was borrowed from the statue of the Blessed Virgin in the neighbouring Church of St. Marie del Dam for the occasion. He was then carried from the cathedral to the Castle on the shoulders of a gigantic Meath knight known as Great Darcy of Platten. An invasion of England followed. The Earl of Kildare raised a large force of Irish and Anglo-Irish, and these, with the Germans, all under the command of the Earl of Lincoln, set sail from Dublin in June 1487. They landed at Foudrey in Lancashire and met King Henry's army at Stoke in Nottinghamshire. The Simnel army was utterly defeated with great slaughter, and among the slain lay the body of Sir Thomas of Lackagh.

7. Cormac MacCullenan, educated at Disert Diarmada, slain and buried there

   Castledermot · town · Kildare · 907–908

   Cormac MacCullenan, archbishop of Cashel and King of Munster, who had been educated at Disert Diarmada under the abbot Snegdus, was slain in battle in 908 and interred at Disert Diarmada. He was defeated and killed at the Battle of Bellagh-Mugna (Ballymoon, County Carlow) after a long conflict with Flann, King of All Ireland.

   Read the passage

   907 (or 908) a.d. — Cormac MacCullenan, archbisliop of Cashel, and King of ^lunster, who had been educated at Disert Diarmada, was slain, and was interred here. — “ AYare’s Bishops.” Dr. Ijauigan tlius refers to this event: —

   “ I)V far the most celebrated man of these times in Ireland was Cormac MacCullenan, who was not only hishop of Cashel but lilcewise King there, that is, of all Munster, of wliicli that city was the capital. Little is kno^\^l concerning the earlier part of Cormac's life. He was born in 837, and was of the Kugenian branch of the royal house of ^lunster. That he was educated for the ecclesiastical state is evident from his having been possessed of great learning, tor the acquisition of which he must have spent a great part of his time amidst the tranquillity of college or religious establishments. It is said that he was instructed by Snegdus, a learned and pious abbot of Castledermot, and it is certain that he was a bishop before he became a king. . . . While he was governing his kingdom in peace, Flann, King of All Ireland, and Cearbhal, King of Leinster, marched with an army towards Munster, and laid waste the whole country between GrOT^Tan and Limerick. But in the following year, Cormac, accompanied by Klathertach, Abbot of Inniscathy, a man of a very military disposition, set out with the forces of Munster, and gave battle to Flann and his confederates at Magh-leana, in the present King’s County, and defeated them with great loss, Flann being forced to submit and give hostages to Cormac. Flann did not long submit to this degradation, but, together vith Cearbhal of Leinster and others, raised a large army, which was met, in 90S, at Bellagh-Mugna (Ballymoon, in Idrone, county Carlow), by Cormac, at the head of the forces of Munster and Ossory. A desperate battle then took place, ill which Cormac was killed by one Fiacha, and, along with him, several nobles and princes, besides about 6000 of their followers. The battle is said to have been fought on the 16th of August, and some writers

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 258

8. Fall of Maynooth Castle and the pipe of feathers incident

   Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1535

   During the assault, Sir William Brereton's men scaled the walls crying 'St. George', and Captain Holland fell into a pipe of feathers and became stuck, nearly killed by a drunken defender's arrow before being rescued.

   Read the passage

   layed siege to tlie CastelP on the north side, towardes the Parke. But before any peece was discharged, Sir William Brereton, by the Deputie his appointment, did sommone the Castell, offering suche as kej)te it to depart with their bagge and baggage, and besides their pardon, to bee liberally rewarded for their good and loyall service. But such as warded the Castell scornfully scoffing the knight his offer, gave him heartie thanks for his kindnesse, which they sayed proceeded rather of his gentlenesse than of their deserving, wishing him to keepe in store such liberal offers for a deere yeare, and to write his commendations home to his friends, and withal to keepe his head warme, for that at their hands he was like to have but a cold suite ; finally, to take suche keepe of their safetie in that they were assured that he and hisfellowes shoulde be sooner from the siege raised, than they from the holde removed. Upon this rounde answere, the ordinances were planted on the north side of the Castell, which made no great batterie for the space of a fortnight, yet the Castell so warely of cache side environed as the rebels were imbarred from al egresse and ingresse. Christopher Parese, foster-brother to Thomas Fitz-Giralde, to whome of especiall trust the charge of the Castell was chiefly committed, })roffering his voluntarie service, which for the most part is so tlianklesse and unsavoury as it stinketh, determined to goe an ace beyond his fellowes in betraying the Castell to the Covernoure. In this resolution he sliot out a letter endorsed to the Lorde Deputie, the effect whereof was, that hee woulde devise the means that tlie Castell should be taken, so that he myght have a summe of money for his paynes, and a competent stay during his life. This motion, by letters to and fro, agreed upon, Parese cnnsed such as kept the warde to swill and boll so much, as they snorted al the night like grunting hogges, little mis-deeining that wildest they slepte, anye Judas had bin waking within the Castell. Tlie occasion of the extraordinaiy exceeding was coloured for by snatching into the Castell a field peece the day before from the army, for whiche they kept such pot revels and triumphant carousing as none of them coulde discover his beddes head from the beddes feete. Parese, taking his tide and time, made signe to the army, between twilight and dawning of the day, who, having skahng ladders in readinesse, wolde not overslip the opportunitie offered. Holland, petite captaineto Salisbury, was one of the forwardest in this exploite, who leaping downe from the wall, fell by mishap into a pipe of feathers, where he was up to the arme-pittes.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun

   As the companion tells it

   As the road takes you through Maynooth, this is where the castle stood. In 1535 it was besieged on the north side, toward the park. Before any gun was fired, Sir William Brereton, by the Deputy's appointment, summoned the castle, offering those inside pardon and liberal reward if they would depart with their baggage. The warders scornfully refused. They told the knight to keep his liberal offers for a dear year, to write his commendations home to his friends, and to keep his head warm, for at their hands he was like to have, in the words of the record, "a cold suite." They said he and his fellows would be sooner raised from the siege than they removed from the hold. Upon that answer, ordnance was planted on the north side. For a fortnight it made no great battery, but the castle was environed so warily on every side that the rebels were barred from all entry and exit. Christopher Parese, foster-brother to Thomas FitzGerald, had chief charge of the castle. He resolved to betray it to the Governor. He sent a letter to the Lord Deputy offering to deliver the castle for a sum of money and a competent stay during his life. The matter was agreed by letters to and fro. Parese caused the warders to drink so much they snorted all night like grunting hogs. The occasion was that they had snatched a field piece from the army the day before, and kept such triumphant carousing that none could find the head of his bed from the foot. Between twilight and dawn, Parese made sign to the army. The army had scaling ladders ready. Holland, a petty captain to Salisbury, was one of the foremost. Leaping from the wall, he fell by mishap into a pipe of feathers, up to the armpits.

9. Legend of the roaring Lia Fail and its journey to Scotland

   Tara · parish · Meath · 1296

   Tradition holds that the Lia Fail at Tara roared when a true Irish king stood upon it during inauguration, and that it was lent to Scotland in the 6th century for a king's coronation but never returned, eventually ending up under the Coronation Chair in Westminster Abbey after being seized by Edward I in 1296.

   Read the passage

   “ Rath na Rigli ” enclosure. It is said to have roared when a king of the true Irish race stood on it during liis inauguration. There is a tradition in connexion with the “ Lia Fail,” that in the 6th century it was lent to Scotland for the coronation of a king of Irish descent named Fergus, the son of Fare, and that instead of being returned it was carefully preserved for centuries, first at Iona, then at Dun staff n age in Argyleshire, and lastly at Scone, near Perth, until it was seized in 1296 by Edward I., carried off to England, and placed under the Coronation Chair in Westminster Abbey, where it still remains. According to Petrie tliis tradition is a Scottish fiction, as the Lia Fail never left Tara, but was lying on “ the Duma-na-Gall ” in ’98 in the position minutely described by the Irish MSS. of the 10th and 11th centuries which referred to Tara.

   Of the territory belonging to the sept, part was used as common tillage, meadow, forest, or grazing land ; part was occupied by the Paths and dwellings of the members of the sept with their curtilages ; part was reserved for the use of the Chief ; and part was held temporally by the heads of families. At the time of tlie Anglo-Norman invasion tlie native territories were subdivided into “ Tuaths,” “Bailes” (or Ballys), and “ Seisreachs.”

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 119

10. Tuathal's daughters and the tragedy at Naas

    Naas · town · Kildare

    King Eochy of Leinster married Darina, daughter of Tuathal, and brought her to his palace at Naas, then tricked Tuathal into giving him her sister Fithir too by feigning Darina's death. When Darina escaped and confronted them, Fithir died of shock and Darina soon died of a broken heart.

    Read the passage

    Tuathal Teachtmar, King of Ireland, who died about 160 A.D., had two beautiful daughters, Fithir and Darina. Eochy Aiucheaun, King of Leinster, married Darina and carried her to his palace at Naas. Eochy determined by stratagem to obtain Fithir also to wife. For this purpose he shut Darina up in an apartment of his palace, andjgave out a report that she was dead. He then repaired to Tara, and, with great appearance of grief, informed Tuatlial that his daughter was dead, and asked for her sister. Tuathal consented, and Eochy returned home with his new wife. Soon afterwards, however, Darina, escaping from her prison, unexpectedly met her husband and her sister. The latter fell dead before her face, and the young queen soon died of a broken heart. Tuathal, at the head of a powerful force, avenged the insult to his daughter by conquering and beheading

    * Stated by some to be the Moat of Mullagbmast, near Athy, but -^hich I believe to be Tara in Meath.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 126

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Naas, you are in a town where a dark royal tragedy once unfolded. Eochy, King of Leinster, married Darina, daughter of Tuathal Teachtmar, King of Ireland, and brought her to his palace here. He shut Darina away in an apartment and spread word that she had died. Then he went to Tara and, with great show of grief, told Tuathal his daughter was dead and asked for her sister Fithir. Tuathal consented, and Eochy returned with his new wife. But Darina escaped her prison and came face to face with her husband and her sister. Fithir fell dead before her, and Darina herself died soon after of a broken heart. Tuathal then raised a powerful force and avenged the wrong by conquering and beheading Eochy. Tuathal himself died around 160 A.D.

11. 1798 rebellion attack on Naas repulsed with heavy losses

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1798

    On 24 May 1798, Michael Reynolds led about 1000 United Irishmen in an attack on Naas, which was repulsed with a supposed loss of 150 men by Lord Gosford's force of Armagh militia and local yeomanry.

    Read the passage

    1798. — On 24th May one of the first overt acts of insurrection took place at Naas, when Michael Eeynolds, a farmer, and a party of about 1000 (?) United Irishmen attacked Naas, and were repulsed with a supposed loss of 150 men by Lord Gosford, commanding a force composed of the Armagh militia and local yeomanry.

    Note. — On that occasion Ennis’ holding in John’s-lane, Lattin’s alms houses in Plorse Fair, the Eed Cross Inn, next to and north of where Eankin’s public-house now stands. Long’s holding at corner of New Eoad, Brewer’s two houses (I think on Dublin Eoad), six cabins on the green were either taken down by the military for range of cannon or demolished during the fighting. The guns were placed on two mounds, probably St. David’s Castle and the Fair Green where the old Barrack stood.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 141

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Naas, you are in a town where one of the first overt acts of the 1798 insurrection took place. On 24 May 1798, Michael Reynolds, a farmer, led about 1000 United Irishmen in an attack on the town. They were repulsed by Lord Gosford, commanding the Armagh militia and local yeomanry, with a supposed loss of 150 men. The fighting and the military's need for a clear range of cannon led to the demolition of several buildings: holdings in John's Lane, alms houses in Horse Fair, the Red Cross Inn, two houses on Dublin Road, and six cabins on the green. Guns were placed on two mounds, probably St. David's Castle and the Fair Green where the old barrack stood.

12. 9th Earl of Kildare's decoy escapes ambush near Lucan on road to Maynooth

    near Lucan · town · Dublin · 1520–1534

    Forewarned of a plot by John O'Lurkan to assassinate him on the road to Maynooth, the Earl of Kildare had his servant James Grant dress in his scarlet riding cloak as a decoy. The conspirators, waiting near Lucan, attacked the disguised servant instead, allowing the real Earl to escape and the murderers to be later apprehended and punished.

    Read the passage

    “The Conspirators awaiting towards Lucan the comming of the Erie, encountered the disguised Lord, and not doubting but that it had been Kildare, they began to charge him ; but the other amazed therewith cried that they tooke their marke amisse ; for the Erie rode to Mainoth on the further side of the Lift'ey. Wherewith the murtherers appalled fled awaie, but incontinentlie were by the Erie apprehended, susteining the punishment that such Caitifes deserved.”

    This earl died in the Tower of London on the 12th December, 1534.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Lucan now. Around 1520, the 9th Earl of Kildare was warned of a plot by John O'Lurkan to kill him on the road to Maynooth. He dressed his servant James Grant in his scarlet riding cloak as a decoy, and the conspirators waiting near here attacked the wrong man. Grant cried out they had their mark wrong, that the earl rode to Maynooth on the far side of the Liffey. The killers fled but were caught and punished.

13. Murder of two Government soldiers at the Castle of Lackagh

    Lackagh · parish · Kildare · 1655

    A barbarous murder was committed at the Castle of Leckey (Lackagh), County Kildare, upon Denis Brennan and Murtogh Turner, Protestants formerly in service of the State and the army, causing great terror to the peaceable inhabitants of the county. Officers were ordered to investigate and secure all inhabitants of the town.

    Read the passage

    “Whereas, by a Declaration bearing date 18 April last, it was declared (in order to prevent the many murtbers, rapines, thefts, burnings, and spoils, that were commonly done and committed on the poor inhabitants of this nation), that watch and ward, hue and cry, should be duly kept and observed in all the provinces of Ireland according to law, and the many declarations formerly published to that purpose put in execution ; and whereas, this board is informed that there hath been a barbarous murther lately committed in the County Kildare, upon Denis Brennan and Murtogh Turner, Protestants (and persons lately in the service of the State and pay of the army), at the Castle of Leckey in the said county, to the great terror of the rest of the peaceable inhabitants of the County. It is ordered that Colonel Jolm Ilewson, Major Anthony Morgan, and Lieut. -Colonel Hewetsoii, or any two of them, do fortliwith repair into the said place where the fact was done, and secure all the inhabitants thereof, and inform themselves by all due ways and means how the said murther was committed, and by whom, and that they do send for all such parties, and examine such witnesses as they shall think fit upon oath, touching the maimer thereof, and how the said murtherers may be discovered and apprehended ; and whether they have any abettors, harbourers, and countenancers, that are of their friends, kinsmen, or others, in the said town or county. And upon due enquiry into the whole matter of the fact, the said Col. Hewson, Major Morgan, and Lieut. -Colonel Hewetson, or any two of them, are to cause all the Irish inhabitants of the said town where the murther was committed, that are of the Popish religion, to be sent under safe guard into Waterford, to the end that they may be speedily transported to the Barbadoes, or some other of the Plantation Islands belonging to his Highness and the Commonwealth, in America. And that they also commit to the nearest gaol such others as they shall suspect to have been either Principles or Accessaries, or otherwise abettors to the murther aforesaid, to be kept in safe custod}' until thej^ be delivered by due course of law , they are also to examine witnesses upon oath concerning the same, and to bind them over by recognizance to prosecute on behalf of his Highness and the Commonwealth; and that in the mean time the said Colonel Hewson, Major IMorgan, and Lieut. -Colonel Hewetson, or any two of them, cause their respective estates to be inventoried and secured. And to retiii n an account of their proceedings herein unto this Board with all convenient speed.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 185

14. O'More and O'Connor burn Naas on St. David's Day

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1577

    In 1577, Rory Oge O'More and Cormac MacCormacke O'Connor, with only 140 men and boys and no horsemen or firearms, burned between 700 and 800 thatched houses in Naas by night while the town slept off St. David's Day revelry.

    Read the passage

    1577. — Sydney states that “ Pori Oge O’More and Cormacke MackCormacke O’Connor accompanied with not more than 140 men and boys, on the third of the monethe burned between vii. and viii. hundred thatched housies in a markett towne called the Naas. They had not one horseman nor one shot with them.

    jgo

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 131

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Naas, this market town was nearly destroyed in 1577. On the third of the month, after St. David's Day revelry, Rory Oge O'More and Cormac MacCormacke O'Connor came with no more than 140 men and boys, no horseman, no firearm, and burned between 700 and 800 thatched houses by night while the town slept.

15. O'Neill's inauguration stone smashed at Tullaghoge

    Tullaghoge · townland · Tyrone · 1602

    The O'Neill chiefs were inaugurated on a stone in the Rath on Tullaghoge, known as Leac-na-Righ or O'Neill's Chair. This stone was deliberately smashed to pieces on the orders of Lord Deputy Mountjoy in 1602.

    Read the passage

    The O’Neill, on a stone in the Rath on Tullaghoge, Co. Tyrone. This stone, known as “ Leac-na-Righ ” and “ O’Neill’s Chair,” was smashed in pieces by the orders of the Lord Deputy, Lord IMountjoy, in 1602.

    The O’Brien, of Thomond, under a tree on “ Magh Adhair,” now Moyry, near Tullagh, Co. Clare. This inauguration tree was maliciously dug up by the roots and cut to pieces by the orders of Malachy, king of Ireland, in the year 982.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 118

16. Plotting of the 1608 insurrection in Maynooth Castle garden

    Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1606

    In 1606, Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, and Rory O'Donnell, Earl of Tyrconnell, met in Maynooth Castle to plan a general insurrection, and it was in the Castle garden that they first invited Richard, Lord Delvin, to join their designs.

    Read the passage

    In 1606, Hugh O’Neill, Earl of Tyrone, and Kory O’Donnell, Earl of Tyrconnell, held the meetings in which they concerted their plans of a general insurrection, in the Castle of Maynootli ; and it was in the Castle garden that they first proposed to Kichard, Lord Delvin, to take a part in their designs. The Countess of Kildare, in a letter addressed to Lord Salisbury some time after, expressed her regret “ that the late treasons should have been plotted at Maynooth, and strongly protested her own innocence.’’^

    In August, 1610, the Countess Mabel died, and her nephew the Earl came into possession of Maynooth Castle, where he died in February, 1612.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 163

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Maynooth, this was where Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, and Rory O'Donnell, Earl of Tyrconnell, held meetings in 1606 to plan a general insurrection. It was in the castle garden here that they first proposed to Richard, Lord Delvin, to join their designs. The Countess of Kildare later wrote to Lord Salisbury expressing her regret, in her words, "that the late treasons should have been plotted at Maynooth," and protested her own innocence. Countess Mabel died in August 1610, and her nephew the Earl came into possession of Maynooth Castle, where he died in February 1612.

17. Shawn-a-feeka's grave at Ballyadams churchyard

    Ballyadams · townland · Laois · 1681

    Shawn-a-feeka (John Bowen), an officer involved in the Mullaghmast massacre, was shot dead by Shamus O'More and his body was taken to Ballyadams Castle, waked, and buried in Ballyadams churchyard, where a mutilated altar tomb (actually a later Bowen monument of 1681) is pointed out as his grave.

    Read the passage

    'his way out through the soldiery. Shamus and O’Kelly rode to his assistance, helped him to mount, and the three, putting spurs to their horses, galloped away, and never drew rein till they liad reached the Barrow opposite to Rhehan Castle. On their approach the waters parted in front of tliem, and they rode dry-shod to the opposite bank, on reaching which the river flowed on as before. From Rheban they rode to the woods of Ballykilcavan ; and thinking themselves safe from pursuit, they drew rein, and dismounted to breathe their horses. After some time they heard the faint baying of hounds in the direction they had come from, and as it got louder and nearer, O’More gave orders to mount, as he said bloodhounds must be on their track, and off tliej^ again started. Eventually they separated; O’More and O’Kelly crossing the Queen’s County hills got safe into the county Waterford ; but Shamus remained in the Ballyadanis district, hiding in the liouse of a farmer named O’Lalor. In a day or tw^o new^s readied tliem tliat the English had issued a proclamation from Mullaglimast ordering tliat all boys of a certain age belonging to the O’More sept should be put to death. Consequently Shamus got the farmer’s permission to assume his name on condition he w^orked for liim without w^ages. But one day, whiile Shamus was ploughing with a team of oxen, a knight rode into the field, wdiom O’Lalor recognized as Shawna-feeka; he dismounted, and, going up to tlie farmer, asked whose the boy w^as, and O’Lalor, in terror of being found out in a lie, acknowledged it was Shamus O’More. ‘Very good,’ said Shawn- a-feeka, ‘ as I cannot catcli the old fox, I’ll content myself wdth the cub’ ; and w’alking up to Shamus he told him lie w'ould liave to return with him to Mullaghmast. Before mounting he sliowed Shamus a ‘bow^arra’ he held in his hand, and asked him if he knew’ what it wns. Shamus replied that he had never before seen the like of it, and so was told to hold it while Shawn-a-feeka remounted, iks soon as he had his foot in the stirrup, w’ith his back turned, Shamus, taking aim, pulled the trigger, and shot him dead between the joints of the armour at the back of the neck ; he then mounted the horse and galloped off.” Shawm-a-feeka’s body was taken to Ballyadams Castle, waked, and then buried in the Ballyadams churchyard ;* w’here a mutilated altar tomb is pointed out as marking his grave, though in reality it is a Bow’en monument of a later date, viz. 1681. It is said that as O’More and his son galloped aw’ay from the Rath, the impression of their

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 269

18. Conall Cernach slays Mesgegra at the ford of Clane

    Clane · town · Kildare · 33

    Pursuing the fleeing King Mesgegra after the siege of Howth, Conall Cernach of the Red Branch overtook him at the ford of Clane. A duel ensued in which the Leinster king fell and Conall carried off his head as a trophy.

    Read the passage

    The strange code of honour then prevalent secured him protection and respect while within the territory of his host. Outside that territory his privileges would cease, and his infamous behaviour be open to retribution. The men of Leinster did not hesitate to avail themselves of the letter of the law against a man who had so wantonly outraged its spirit. They escorted him to the frontier, where a bodyguard from Ulster awaited him. But when he had passed into the kingdom of Meath they pursued him, and drove him, with his escort, into a stronghold on the hill of Howth. Then took place the famous siege of Howth, which has given title to the tale above referred to. It ended in the triumph of Ulster, chiefly due to the prowess of two famous knights of the Eed Branch, Cuchulainn and Conal Cernach, both celebrated champions in bardic lore. Mesgegra and his troops fled back to Leinster, completely routed. But Conal of the Bed Brandi had lost two of his brothers during the siege, and, thirsting for vengeance, pushed forward alone in pursuit of Mesgegra. On reaching Naas he found that the king had fled before him, and — whether still in pursuit, or intending to return to Ulster by that road, we are not informed — he turned his horses’ heads towards Clane. At the ford of Clane he overtook Mesgegra. A duel ensued, in which the Leinster king fell. The Ulster champion carried off his head as a trophy, and proceeded on his journey to the north. And now the ill-fated Buan, the wife of

    312

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 222

19. Execution and hanging near the town of Leccagh (Lackagh)

    Lackagh · parish · Kildare · 1655

    Connor Birne and Teige Moran, condemned for the murder at Lackagh, were ordered to have their bodies conveyed to the town of Leccagh in County Kildare, drawn upon a hurdle to a gallows erected near the town, hanged, and their heads cut off, though the sentence of quartering was later remitted.

    Read the passage

    “ Whereas Connor Birne, Teige Moran, James Beacon, and Tirlagh Dunn, were lately in the Court of Chief Place, before the Lord Justice, at the Four Courts in Dublin, attainted of treason, and for which they were indicted, arrayned, tried, and condemned, and by writ of execution of tlie said Court, bearing date the 20tli of November instant; the Marshall of the said Four Courts,* is to cause the body of the said Birne and Moran to be safely conveyed to the town of Leccagh in the County of Kildare, and from thence to be drawn upon a dray or hurdle unto the gallows or place of execution, near thereunto to be erected ; And the said Beacon and Dunn to the place of execution near Dublin ; and there to be hanged up by the neck, in the respective places aforesaid, and cast down unto the ground alive — (the next portion of this fearful and barbarous sentence is unfit for print) — and their heads cut off and the members of their bodies be disposed of as should be thought fit, as by writ of execution from the said Court doth now at large appear.

    “And upon consideration had thereof, it is thought fit and ordered by the Board that that part of the sentence given for the quartering of the respective condemned persons above named, be and is hereby remitted and dispensed with. Whereof the respective sheriffs of the Counties of Kildare and Dublin, and the said Marshall of the said Four Courts are to take notice.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 186

20. Father Higgins hanged without trial by Sir Charles Coote

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1642

    Ormonde took a Franciscan priest, Father Higgins, found in Naas under his protection for having saved English lives there, but the priest was later hanged without trial by the Governor of Dublin, Sir Charles Coote.

    Read the passage

    The Earl of Ormonde, Lieutenant-General, with 2000 foot, 300 horse, and 5 small field pieces, quartered on 31st January, 1642, at Newcastle, and having, pursuant to orders, burnt that town and Lyons, marched on the 1st February to the Naas, where the rebels had held a council of war the day before. Finding Naas abandoned by the rebels, he occupied it for two days, during which he sent out parties and burnt Castle Martin, Kilcullen Bridge, and several other villages within a radius of a few miles.* The inhabitants of the Naas having assisted the rebels, and pillaged and expelled their Protestant neighbours, Ormonde punished them in their goods (they themselves having fled with the rebels), by allowing his soldiers, who were in great straits for clothing and shoes, to plunder the town, but findii^g it capable of being fortified, and at a convenient distance from Dublin for keeping a garrison there, he determined not to obey the order to burn it. He returned to Dublin on the 3rd February, leaving a garrison in Naas, and taking with him a Franciscan priest. Father Higgins, whom he had found in Naas, and taken under his protection, being assured of his innocence of rebellion and the great services he had rendered in saving the lives of Englishmen in Naas. This unfortunate man, however, falling into the clutches of the Governor of Dublin, Sir Charles Coote, ‘ a cruel and bloody man,’ was hanged without trial ; and Ormonde’s angry expostulations, owing to the bitter feeling existing among the English in consequence of the massacres of their co-religionists, failed even to get Coote reprimanded or displaced. It was on this occasion that Ormonde received a message from Lord Gormanstown complaining of his having hanged certain persons during his expedition to Naas, and having burnt the country, and threatening to avenge himself on Ormonde’s wife and children then in his power. Ormonde proved that no persons had been hanged by his orders, that in burning the country he was acting under superior orders ; and informed Gormanstown that if his wife and children should receive injury from men, he would not revenge it upon women and children, which act

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 137

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Naas, this is the town where a Franciscan priest named Father Higgins was taken under a commander's protection, and yet ended up hanged without trial. In January 1642, the Earl of Ormonde, Lieutenant-General, arrived here with 2000 foot soldiers, 300 horse, and 5 small field pieces. He had already burnt Newcastle and Lyons on orders, and marched to Naas on the 1st of February. The rebels had held a council of war there the day before, but they had fled. Ormonde occupied the town for two days, sending out parties to burn Castle Martin, Kilcullen Bridge, and several villages within a few miles. The inhabitants had helped the rebels and driven out their Protestant neighbours, so Ormonde let his soldiers, who were badly short of clothing and shoes, plunder the town. But he found Naas could be fortified and was a convenient distance from Dublin for a garrison, so he did not burn it. He returned to Dublin on the 3rd of February, leaving a garrison behind, and taking with him Father Higgins, whom he had found in Naas. Ormonde took Higgins under his protection, satisfied the priest was innocent of rebellion and had saved the lives of Englishmen in Naas. But Higgins fell into the hands of the Governor of Dublin, Sir Charles Coote, described as a cruel and bloody man. Coote had him hanged without trial. Ormonde's angry protests failed even to get Coote reprimanded or removed, owing to the bitter feeling among the English after the massacres of their co-religionists. Ormonde also received a message from Lord Gormanstown, complaining that he had hanged persons during his Naas expedition and burnt the country, and threatening revenge on Ormonde's wife and children then in his power. Ormonde replied that no persons had been hanged by his orders and that he had burnt the country under superior orders.

21. 1532 fair violence and Act of Attainder against Earl of Kildare

    Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1532

    Gerald, 9th Earl of Kildare, was accused in his Act of Attainder of causing subjects at the fair of Tristledermot to be robbed and murdered in his presence in 1532.

    Read the passage

    1532 A.n. — Gerald, 9th Earl of Kildare, was appointed Deputy. He was summoned to London the year following and committed to the Tower. One of the counts in the Act of Attainder subsequently passed against him was that in 1 532, ‘‘at the fair of Tristledermot, crying havoke upon the King’s subjects which thither was resorted, he caused them, in his own presence, to be spoiled, robbed of their goods, and divers of them murdered.” Another charge against him was that, “a friend of Piers Butler, Earl of Ossory, named Sir Poland FitzGerald, Baron of Burntchurch, was proceeding, this same year, to Dublin to attend a Parliament, and had reached Castledermot, when he and his companion were made prisoners of by the Earl of Kildare’s foster-brother, Cahir MacEnecrosse MacMorrogh, and handed over to the care of the Constable of the Castle, while he rode off to consult the Earl at Kilkea. On his return, the Baron was conveyed further into the heart of the county of Kildare, to a castle called Beardy’s Castle (Bert), and yrons brought of the Earl’s owne manor of Kylkaa, to make fast the Baron.” Ultimately, after a long imprisonment, the Baron was released by order of the Lord Justice, with the loss of his horse, money, and apparel. — “ State Papers, (Hen. VIII. 2, 157).”

    1534 A.D. — During the Pebellion of Silken Thomas, Earl of Kildare, Castledermot was garrisoned by his Irish allies, but was taken in the King’s name by Piers, Earl of Ossory. This Piers was, in 1540, appointed Constable of the Castle of Tristledermot. Eight years later Edward O’Loyne was Constable. In Morrill’s Calendar (Pat. Polls) we find, on the 1 9th Februaiy, 1548, pardon of Edward O’Loyue, Constable of the Castle of

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 262

22. Hell-fire Club meetings at Grangemellon Castle

    Grangemellon · townland · Kildare · 1740–1760

    John St. Leger, eldest son of Sir John St. Leger, was a member of the notorious 'Hell-fire Club', some of whose meetings took place at his castle of Grangemellon. Members included gentry from Kilkea Castle, Castleroe, and Shrule Castle, and wore a uniform of red suit and white stockings.

    Read the passage

    John St. Leger, the eldest son, was born on the 10th April, 1720. lie married, on the 23rd July, 1754, Mary, only daughter of Colonel the Hon. Thomas Butler, G-overnor of Limerick, and brother of the second Viscount Lanesborough, and had issue two sous and one daughter. This John St. Leger was a member of the infamous society known as the ‘‘ Hell-fire Club,’' some of whose meetings took place in his castle of Grangemellon ; they were also attended by Henry Lixon of Kilkea Castle, James MTIoberts of Castleroe, and Bobert Hartpole of Shrule Castle, in the Queen’s County. The uniform was a red suit and white stockings. John St. Leger

    * The founder of the Irish branch of the St. Leger family was Sir Anthony St. Leger, of ITcomb, in Kent, who came over to Ireland in the year 1-537. In 1540 he was made Lord Deputy, and in reward for his gO' d seiwices to the State he was granted by the King, on the 4tii May, 1542, the site and precinct of the late Xunnery of Graney, in the Co. Kildare, along with other lands in Ireland. — Archdall’s ‘‘Lodge's Peerage,” vol. vi., p. 116.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 75

23. Rout of English forces in Glendalough by Baltinglass rebels

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow · 1580

    Lord Grey of Wilton sent a force to attack rebels under Lord Baltinglass and Feagh MacHugh who had entrenched themselves in the fastnesses of Glendalough. The English were ambushed and defeated in the glens, with several officers killed.

    Read the passage

    to attack them. Coshy, an exioerienced soldier, dissuaded the attempt ; but liaving positive orders, the foot entered the glens, wliilst Lord Grrey, with the horse, scoured the plains. But the rebels, being well acquainted with these woods, laid their ambushes so cunningly that the English could neither fight in the devilish place nor retire out of it. Courage could but little avail them ; whilst being mired at the bogs, they were forced to stand still like butts to be shot at. Discipline or conduct were of no use in that place, where it could not be practised ; in short, the English were defeated, the whole company slain except some few tliat were rescued by the horsemen, and among the rest Sir Peter Carew, Colonel Moore, and the valiant captains Audeley and Cosby were killed in this unfortunate conllict.”

    We have in Gilbert’s Facsimiles of National 21SS. a portion of the Journal of the House of Lords, a.d. 1581. Among the Acts registered in it as having received the Loyal assent from the Lord Deputy, Sir John Perrott, are those for attainting James Eustace Viscount Baltinglass and the Earl of Desmond, as well as those cliarged with complicity in their movements. These Acts summarily consfiscated and vested in the Crown the entire properties of the persons named therein, and annulled all conveyances made by or in connexion with them during the twelve preceding years. Spenser says the statute with the retrospective clauses in relation to the Desmond confiscation was “ wrought out of the Parliament with great difficulty, and were it to be passed again, I dare undertake it would never be compassed.” Lord Baltinglass saved his life by flying to Spain, where he was “ well used by King Philip II.,” but several of those who liad taken part witli liim in the rising were executed, as Nicholas Nugent, David Sutton, John Sutton, Thomas Eustace, Joliu Eustace, William Wogan, Pobert Sherlock, John Clinch, Thomas Netterville, and Pobert Fitzgerald.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun

24. Trial and execution of Philip Bushen for wife's murder, 1623

    Grangemellon · townland · Kildare · 1623

    Philip Bushen, an English gentleman resident at Grangemellon, was charged with murdering his wife on 23rd March 1623. He was tried before Lord Kilmallock, condemned and executed, though generally believed innocent, and his goods were subsequently inventoried and seized by the Crown.

    Read the passage

    Prior to 16201 Grangemellon was the property of Sir James Fitzgerald — a branch of the Geraldines of Kildare. But in 1623 an English gentleman named Philip Bushen of King’s Ashe in Devonshire was resident there, when a tragic occurrence was alleged to have taken place. He was charged with murdering his wife on the 23rd March, 1623. For this he was tried by a jury before Lord Kilmallock, condemned and executed, though lie was generally supposed to have been innocent. The trial had been deferred from time to time, and Bushen’s son and Erasmus Borrowes, then living at Giltown, together with the latter’s father-in-law, Walter Weldon, became sureties for his aq:)pearing at the time. In 1623 Walter Weldon of Woodstock was High Sheriff of the County Kildare, and on the execution of the unfortunate Bushen^ made an inventory of Bushen’s goods and took possession of the same in riglit of his

    * On the suppression of the Dominican Priory of Athy, in lofl, its possessions were granted to Martin Pelles ; amongst these were one acre of arable land, two of meadow, and four of pasture, great measure in “ Mollen’s Grange.” — (See Ham. Cal., 1-58.)

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 73

25. Ormonde burns Newcastle and Lyons, occupies Naas

    Newcastle · town · Dublin · 1642

    The Earl of Ormonde marched on Newcastle and Lyons, burning them, then advanced to Naas in February 1642, finding it abandoned by rebels. He occupied the town for two days, sending parties to burn Castlemartin, Kilcullen Bridge and other villages nearby.

    Read the passage

    The Earl of Ormonde, Lieutenant-General, with 2000 foot, 300 horse, and 5 small field pieces, quartered on 31st January, 1642, at Newcastle, and having, pursuant to orders, burnt that town and Lyons, marched on the 1st February to the Naas, where the rebels had held a council of war the day before. Finding Naas abandoned by the rebels, he occupied it for two days, during which he sent out parties and burnt Castle Martin, Kilcullen Bridge, and several other villages within a radius of a few miles.* The inhabitants of the Naas having assisted the rebels, and pillaged and expelled their Protestant neighbours, Ormonde punished them in their goods (they themselves having fled with the rebels), by allowing his soldiers, who were in great straits for clothing and shoes, to plunder the town, but findii^g it capable of being fortified, and at a convenient distance from Dublin for keeping a garrison there, he determined not to obey the order to burn it. He returned to Dublin on the 3rd February, leaving a garrison in Naas, and taking with him a Franciscan priest. Father Higgins, whom he had found in Naas, and taken under his protection, being assured of his innocence of rebellion and the great services he had rendered in saving the lives of Englishmen in Naas. This unfortunate man, however, falling into the clutches of the Governor of Dublin, Sir Charles Coote, ‘ a cruel and bloody man,’ was hanged without trial ; and Ormonde’s angry expostulations, owing to the bitter feeling existing among the English in consequence of the massacres of their co-religionists, failed even to get Coote reprimanded or displaced. It was on this occasion that Ormonde received a message from Lord Gormanstown complaining of his having hanged certain persons during his expedition to Naas, and having burnt the country, and threatening to avenge himself on Ormonde’s wife and children then in his power. Ormonde proved that no persons had been hanged by his orders, that in burning the country he was acting under superior orders ; and informed Gormanstown that if his wife and children should receive injury from men, he would not revenge it upon women and children, which act

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 137

26. 1465 Act mandating English dress and surnames near Naas

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1465

    An Act of 1465 directed that Irishmen dwelling among Englishmen in Dublin, Meath, Louth and Kildare (which included Naas) adopt English dress, shave the beard above the mouth, and take an English surname, under penalty of forfeiting goods.

    Read the passage

    “ Every Irishman that dwells betwixt Englishmen in Dublin, Myeth, Dreill, and Kildare shall go like to one English man in apparel and shewing of the Beard above the mouth — and shall take to him an English surname of one town as- Sutton, Chester, Trym, Skryne, Cork, Kinsale, or colour as white, black, Brown, or arte or science as Smith or Carpenter, or office as Cooke, Butler, and that he and his issue shall use this name, under pain of forfeyting of his goods yearley,” etc.

    “Every Englishman and Irishman that dwells with Englishmen, between sixty and sixteen in age shall have an English how of his own length and one fist mele — between the necks with 12 hafts of the length of f of the standard, under pain,” etc.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 130

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Naas, you are in one of the four counties named in an Act of 1465, which directed that every Irishman dwelling among Englishmen in Dublin, Meath, Louth, and Kildare must go in English apparel and shave the beard above the mouth. He was also to take an English surname, of a town such as Sutton, Chester, or Cork, or a colour such as White, Black, or Brown, or a trade such as Smith or Carpenter, and his issue were to use that name. The penalty for failing to do so was forfeiting his goods yearly. The same Act required every man between 16 and 60 to have an English bow of his own length, with 12 arrows, under similar pain.

27. Athy sacked and burned by O'More and O'Conor, 1546

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1546

    In 1546 O'More and Roderick, son of O'Conor, attacked Athy, burning the town and monastery and causing great destruction and slaughter among English and Irish inhabitants; St. Leger subsequently retaliated by plundering and burning in Offaly.

    Read the passage

    In 1546, as the Four Masters inform us, O’More and the son of O’Conor, namely, Koderick, attacked the town of Ath-Ai, burned tlie town and the monastery, and committed great destruction by burning and slaughter on the English and Irish inhabitants on that occasion. Thereupon Anthony St. Leger marclied a second time into Offally and remained fifteen days in the country plundering, spoiling, and burning churches and monasteries, and destroying cattle and corn. He garrisoned the town (of Athy, according to Ware, Cox, &c. ; Dr. Donovan thinks it was Dangean or IFilipstown) against O’Conor with 100 horsemen, 100 musketeers, 100 battle-axe men, and 100 soldiers, with their attendants, and left plenty of provisions and all other necessaries.

    The eighth Earl of Kildare, the more effectually to secure the borders and to induce the gentlemen of the county to pay attention to them, procured, in the reign of Henry Yll., an Act of Parliament appointing the Assizes of the County of Kildare to be held at Naas and Athy, and that they should not be altered or removed from these towns unless by a subsecpient Act of Parliament. This arrangement remained in force until the 3’ear 1859, when the last assizes were held at Athy.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 51

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Athy, a town in County Kildare with a violent chapter in its past. In 1546, as the Four Masters record, O'More and Roderick, son of O'Conor, attacked the town and burned it along with its monastery. The destruction fell on both the English and Irish inhabitants, by burning and slaughter. Anthony St. Leger responded by marching into Offaly for a second time and spending 15 days plundering, burning churches and monasteries, and destroying cattle and corn. He then garrisoned Athy against O'Conor with 100 horsemen, 100 musketeers, 100 battle-axe men, and 100 soldiers with their attendants, leaving behind plenty of provisions. The town later took on a quieter role. The eighth Earl of Kildare secured an Act of Parliament in the reign of Henry VII appointing the assizes of County Kildare to be held at Naas and Athy, fixed there unless changed by another Act. That arrangement lasted until 1859, when the last assizes were held at Athy.

28. Battle of the wounded Dalcassians near Athy, 1014

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1014

    After the Battle of Clontarf, Donogh son of Brian Boru marched his forces near Athy where wounded Dalcassian soldiers, tied to stakes, joined the ranks and so intimidated the Ossorians that they refused to engage, with 150 wounded men later dying of their exertions.

    Read the passage

    Nine hundred years later, another memorable battle was fought at this same ford, which is thus described by O’Halloran : — “In 1014, Donogh, son of the Monarch of Ireland, Brian Boru, leading the Munster forces back after the battle of Clontarf, marched into Magh-Cloinne Ceallagh, or O’Kelly’s country, in tlie vicinity of the present town of Athy. Donogh M‘Grilla Patrick, Prince of Ossory, attem])ted to interrupt their march, and sent heralds to demand hostages of the Dalcassians— the ])icked troops of Brian Boru — or else tlie wager of battle. It is recorded that wlien the wounded men lieard of this tlieir strengtli and fury grew so tliat every man of them was able for battle. “ Let stakes,” they said, “ be stuck in the ground, and let eacli of us, tied to and supported by one of those stakes, be placed in the ranks by the side of a sound man ; our front will thus be the more extended, and by tliis means we shall be enabled to use our arms.” Thus, continues tlie historian, between 700 and 800 wounded men, pale, emaciated, and supported as above, apjieared, mixed with the foremost of the troops. Never was such another sight exliibited ! The Ossorians marclied to the attack with full assurance of victory ; but, wlien they regarded the condition of almost half tlie enemy they were to attack, pit}^ and admiration succeeded to resentment. In vain Fitzpatrick called them forth to battle ; in vain he urged that so decisive an opportunity would never occur again, llis allies — to their honour be it told — absolutely refused to engage the troops of North Munster in their present condition. The record further states that 150 of the wounded men died, when their excitement ceased, after the wager of battle had been refused by their opponents. Moore, in his poem “ Peniember the Glories of Brian the Brave,” makes allusion to this stirring event : —

    Forget not our wounded companions who stood,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 49

    As the companion tells it

    As you come near Athy, in Kildare, there is a story from 1014 that belongs to this ground. After the Battle of Clontarf, Donogh, son of Brian Boru, was leading the Munster forces home. He marched into Magh-Cloinne Ceallagh, O'Kelly's country, in the vicinity of the present town of Athy. Donogh M'Grilla Patrick, Prince of Ossory, tried to interrupt the march. He sent heralds to demand hostages of the Dalcassians, the picked troops of Brian Boru, or else the wager of battle. When the wounded men heard of this, their strength and fury grew so that every man of them felt able for battle. They said, let stakes be stuck in the ground, and let each of us, tied to and supported by one of those stakes, be placed in the ranks by the side of a sound man. Our front will thus be the more extended, and by this means we shall be enabled to use our arms. Between 700 and 800 wounded men, pale, emaciated, and supported as described, appeared mixed with the foremost of the troops. The Ossorians marched to the attack with full assurance of victory. But when they regarded the condition of almost half the enemy they were to attack, pity and admiration succeeded to resentment. In vain Fitzpatrick called them forth to battle. In vain he urged that so decisive an opportunity would never occur again. His allies, to their honour, absolutely refused to engage the troops of North Munster in their present condition. The record states that 150 of the wounded men died when their excitement ceased, after the wager of battle had been refused by their opponents.

29. Captain Cosby granted Stradbally monastery after massacre

    Stradbally · town · Laois · 1592

    Captain Francis Cosby, who commanded the English troops at the Mullaghmast massacre, was in 1592 granted the possessions of the monastery of Stradbally as reward, with no punishment recorded for the killings.

    Read the passage

    Captain Francis Cosby, described as of Kildare, and then of Monasterevin, was in command of the English troops stationed in the Eath ; twenty years previously he had been appointed Greneral of the Kern (native light foot-soldiers), retained in the pay of the Government ; under him was an officer named John Bowen, one of the Ballyadams (Queen’s County) family; he was known as Shawn-a-feeka,* i. e. John of the Pike, by the Irish, on account of his being usually armed with that weapon, it is said. I have been unable to find that any notice was taken by the authorities of the massacre, except that Captain Cosby was in 1592 granted the possessions of the monastery of Stradbally, and his sou Alexander married Dorcas, daughter of Sir Henry Sydney, the lord deputy.

    Holinshed, who had compiled his “Chronicles of Ireland” before the massacre had taken place, quotes, in that part which describes Ireland, a curiously truthful prophecy in connection with Mullaghmast. He writes : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 268

30. Colonel Hewson burns and captures Castledermot tower in 1650

    Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1650

    On 1 April 1650, Colonel Hewson marched to Castledermot, where defenders had burnt part of the castle and retreated to a strong tower; Hewson set fire to the tower door with straw, forcing surrender and capturing Captain Scurlock and three friars.

    Read the passage

    On the 1st of April, 1650, Colonel Hewson marched to Castledermot, where the enemy had burnt a great part of the castle the day before, and betook themselves to a strong to^ver which they had not burnt. Hewson caused great stores of straw and other combustible materials to be put to the door and set on fire, which forced them within presentlj^ to cry out for mercy ; in which place were taken Captain Scurlock, a bloody Tory, three friars, and divers others. — Id.

    1690 A.D. — After the Battle of the Boyne King William and his army, on their way to Limerick, reached Castledermot on the 14th of August. Plere he received tlie news of the defeat of his fleet by the French off Beachy Head. Bev. John Story, Army Chaplain, thus writes : — “ From Timmolin we marched to Castledermot. . . . Here the king received some packets from England, giving him a further account of his fleet and sea affairs, which was easily understood not to be very grateful, and.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 262

31. Drowning of two Englishmen by Rapparees at Sigenstowne

    Jigginstown · townland · Kildare · 1690

    A parish register entry from 27 February 1690 records that two strangers, Englishmen, were taken from John Lawler's house by the Rapparees, coupled together like dogs, and drowned in the Mill-pond at Sigenstowne.

    Read the passage

    “Two strangers buried, which were taken out of John Lawler’s house by the Rapparees, and cuppled together like dogs, and drowned in the Millpond at Sigenstowne ; the said strangers were Englishmen.”

    [We hope in some future number of the Journal to give a plan of St. David’s Cliurch, which unfortunately is not ready' for insertion in this number. — Ed.]

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Jigginstown, in February 1690, two strangers, both Englishmen, were taken from John Lawler's house by the Rapparees. They were, in the parish register's words, "cuppled together like dogs" and drowned in the mill-pond at Sigenstowne. The two were buried afterward.

32. Garret Aylmer of Balrath tortured and pillaged, later pardoned

    Balrath · townland · Meath · 1641–1662

    Garret Aylmer of Balrath helped organize the Rebellion of 1641 and was imprisoned and tortured in Dublin Castle, with his house pillaged and burnt; he was outlawed and his property forfeited, but received a pardon under the Great Seal in 1662 and was restored to his estates.

    Read the passage

    Garret Aylmer of Balrath, a younger son of the Dollardstown family, took part in organizing the Rebellion of 1611, and was imprisoned and tortured in Dublin Castle, and his house pillaged and burnt. Being outlawed, his property was forfeited, but in 1662 he received a pardon itnder the Great Seal and was restored to his estates. His son Christopher was created a baronet in 1662. Matthew, the second son of this Christopher Aylmer, had been employed in the reign of Charles II. in raising soldiers in Munster to be transported into Holland for service against the French. We next hear of him in the navy under George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. In 1690 he was captain of the “ Royal Catherine ” (82 guns) in the battle of Beachy Head, and afterwards commanded a squadron off the coast of Ireland. He fought in the glorious battle of Cape la Hogue, 1692. For his distinguished services in this battle Matthew Aylmer was made Rear-Admiral of the Red, and in 1698 Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean fleet. The peace of Ryswick, which had just been signed, deprived him of any chance of adding further to his laurels, and he retired next year from active service, and became M.P. for Dover which he represented till his death. In 1701 he was made Governor of Deal Castle ; in 1709, Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty, and Admiral and Commander-in-Chief of the Fleet; in 1718 he was raised to the Peerage of Ireland by the title of Baron Aylmer and Baron of Balrath.

    Q/Ueen Mary, in recognition of the services of the fleet at the battle of Cape la Hogue, had ordered the Royal Palace of Greenwich to be converted into an hospital for disabled seamen, and Lord Aylmer was made first Governor of Greenwich and Ranger of Greenwich Park.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 217

33. Order to transport Popish inhabitants of Lackagh to the Barbadoes

    Lackagh · parish · Kildare · 1655

    Following the murder at Lackagh, Colonel Hewson and others were ordered to cause all Irish Popish inhabitants of the town where the murder occurred to be sent under guard to Waterford, for transportation to the Barbadoes or other Plantation Islands.

    Read the passage

    “Whereas, by a Declaration bearing date 18 April last, it was declared (in order to prevent the many murtbers, rapines, thefts, burnings, and spoils, that were commonly done and committed on the poor inhabitants of this nation), that watch and ward, hue and cry, should be duly kept and observed in all the provinces of Ireland according to law, and the many declarations formerly published to that purpose put in execution ; and whereas, this board is informed that there hath been a barbarous murther lately committed in the County Kildare, upon Denis Brennan and Murtogh Turner, Protestants (and persons lately in the service of the State and pay of the army), at the Castle of Leckey in the said county, to the great terror of the rest of the peaceable inhabitants of the County. It is ordered that Colonel Jolm Ilewson, Major Anthony Morgan, and Lieut. -Colonel Hewetsoii, or any two of them, do fortliwith repair into the said place where the fact was done, and secure all the inhabitants thereof, and inform themselves by all due ways and means how the said murther was committed, and by whom, and that they do send for all such parties, and examine such witnesses as they shall think fit upon oath, touching the maimer thereof, and how the said murtherers may be discovered and apprehended ; and whether they have any abettors, harbourers, and countenancers, that are of their friends, kinsmen, or others, in the said town or county. And upon due enquiry into the whole matter of the fact, the said Col. Hewson, Major Morgan, and Lieut. -Colonel Hewetson, or any two of them, are to cause all the Irish inhabitants of the said town where the murther was committed, that are of the Popish religion, to be sent under safe guard into Waterford, to the end that they may be speedily transported to the Barbadoes, or some other of the Plantation Islands belonging to his Highness and the Commonwealth, in America. And that they also commit to the nearest gaol such others as they shall suspect to have been either Principles or Accessaries, or otherwise abettors to the murther aforesaid, to be kept in safe custod}' until thej^ be delivered by due course of law , they are also to examine witnesses upon oath concerning the same, and to bind them over by recognizance to prosecute on behalf of his Highness and the Commonwealth; and that in the mean time the said Colonel Hewson, Major IMorgan, and Lieut. -Colonel Hewetson, or any two of them, cause their respective estates to be inventoried and secured. And to retiii n an account of their proceedings herein unto this Board with all convenient speed.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 185

34. Sir Thomas FitzGerald of Lackagh dies at Battle of Stoke, 1487

    Lackagh · parish · Kildare · 1484–1487

    Sir Thomas FitzGerald of Lackagh, likely the builder of the castle, resigned as Lord Chancellor of Ireland to join the Lambert Simnel rebellion. He was among those slain when the invading force was utterly defeated by King Henry's army at Stoke in Nottinghamshire.

    Read the passage

    In the year 1486, Edward, Earl of Warwick, son of George Duke of Clarence, the last male Plantagenet, was a prisoner in the Tower of London. Early in this year a report was spread that he had made his escape, and in the following year Lambert Simne],wlio represented himself to be the young Prince, landed in Dublin with several English noblemen, together with a force of 2000 Germans sent by the Duchess of Burgundy, sister of King^Edward IV. Gerald, the 8th Earl of Kildare, Sir Thomas’s eldest brother, then Lord Deputy, was deceived, and at once acknowledged him as the real heir to the tlirone. His example was followed by almost the whole of the gentry of the Pale, “ or English land.” Simnel was proclaimed king by the title of Edward VI., and on Whit Sunday was taken to Christ Church Cathedral in great state, where the ceremony of coronation was performed, a crown being borrowed from the statue of the Blessed Virgin in the neighbouring Church of St. Marie del L)am for the occasion. Simnel was tlien carried from the Cathedral to the Castle on the shoulders of a gigantic Meath knight, known as “ Great Darcy of Platten.” An invasion of England was now resolved on. A large force of Irish and Anglo-Irish was raised by the Earl of Kildare ; these, with the Germans, all under the command of the Earl of Lincoln, set sail from Dublin in June, 1487. Sir Thomas, in order to accompany them, resigned the Chancellorship. The invading force landed at Foudrey in Lancashire, and eventually came into collision with King Henry’s army at Stoke in Nottinghamshire. The result of the battle was the utter defeat of the Simnel army with great slaughter. Among the slain lay the body of Sir Thomas of Lackagh.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 175

35. The Lia Fail moved and marked as grave of the '98 Croppies at Tara

    Tara · parish · Meath · 1798

    The ancient Stone of Destiny, the Lia Fail, upon which pagan kings of Ireland were crowned, was erected in the centre of the Forradh earthwork at Tara shortly after 1798 to mark the grave of the 37 Croppies, having been moved from its former position beside the mound called Duma na Gall.

    Read the passage

    The Pagan kings of Ireland were crowned on the “ Lia Fail,” or Stone of Destiny, which is said still to exist at Tara, and now stands in the centre of one of the ancient earth works (the “ Forradh ”), having been erected there shortly after ’98 to mark “the grave of the 37 Croppies”; its former position was on the side of a mound called “ Duma na Gall,” within the

    THE PRESENT CO. KILDARE WAS FORMED. 163

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun

36. Burning of the Dun of Naas by Cormac Mac Art

    Naas · town · Kildare · 277

    The Dun or Fort of Naas at North Moat, built by Luighdech Eithlenn and called Lys Luighdech, was burnt by Cormac Mac Art around 277 A.D. to avenge the massacre of thirty royal maidens by Dunlang, King of Leinster.

    Read the passage

    About 277 A.D. — The Dun or Fort of Naas (on North Moat), built by Luighdech Eithlenn, and hence called Lys Luighdech, was burnt by Cormao Mac (or son of) Art, a powerful King of Ireland, whose laws remained in force throughout the middle ages, to avenge the massacre by Dunlang, King of Leinster, of thirty royal maidens with a large number of their attendants.

    During the 44 years of St. Patrick’s ministry (425 to 469 A.D.) he paid several visits to Naas. The site of his pupal or tent is in the green of the fort, now St. David’s Churchj^ard ; his well, where he in 448 baptized Dubhlang’s two sous, Oillill and Illann, and Oillill’s two daughters, Moaghain and Fiedelm, is in the elder grove at Oldtown. He also baptized at Sunday’s Well, near Millbrook, east of Corban’s Mill, and half way between Fryary Eoad and the Eailway. The Ordnance MSS. state that a “ Patron ” was held at stated periods at Sunday’s Well in old times.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 127

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is the town of Naas. About 277, the Dun or Fort of Naas stood on North Moat. It was built by Luighdech Eithlenn, and from him it took the name Lys Luighdech. Cormac Mac Art, a powerful King of Ireland, whose laws remained in force throughout the middle ages, burned that fort. He did it to avenge the massacre by Dunlang, King of Leinster, of thirty royal maidens with a large number of their attendants. Later, during the 44 years of Saint Patrick's ministry, from 425 to 469, he paid several visits to Naas. The site of his tent is in the green of the fort, now Saint David's churchyard. His well, where in 448 he baptised Dubhlang's two sons, Oillill and Illann, and Oillill's two daughters, Moaghain and Fiedelm, stands in the elder grove at Oldtown. He also baptised at Sunday's Well, near Millbrook, east of Corban's Mill, halfway between the Friary Road and the railway.

37. Destruction of relics at Downpatrick under Lord Leonard Grey

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 1500–1599

    During the deputyship of Lord Leonard Grey in the sixteenth century, the relics of the three saints at Down were destroyed, but St. Brigid's head was saved by clergy who carried it abroad.

    Read the passage

    Others will liave it that John De Courcy got some of her relics transported there, in order to increase the importance of Down, which was the capital of his possessions. It would seem that the precise place where tlie bodies of the three Saints were laid was somehow forgotten. It is said that it was revealed to Bishop Malachy in 1189, and tliat the remains were transferred with great solemnity into tlie interior of the church soon after. When the relics of these Saints were destroyed, in the sixteenth eentury, during the deputyship of Lord Leonard Grray, St. Brigid’s head was saved by some of the clergy, who carried it to IMeustadt, in Austria. In 1587 it was presented to the ehurch of the Society of Jesus at Lisbon by the Emperor Budolph II.

    A few words in conclusion on the extent of the veneration shown to this saint. “ So famous is the renown of this holy virgin,” says Hector Boetius, “that the Scots, the Piets, the Irish, and those who live near them, the English, put her next after the Virgin Mother of God.” And Alanus Copus: “She is most famous, not only among the Scots, the English, and the Irish, but churches are named after her throughout the whole W'orld.” “ Her feast,” F. Stephen White tells us, “ was celebrated in every cathedral church from the Grisons to the German Sea, for nearly a thousand years.” Cogitosus, in a passage given above, speaks of the veneration in which she was held by all the abbesses of the Scoti. The Book o f Leinster gives a list of some thirty religious houses of women which

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 124

38. Englishmen Drowned by Rapparees at Sigginstown Millpond

    Sigginstown · townland · Wexford · 1690

    In 1690, two strangers, Englishmen, were taken from John Lawlor's house by Rapparees, coupled like dogs, and drowned in the millpond at Sigginstown, as recorded in the parish burial records.

    Read the passage

    Feb. 27, 1690 — ‘‘2 Strangers buried which was taken out of John Lawlor’s house by tlie Eapparees, and cuppled like dogs and drowned them in the millpond at Sigginstown ; the said strangers were Englishmen.”

    Feb. 15, 1683 — “Buried James Carey, Clk. He was formerly a Popish Priest.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 199

39. Grangemellon Castle plundered by Owen Roe O'Neill's forces, 1641

    Grangemellon · townland · Kildare · 1641

    The castle at Grangemellon, then in the occupation of Sir Erasmus Borrowes, was plundered by rebels in 1641 under General Owen Roe O'Neill, who assembled 10,000 men two miles from Athy on Easter Sunday. The English army retreated towards Dublin, leaving companies to garrison Athy, and the castle was later recaptured by the King's troops.

    Read the passage

    After this Grraugemellon became the property of Sir Erasmus Borrowes, Bart., in whose occupation the castle was when it was plundered by the rebels in 1641, who, under Greneral Owen Eoe O’Neil, on April 10th (Easter Sunday), assembled, two miles from Athy, on the river Barrow, numbering 10,000, with forty colours, and “ sent out their horse over against Grrangemellon,” whereupon the English army retreated towards Dublin, “ leaving, in and about Athy, Captain Erasmus Borrowes, Captain Grimes, Captain Thomas Weldon, and the two Captains Pigott, with their companies, 300 whereof was part of our army.” The castle was subsequently recaptured and garrisoned by the King’s troops.

    Sir Erasmus died in 1656, leaving a son. Sir Walter Borrowes, who married, 16th February, 1656, Lady Eleanor, f third daughter of George, sixteenth Earl of Kildare (the “ Fairy Earl”).

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 74

40. Kildare renamed from Drumcree after St. Bridget's cell under an oak

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 470

    Kildare's ancient name was Drumcree ('the Ridge of Clay') until around 470 AD, when St. Bridget settled there and built her cell under a large oak tree, giving rise to the name Cill Kara ('the Church of the Oak').

    Read the passage

    The ancient name of Kildare was Drumcree,” or, “the Uidge of Clay.” It obtained its present name about the year ‘170, when St. Bridget, the Mary of Ireland, after she took the veil, settled there, and built her little cell under a large oak tree ; from this incident it was known as “ Gill Kara,” or, “ the Clnirch of the Oak”; and in time as St. Bridget’s fame increased the name extended to the neighbouring town and district, till eventually the importance of this religious establishment became so great that when the Bale, or the English land, was divided into counties in the reign of King John “ Kildare ” was selected as the name for tliis county, which comprises portions of the ancient territories of Carbury, Offaly, Ofl'elan, and Omurethy. In the latter end of the tenth century tlie trunk of St. Bridget’s Oak is mentioned by Cogitosus, Jlishop of Kildare, as still standing and much venerated and sought after for its miraculous curing powers.

    St. Bridget’s festival is held on the 1st of February. She was the daughter of distinguished parents : her father was Dubhtach, a descendant of Eochy, brother of the famous Conn of the Hundred Battles, and her mother was named Brotseach. She was born at Faughart, in the Co. Louth, in the middle of the fifth century, and after a charitable and holy life she died in her 70th year on the 1st of February, 523. Her hod}^ was buried beside the high altar, and a couple of centuries later her relics were enshrined, and in the year 835 they were removed for safety to the cathedral church of Downpatrick, and placed beside the relics of St. Patrick and St. Columbkille.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 65

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Kildare, you pass through a place once called Drumcree, the Ridge of Clay. Around the year 470, St. Bridget settled here after taking the veil and built her little cell under a large oak tree. From that the place became known as Cill Dara, the Church of the Oak, and as her fame grew the name spread to the neighbouring town and district. The oak itself endured. Cogitosus, Bishop of Kildare, writing in the latter end of the tenth century, mentions the trunk of St. Bridget's oak still standing, much venerated and sought after for its miraculous curing powers. Bridget was born at Faughart in County Louth in the middle of the fifth century, the daughter of Dubhtach, a descendant of Eochy, brother of Conn of the Hundred Battles. She died on the 1st of February, 523, in her 70th year, and was buried beside the high altar. A couple of centuries later her relics were enshrined, and in 835 they were removed for safety to the cathedral church of Downpatrick and placed beside the relics of St. Patrick and St. Columbkille.

41. Legend of the monkey saving the infant Earl at Woodstock Castle

    Woodstock Castle · castle · Kildare

    Tradition holds that John Fitz Thomas, later First Earl of Kildare, was forgotten as an infant during a fire alarm at Woodstock Castle near Athy, and was found safely held by a pet ape on a tower; the grateful Earl thereafter adopted a monkey as his crest and supporters.

    Read the passage

    One of the traditions in connection with the origin of the monkey as the crest of the Offaly Gieraldines is the following: — John Fitz Thomas, afterwards First Earl of Kildare (who died 1316), whilst an infant was in the Castle of Woodstock, near Athy, when there was an alarm of fire. In the confusion tliat ensued the child was forgotten ; and when the servants returned to search for him the room in whicli he lay was found in ruins. Soon after this a noise was heard on one

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 77

    As the companion tells it

    Right beside the road here is Woodstock Castle, near Athy. Tradition says that John Fitz Thomas, later First Earl of Kildare, who died in 1316, was forgotten here as an infant when a fire alarm sounded. The servants fled, and when they returned the room where he lay was in ruins. Then a noise was heard on one of the towers, and the child was found safe, held by a pet ape. In gratitude, the Earl took the monkey as his crest and supporters.

42. Lord Moore killed by cannon ball fired from Portlester Castle

    Portlester · townland · Meath · 1643

    In 1643 the second Viscount Drogheda, Lord Moore, was killed by a cannon ball fired from Portlester Castle by a party of Owen Roe O'Neill's men who held it against the Parliamentarians. This event gave rise to a satirical Latin epigram about the killing.

    Read the passage

    In 1462 G-eorge, Duke of Clarence, who was then Viceroy, appointed Sir Eowland FitzEustace as his Deputy. Sir Eowland was accused of traitorous acts in reference to the assumption of tlie kingly authority by the Earl of Desmond, when Tiptoft, Earl of Worcester, was Viceroy. An attempt was made to substantiate the charge. On the execution of the Earl of Desmond Sir Eowland was arraigned before the Viceroy by Sir John Gilbert for having incited the Earl of Desmond to assume the kingship of Ireland, and for engaging tliat he and all the land would accept him in preference to Edward IV. Fitz- Eustace denied the charge indignantly ; and when the day to bring forward his proofs came, Gilbert did not appear. Fearing the consequences of his false accusation, he withdrew beyond the reach of FitzEustace’s just wrath, and joined the O’Conors in making war on the Deputy. The result was that he was attainted as a traitor by the very Parliament which acquitted FitzEustace of treason. Sir Eowland married a daughter of J enico D’Artois, ancestor of the Gormanstowii family, and he took his title of Portlester from the manor and castle of Portlester, which lie acquired through her. Portlester is near Trim. In 1643 the second Viscount Drogheda, commonly known as Lord Moore, ancestor of the Marquis of Drogheda, was killed hy a cannon ball fired from this castle by a party of Owen Eoe O’Neill’s men, who held it against the Parliamentarians. This gave rise to the ioWowing jeti-de-Jiwf'S : —

    Contra Romanos mores, res mira ! dynasta

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 90

43. Massacre at Gibbet Rath on the Curragh

    Curragh · townland · Kildare · 1798

    After the massacre at Gibbet Rath on the Curragh, the insurgents under Aylmer's generalship maintained a fugitive and partizan warfare for many weeks, cutting off enemy supplies and harassing their marches.

    Read the passage

    To the Painstowii Aylmers belonged William, one of the last of those soldiers of fortune whom Ireland has produced in such abundance. He was the intimate friend of Lord Edward Fitz Grerald, by wliom he was persuaded to Join the United Irishmen. Upon the arrest of Lord Edward, William Aylmer was given the command of the rebels in Kildare. “ After tlie massacre at Gibbet Hath on tlie Curragh the insurgents maintained for many weeks, under the skilful generalship of Aylmer a fugitive and partizan warfare, cutting off the enemy’s supplies, storming their outposts, and harassing their marches with a fertility and boldness of invention, and a raj)idity of execution which overcame all disadvantages. On June lOth he attacked and took possession of Maynooth, driving out the Government forces under the Duke of Leinster. It was under his command that the rebels burnt Courtown, and would have burnt Donadea but for the information that their own friends had lodged many valuable articles in it for safe custody. Aylmer did not lay down his arms until the complete and final suppression of the rebellion. He ultimately capitulated to General Dundas, and was pardoned, on condition of going into exile.

    ^Vhlliam Aylmer entered the Austrian service and rose to the rank of Colonel of Cavalry, and commanded the escort that accompanied Marie Louise from Paris to Vienna after the fall of Napoleon. He also visited London in the suite of the Emperor of xVustria in 1814. Many years afterwards he was selected by the Emperor to instruct the British cavalry in the Austrian system of tactics, and was presented by the Prince of Wales with a s[)lendid sword of honour.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 214

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Curragh, in 1798, there was a massacre at Gibbet Rath. After it, the insurgents kept up a fugitive and partisan warfare for many weeks under the command of William Aylmer. He was from the Painstown Aylmers, one of the last soldiers of fortune Ireland produced. He was an intimate friend of Lord Edward Fitzgerald, who persuaded him to join the United Irishmen. When Lord Edward was arrested, Aylmer was given command of the rebels in Kildare. Under his generalship they cut off the enemy's supplies, stormed their outposts, and harassed their marches with a boldness and rapidity of execution that overcame all disadvantages. On June 10th he attacked and took Maynooth, driving out the government forces under the Duke of Leinster. The rebels burnt Courtown under his command, and would have burnt Donadea too, but for the information that their own friends had lodged many valuable articles in it for safe custody. Aylmer did not lay down his arms until the complete suppression of the rebellion. He ultimately capitulated to General Dundas and was pardoned, on condition of going into exile. He entered the Austrian service, rose to Colonel of Cavalry, and commanded the escort that accompanied Marie Louise from Paris to Vienna after the fall of Napoleon. He visited London in 1814 in the suite of the Emperor of Austria. Years later the Emperor selected him to instruct the British cavalry in the Austrian system of tactics, and the Prince of Wales presented him with a splendid sword of honour.

44. O'Neill's relief force slaughters Preston's men at Athy monastery

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1648

    O'Neill sent reinforcements which crossed the Barrow at the ford between Rheban and Athy, routed a detachment of Preston's troops, and cut down the Leinstermen in the bawn, garden and cloisters of the monastery; survivors drowned in the Barrow and Preston retreated toward Carlow.

    Read the passage

    ment of Preston’s troops, who held tlie only ford on tlie river between Pheban and the town. Putting these to llight, tliey crossed the Barrow and proceeded to regain possession of tlie monastery. The Leinster men made a stout resistance, but were literally liewn to pieces in tlie bawn, garden, and cloisters of tlie monasteiy. Those who escaped the swords of the Ulstermen were drowned in the Barrow. Preston, seeing that his case was desperate, retreated towards Carlow. — (“ AplioriiiDncal Discovenj,^^ apud liev. C. P. Mecdian.)

    The south-east gateway of Athy was standing until lately. It was pulled down in 1860, being regarded as an obstruction to traffic. The immediate cause of its removal was an accident, resulting in the death of Mr. Trench of Kilmoroney, tliere, at the period named. It received its name of Preston’s Cate, probably from the fact that Preston, the Ceneral of the Confederates, passed through it in 1648 on his retreat towards Carlow.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 53

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Athy, a town the road passes through. In 1648, O'Neill sent reinforcements across the Barrow at the only ford between Rheban and Athy. They routed a detachment of Preston's troops and pushed on to take back the monastery. The Leinstermen who held it put up a stout resistance but were cut down in the bawn, garden, and cloisters. Those who escaped the swords of the Ulstermen drowned in the Barrow. Preston, seeing his case was desperate, retreated towards Carlow. The town's south-east gateway was still standing until 1860, when it was pulled down after an accident there killed Mr. Trench of Kilmoroney. It was called Preston's Gate, probably because Preston passed through it on his retreat in 1648.

45. Siege and burning of Donadea Castle, defended by Lady Ellen Butler

    Donadea · townland · Kildare · 1641

    While Sir Andrew Aylmer was imprisoned and tortured in Dublin Castle, his wife Lady Ellen Butler bravely defended Donadea castle, which was besieged and had the greater part of it burnt by royal forces.

    Read the passage

    Donadea originally belonged to tlie BermiTigham family, but it came at an early date into the possession of the Aylmers. When Gerald Aylmer was knighted in 159S he resided at Donadea, it having been bestowed on him by Bichard Aylmer of Lyons. He was a lawyer, and in 1583 went to England as solicitor, for the chiefs ot the pale, noblemen and gentlemen of Meath, to Queen Elizabeth, for redress of the “ intolerable charge of cess.” For the part he took in this remonstrance Gerald Aylmer was imprisoned, and on June 14, 1588, petitioned the Lord Treasurer, setting forth his grievous imprisonment of ninety days, and praying that he may be referred to Ireland for further punishment, if it be needful. In 1591 Gerald Aylmer, having again gone to London, without leave, on behalf of the Boman Catholic gentry, was imprisoned in the Marshalsea. Notwithstanding this, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1598. Under James I. Sir Gerald Aylmer was again agent for the chiefs of the Pale in the dispute regarding the cess, and the arrangement made in the reign of Queen Elizabeth was then confirmed. In 1621 King James made him a baronet. He died in 1624, leaving his son Sir Andrew Aylmer. Sir Andrew married Lady Ellen Butler, sister of the Duke of Ormonde, who took the politics of her husband, and when he was in prison under torture in Dublin Castle, bravely defended his castle of Donadea when it was besieged and the greater part of it burnt by the royal forces. After liis release Sir Andrew took no active part in politics, and the Act of Settlement preserved to him all his properties and riglits. Pie died in 1662. The period of the Bestoration and the years succeeding it were favourable to the fortunes of the Donadea family. Not only were their old estates restored, and tlie estates of Allen and Culduhe bestowed upon them; but in 1670 Sir FitzGerald Aylmer received a specific grant of 9000 acres in Kildare, and 1600 acres in Sligo. Many of these lands were, however, sold in 1705 on account of the debts of Sir Justine Aylmer the fifth baronet. Sir Utz Gerald Aylmer, seventh baronet, born the year of his father’s death, was brought up as a Protestant, under tlie sole care of his mother and her relations, who were all supporters of the House of Hanover. His son. Sir Fenton Aylmer, in 1804, purchased from Squire Connolly of Castletown tlie pack of foxhounds which the latter had been the first to introduce into Kildare. It was during his master-

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 215

46. St. David's Day customs in Naas and the Welsh regiment incident

    Naas · town · Kildare

    Until the close of the 18th century it was an annual custom in Naas to wear a green leek in honour of St. David, which once nearly caused a violent clash with a marching Welsh regiment who mistook the custom for mockery until their shared patron saint was explained.

    Read the passage

    Up to the close of the 18th century it was an annual custom in Naas to wear the green leek in honour of St. David. This once nearly led to a rupture with a Welsh regiment marching through the town, who, thinking their national custom was being ridiculed by the men of Naas, were proceeding to violence when the fact of their having a common patron Saint, being explained to them, turned the current of their wrath into a flow of fellowship and alcohol.

    August 3, 1580. — Naas garrisoned by 500 men, under Lord Gormanstown.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 132

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Naas, in Kildare. Until the close of the 18th century, the men of this town wore a green leek each year in honour of St. David. One year a Welsh regiment marching through took it as mockery of their own national custom and were about to turn violent. When someone explained that the two groups shared a common patron saint, their anger gave way to fellowship and drink. Naas was also garrisoned by 500 men under Lord Gormanstown on August 3, 1580.

47. The Wogan family castle at Rathcoffey

    Rathcoffey · townland · Laois

    The Wogan family was long settled at Rathcoffey, about two miles out of Clane, where they had a castle; Sir Charles Wogan of this family was a staunch adherent of the Stuarts who undertook a famous rescue of Princess Clementina Sobieski.

    Read the passage

    beginning of the Hebellion of 1798 at Prosperous ; but since time forbids, I shall only ask you to allow me to conclude these notes with the romantic adventure in which a gentleman belonging to an ancient family, connected with Clane in bygone days, played a remarkable part. The Wogan family was long settled at Pathcoffey, about two miles out of Clane, where they had a castle. Nor were they undistinguished. The adventure of which I am about to speak was undertaken by one of these, Sir Charles Wogan, a staunch adherent of the Stuarts. You may remember that the Old Pretender, as he was called, James Pdward Francis Stuart, son of King James II., by Ids second wife, Mary of Modena, married the Princess Clementina Sobieski, granddaughter of John Sobieski, King of Poland. The marriage would never have taken place but for the part played by Sir Charles Wogan. In the first place he negotiated the alliance ; wheu, however, it had been agreed u[)on, difficulties arose in consecjuence of the opposition offered hy the Court of England. Hearing of this, her parents proposed that the Princess should be secretly conducted to Bologna, and there married. Accompanied by her mother, she hastily set out from Poland to cross the Alps, but by the orders of the Emperor Charles YI., they were arrested at Innspruck in the Tyrol, and confined in a neighbouring convent. At this crisis, when both James and Clementina regarded their union as an impossibility. Sir Charles Wogan undertook to rescue the Princess and bring her safe to her expectant bridegroom. He obtained from the Austrian Ambassador a passport for one Count Cernes, who was supposed to be returning with his family from Loretto to the Low Countries. Two of Wogan’s friends, a Major and ]\rrs. Misset, passed themselves off as the pretended Count and Ills wife. Wogan represented the Countess’s brother, and Jenny, ^frs. IMisset’s maid, passed as the Count’s sister.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 29

48. 1454 petition describing violence in County Kildare

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1454

    Residents of County Kildare, including the Portreeves and Commons of Naas, petitioned the Lord Lieutenant in 1454 describing widespread destruction, burning of towns and parish churches, and people too fearful to travel to market towns for dread of being slain or robbed.

    Read the passage

    to be destrued sethen the conquest of this lande as it is now, for the trew liege people in this partiss dar ne may not appier to the Eyn ges Courtes in the said lande, ne noon other of the trew liege people ther to go ne ride to market townes ne other places for dred to be slayne to take other spouled of thar godes also the mysrule and mysgovernaunce had done and daily continued by divers persons.’’

    It describes how certain parties “ came into the said counte of Kyldare and ther brant and destrued dy vers and many towne and paroche chirches of the trew liege people and toke dyvers of them prisoners and spouled them of their godes and did so gret oppressionne in the county of Kyldare and in the counte and liberty of Mith that vijxx (27) townes and more which was. well inhabite in the feste of Seynte Michel lass passed been now wasted and destrued,” etc. (See Comerford.)

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 130

    As the companion tells it

    You are near Naas, the Kildare town whose residents sent a desperate petition to the Lord Lieutenant in 1454. The Portreeves and Commons of Naas joined other County Kildare residents in describing how armed parties came into the county and burned many towns and parish churches, took prisoners, and spoiled them of their goods. They said the misrule continued daily, and that the true liege people dared not ride to market towns or other places "for dred to be slayne" or robbed of their goods. The petition claimed that 27 towns and more, well inhabited the previous Michaelmas, were now wasted and destroyed across Kildare and the liberty of Meath.

49. Burning of Maynooth in the rebellion of Silken Thomas

    Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1535

    Chief Justice Sir Gerald Aylmer was one of the commanders of the force which, during the rebellion of 'Silken Thomas,' burnt the town of Maynooth in 1535.

    Read the passage

    Sir Gerald Aylmer, the first of the Meath family, was appointed by Henry YIII. Justice of tlie Court of Common Pleas, 1532. It is related that when the king desired to promote him the Earl of Shrewsbury opposed his preferment, representing him as an ignorant man and unfit for office. At tlie request of liis minister Cromwell, liowever, the king had discourse with hill), and, asking him, among other things, the true reason of the decay of Ireland, Aylmer answered that it was because the estated men who used to reside and defend their lands and tenants did now generally dwell in England, and left Ireland a prey to the natives, but that if his Highness would oblige them to residence or seize their estates to his own use if tliej^ did not, he would soon find a reformation. The result of this advice was the Act of Absentees in 1536, whereby, among others, the Earl of Shrewsbury forfeited his estates. This Chief Justice Aylmer was one of the commanders of the force which in the rebellion of “ Silken Thomas ” burnt the town of Maynooth in 1535, and was sent to England by the Lord Deputy, in charge of the five Geraldines who, with their nephew the tenth Earl of Kildare, were hung, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn. In 1539 he accompanied the Lord Deputy in expedition against O’Neill, and was knighted on the field of battle for his service and valour, and received the grant of the manor and Lordship of Dollardstown.

    James, the sixth in descent from Sir Gerald Aylmer, was the last Aylmer of Dollardstown. He was outlawed for high treason, committed in 1641, and his property forfeited. Many of the family who suffered for their share in this rebellion had their lands restored to them; but Dollardstown was never restored.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 216

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Maynooth, you are moving through a town that was put to the torch in 1535 during the rebellion of Silken Thomas. The burning was carried out by a royal force whose commanders included Chief Justice Sir Gerald Aylmer. Aylmer had been appointed to the Court of Common Pleas by Henry the 8th in 1532, over the objections of the Earl of Shrewsbury, who called him ignorant and unfit for office. The king's minister Cromwell arranged for the king to speak with Aylmer directly, and when asked the cause of Ireland's decay, Aylmer answered that the landed men who once lived among their tenants and defended their lands now generally dwelt in England, leaving Ireland, as he put it, "a prey to the natives." His advice led to the Act of Absentees in 1536, by which the Earl of Shrewsbury forfeited his own estates. After Maynooth was burnt, Aylmer was sent to England by the Lord Deputy, in charge of five Geraldines who, with their nephew the 10th Earl of Kildare, were hung, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn. He was knighted on the field of battle in 1539 during an expedition against O'Neill, and received the manor of Dollardstown. That estate stayed in his family until James Aylmer, sixth in descent from Sir Gerald, was outlawed for high treason in 1641, and Dollardstown was never restored.

50. Celtic High Crosses of Castledermot as Sanctuary Monuments

    Castledermot · town · Kildare

    Margaret Stokes described the two high crosses at Castledermot as among the oldest and most interesting in Ireland, explaining that they functioned as sanctuary crosses beneath which a fugitive could find safety, as well as depicting scripture stories in their panels.

    Read the passage

    The two high crosses which I have been asked to show you to-day, appear to be two of the oldest as well as the most interesting I have yet seen in Ireland. These monuments should not be approached as sepulcliral. They were sanctuary crosses, beneath the sliadow of whicli a fugitive found safety ; but they were also crosses of tlie Scripture — epitomes of the Bible story, as was the cross at Clonmacnois, named in the “Annals of the Four Masters” “ Cross-na-Screaptra.” Thus these high crosses of Ireland in their panels offer a series of subjects which should be explained by the same method that foreign antiquaries have adopted for interpreting the sculptures on the facades and porches of the great cathedrals of France or Milan, or the Certosa of Pavia. This method is based on the systems of image-writing necessarily adopted for teacliing the salient truths of Christianity before printing was invented and the masses had learned to read manuscript IBibles. The interpreter of these crosses should come equipped with tliree kinds of knowledge — first, that of the methods of teaching the Bible message of salvation by type and antitype, such as the picture

    2 D

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 200

51. King William at Castledermot after the Boyne, 1690

    Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1690

    After the Battle of the Boyne, King William and his army reached Castledermot on 14 August 1690 en route to Limerick, where he received news of the defeat of his fleet by the French off Beachy Head.

    Read the passage

    1690 A.D. — After the Battle of the Boyne King William and his army, on their way to Limerick, reached Castledermot on the 14th of August. Plere he received tlie news of the defeat of his fleet by the French off Beachy Head. Bev. John Story, Army Chaplain, thus writes : — “ From Timmolin we marched to Castledermot. . . . Here the king received some packets from England, giving him a further account of his fleet and sea affairs, which was easily understood not to be very grateful, and.

    I'o face page 371,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 262

52. Legend of the human chain carrying bricks from Dublin

    Jigginstown · townland · Kildare

    A tradition held that the bricks used to build Jigginstown Castle were carried from Dublin by hand, passed along a chain of men. The author dismisses this as an absurd tradition, calculating it would have required around 20,000 men, far more than Strafford's standing army.

    Read the passage

    fis perfect in some places as when tliey were first erected. Thehricks used here are said to be old Dutch. But I am inclined to think that tliey were made by native workmen under the direction of Allen, who it is reasonable to suppose taught the natives here how to make bricks on the Dutch principle. There is a tradition that the bricks for this building were brought from Dublin by hand — i.e. a chain of men who passed the bricks down from Dublin, one to another. Now, wherever one dips in archseology in Ireland, one constantly meets with these absurd traditions. On the very face of it, this legend bears the stamp of impossibility, for — even supposing the roads at that time were too bad to permit of the transit of bricks by cart — if a chain of men such as I have described were utilized for this purpose, it would recpiire at a rough calculation some 20,000 men. Now, Strafford’s standing army was only 11,000, so he would have got little help by pressing it into his service. I venture to say that Strafford was by far too shrewA a man to adopt this method of carrying the bricks with which to build his castle.

    The length of this main block (not counting the corner wing) measures inside 418 ft., and the extreme width 47 ft. 4 in. A wall ran down the centre of this block, which sej)arated the apartments on either side. You will observe the fine fire- ])laces still remaining, which probably had stone chimneypieces, for portions of the stone still remain. These hearths were the prevalent ones in use in the seventeenth century, when wooden logs were used on iron dogs, generally with cast-iron fire-backs,, having tlie armsof tlie owner, orin many casestheKoyal Arms, impressed on tliem. All vestiges of these, however, have disappeared. The small moulded bricks lining the fireplaces are of foreign workmanship, and are doubtless Dutch. Beneath you will find a most magnificent range of vaulted cellars, with the plastering — and such plastering, too — still adhering to the walls. A well will also be found below, which probably was the water supply of the house.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 19

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Jigginstown, the ruins you are passing hold a strange story about their bricks. There is a tradition that the bricks for this building were brought from Dublin by hand, passed along a chain of men, one to another. The author who recorded this called it an absurd tradition. On the face of it, he said, the legend bears the stamp of impossibility. Even supposing the roads at that time were too bad for carts, a chain of men would require at a rough calculation some 20,000 men. Strafford's standing army was only 11,000, so he would have got little help by pressing it into service. Strafford was by far too shrewd a man to adopt this method. The bricks here are said to be old Dutch, but the author thought they were made by native workmen under the direction of Allen, who taught the natives how to make bricks on the Dutch principle. The main block measures inside 418 feet, with an extreme width of 47 feet 4 inches. A wall ran down the centre, separating the apartments on either side. Fine fireplaces still remain, which probably had stone chimneypieces. These hearths were prevalent in the seventeenth century, when wooden logs were used on iron dogs with cast-iron fire-backs, having the arms of the owner or the Royal Arms impressed on them. All vestiges of these have disappeared. The small moulded bricks lining the fireplaces are of foreign workmanship and are doubtless Dutch. Beneath, there is a magnificent range of vaulted cellars, with plastering still adhering to the walls. A well is also found below, which was probably the water supply of the house.

53. Malicious burning of St. James's Chapel in 1799

    Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1799

    St. James's Chapel at Castledermot, used as a Catholic place of worship, was maliciously burnt in 1799 by named local men including John Lennon of Ballitore and Thomas Connally, son of the charter schoolmaster, with the plot hatched in a shoemaker's house in the town.

    Read the passage

    Attached to this Friary was another chapel, dedicated to St. James, the patron of the district, of whicli one gable and portion of a sidewall remain. From under the site of the altar flowed St. James’s AVell, which a late [)arisli priest diverted to the other side of the gable. This chapel was fitted up and used as a place of worship by the Catholics until— as the writer of the Ordnance Survey Letter relates, who no doubt had it from some old inhabitant — “ it was maliciously burnt in 1799 by John Lennon, of liallitore ; Bill Lennon, of Ballacore ; Thomas Connally, of Oastledermot, the charter schoolmaster’s son ; and Billy Xing, the Devonsliire militiaman. The plot was hatched in Peter Graham’s, the shoemaker’s house, in Oastledermot, and the fire was carried in a kettle out of Wat Coleman’s house in Oastledermot.”

    The Protestant church and the burial-ground surrounding it occupy the site of the original hermitage of St. Liarmaid, and the monastery which sprung up around it. An ancient round tower here has been already described in the Journal of our Society, p. 77 ; it is 66J feet high ; its doorway, which, contrary to the usual custom, is only slightly above the ground level, is square-headed, the jambs inclining towards each other at top ; portion of these have been hacked away, probably tor tlie admission of the bell placed in it in the last century. The swathing of ivy in which it had been enveloped for at least a century and a-half has been lately removed, with advantage

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 265

54. M'Cabe's Tree and the highwayman's hideout near Dunfierth

    Dunfierth · townland · Kildare · 1700–1799

    M'Cabe's Tree, marked on Noble and Keenan's Map, was linked by local tradition to a notorious highwayman who hid in a hollow tree near the roadside to rob passers-by. He also lived in a cave under a small rath called 'the Baheen', the remains of which still exist near Dunfierth churchyard, though the tree itself has vanished.

    Read the passage

    On page 208 of the Joeenal, I asked for information as to “ M‘Cabe’s Tree,” which is marked on Koble and Keenan’s Map of the county Kildare. When recently in that neighbourhood, I gathered the following scrap of explanation from a man named Matt. Elannagan, who is employed as herd to Mr. MacDonnell, of Dunfierth House : — M‘Cabe, he said, he had heard from the old people, was a notorious highwayman in the last century, who hid in a hollow tree near the roadside, from which he issued to rob the passers-by ; he also lived in a cave under a small rath, called ‘ the Baheen,’ the remains of which still exist on the side of the road opposite where the tree stood, about half a mile to the west of the Dunfierth churchyard ; of the tree itself there is not now a trace left.

    Walter FitzGerald.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 285

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Dunfierth, M'Cabe's Tree once stood, marked on Noble and Keenan's map of County Kildare. A local herd named Matt Flannagan told the antiquarian Walter FitzGerald that M'Cabe was a notorious highwayman in the 1700s who hid in a hollow tree near the roadside, emerging to rob passers-by. He also lived in a cave beneath a small rath called the Baheen, the remains of which were still visible near Dunfierth churchyard. The tree itself has left no trace.

55. Queen Buan dies of grief and her grave, Coll Buana, marked by a hazel tree

    near Allen · population centre · Kildare · 33

    Returning from Tara, Queen Buan met Conall Cernach carrying her husband's head; on learning of his death she cried out so loudly it was heard at Tara and Allen, then cast herself down dead. Her grave was marked by a hazel tree that grew through it, called Coll Buana.

    Read the passage

    “ Then,” continues the old bardic historian, “ she lifted up her cry of lamentation, and it was heard even unto Tara and to Allen, and she cast herself backwards, and she was dead. On the road is her grave, even Coll Baana (that isj the hazel (coll) wliich grew through her grave.”

    Where is the grave that covers the gentle dust of this broken-hearted lady ? What spot of earth is consecrated hy the ashes of her who tells us from her tomb how pure and tender and true was the heart of an Irish wife centuries before the introduction of Christianity into our land, and how naturally the branch that produced a Euan should blossom into a Dyinpua or a Brigid ?

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 223

56. Sir John Athy captures a pirate, 1317

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1317

    In 1317 Sir John Athy, a native of the town, captured a noted pirate named Thomas Dover at sea, cut off his head and brought it to Dublin.

    Read the passage

    In 1317 Sir John Athy, a native of this town, took at sea a noted pirate named Thomas Dover, cut off his head and brought it to Dublin. — [Id.)

    In 1413 Sir John Talbot, afterwards Lord Furnivall, was appointed to the government of Ireland. This was the Sir John Talbot of Hallamshire, who afterwards, as Earl of Shrewsbury, was so conspicuous a warrior in the reign of Henry VI. He received the title of Lord Furnivall by courtesy through his wife, eldest daughter and heiress of William, the last Lord Furnivall. He maintained an able Government in Ireland on scanty means, his income for that purpose amounting to little more than £2600 a-year. Amongst the measures he took for the protection of the Pale was the erection of a fortress at Athy, where he also built a bridge. This we learn from a curious

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    Athy is the town you are coming into. In 1317 Sir John Athy, a native of this place, took a noted pirate named Thomas Dover at sea, cut off his head and brought it to Dublin. Nearly a century later, in 1413, Sir John Talbot, afterwards Lord Furnivall and then Earl of Shrewsbury, was appointed to the government of Ireland. He maintained an able government on scanty means, his income for the purpose amounting to little more than 2600 a year. Among the measures he took for the protection of the Pale was the erection of a fortress at Athy, where he also built a bridge.

57. Slaughter of the Irish of Imayle at Castledermot

    Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1315–1316

    The Lord Justice encountered the rebelling O'Byrnes, O'Tooles and O'Mores at Castledermot (Tristledermot) and made a great slaughter, killing about 400 of the Irish of Imayle.

    Read the passage

    O’Byrnes, O’Tooles, and O’Mores, overran and burned tlie country from Arklow to Leix. The Lord Justice, liowever, encountered them at Tristledermot, and made a great slaughter of them, killing about 400 of the Irish of Imayle. Whilst in possession of Castledermot, Bruce plundered the Franciscan Monastery, taking away the books, vestments, and church ornaments. He was overtaken near the town by the Lord Justice, and completely routed.

    1477 A.D. — A mint was established, and a Parliament also is said to have been held here this year.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 261

58. St Bridget's Day Breedoge custom carried house to house

    Kerry · county · Kerry

    Descriptions collected from County Mayo, Kerry and Cork describe children carrying a decorated effigy called the Breedoge (representing St Bridget) from house to house on St Bridget's Day or Eve, singing, dancing, and collecting money or eggs; in Kerry the custom was interrupted for a time due to fears of being mistaken for moonlighters.

    Read the passage

    Another from the Co. Kerry. — The Breedhogne is an image, supposed to he St. Bridget. It consists of a churn-dash, or broomstick, padded round with straw, and covered with a woman’s dress, the head being formed of a bundle of hay, rolled into the form of a hall ; the hands are formed of furze branches, stuck up in the sleeves. This figure is carried round from house to house by boys and girls on St. Bridget’s Eve. One boy starts a tune, and the others commence dancing, after which they are given pennies, or more generally eggs, in honour of the “Biddy.” No matter what the weather is, the Breedhogue is annually carried round, though since moonlighting commenced in Kerry it had to be discontinued for some time, owing to the fear of being mistaken for members of that band.

    A Co. Cork description. — In some parts of the county the boys dress up a female figure in a white dress with gaudy ribbons, which they call “a Breedhoge.” They are generally themselves queerly dressed and disguised. On St. Bridget’s Eve they visit from house to house in the parish, particularly those houses where there are young women who, they say, should get married during Shrove time. If they are welcomed, and given money for a spree, then they will praise up and recommend the girls to their male friends ; but if not, they will warn them to avoid them, — AYalteu Eitz Geeald.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 111

    As the companion tells it

    As the road carries you through Kerry, there is an old custom that belongs to this county, centred on St Bridget's Eve. Children here would carry a figure they called the Breedhogne, meant to represent St Bridget. It was made from a churn-dash or broomstick padded round with straw and dressed in a woman's clothing. The head was a bundle of hay rolled into a ball, and the hands were furze branches stuck into the sleeves. Boys and girls carried this figure from house to house. One boy would start a tune and the rest would begin dancing. After that they were given pennies, or more often eggs, in honour of the Biddy. They did this every year regardless of the weather. But there came a time when the custom had to stop for a while. Moonlighting had commenced in Kerry, and people were afraid that anyone carrying the Breedhogne at night might be mistaken for a member of that band. So for a time the figure did not go round the houses, and the tune was not started, and the eggs were not given. The custom waited until that fear had passed.

59. The Geraldine's Throw near Castledermot and the hillocks at Ballyvass

    Ballyvass · townland · Kildare

    A tradition recorded by Holinshed tells of a Geraldine ancestor of the lords of Lackagh who, pursued by the Earl of Kildare for rescuing stolen prey, hurled his dart in fury an extraordinary distance, marking the spot near Mullaghmast and Castledermot known as 'the Geraldine, his throw or cast.' Two natural hillocks on the townland of Ballyvass are said to correspond to this legendary throw.

    Read the passage

    “ Not farre from Moolleaghmast, within a mile of Castledermot, or Thristledermot, is there a place marked with two liillocks, which is named ‘ the Geraldine, his throw or cast,' the length of which in verie deed is wonderfull. The occasion proceeded of this : — One of the Geraldines, who was ancestor to those that now are lords of Lackath, preded an enemie of his. The Erie of Kildare having intelligence thereof, suppressing affection of kindred and moved by zeal of justice, pursued him with a great troope of horsemen, as the other was bringing of the prede homeward. The Geraldine having notice given him that the Erie was in hot pursnite, and therefore being warned by a messenger to hie him witli all speed possible: the gentleman being nettled that his kinsman should seem to rescue the prede of his deadlie foe : and he was in such fretting wise, frieing in his grease, he brake out in these cholericke words : — * And doth my cousine Kildare pursue me indeed, now in good faith, whereas he seemeth to be a supj)ressor of his kindred and an upholder of my mortal enemie, 1 would wish him no more harm than that this dart were as far in hisbodie as it shall stick forthwith in the ground.’ And therewithal! giving the spurres to his horse, he hurled his dart so farre as he was abashed with the length thereof, as well his companie as his ])osteritie. The Geraldine was not verie farre from thence, when the Earl with his band made hotfoot after, and dogging still the tracke of the predours, he came to the ])lace where the dart was hurled, where one pickthanke or other let the Erie to understande of the Geraldine his wild speeches there delivered. And to inhanse the heinousness of the offence he showed how farre he hurled his dart when he wished it to be pitched in his lordship his bodie. The Erie astonished at the length thereof said ; — ‘ Now in good sooth, my Cousin in behaving himself so courageoiislie is worthie to have the prede shot free ; and for my part I purpose not so much to stomach his choloricke wish, as to embrace his valiant prowess,’ and therewithal commanded the retreat to be blowne, and reculed back.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 176

60. Transportation of Lackagh prisoners including priests to Barbadoes

    Lackagh · parish · Kildare · 1655

    A list of nearly forty prisoners taken from Lackagh, including four Catholic priests, were ordered to be delivered to Captain Robert Coleman of the Wexford frigate for transportation via Waterford to the Barbadoes or other Plantation islands in America.

    Read the passage

    “ Ordered that Philip Peake, Esq., Marshall of the Four Courts at Dublin, do forthwith, upon receit hereof, deliver or cause to be delivered unto Captain Robert Coleman, commander of the “Wexford” frigate all such Popish Priests (other than such as are committed for Murther) as also the Prisoners brought out of the County Kildare, and committed to his custody for susj)icion of being privy to the Murther lately done at the town of Lackagh in the said county (except the two tliat are condemned to be lianged for the same), together with the reputed wife of Donough O’Derrick, alias Blind Donough,* in the custody of him the said Marshall to the end he the said Captain Coleman, may with the first opportunity of wdnd and weather, convey them with his ship and deliver them in safe custody to the Governor of Waterford, to be by him delivered unto Captain John Norris, Merchant there who is safely to keep the said Priests or other Prisoners abovesaid at his own charge, until he shall transport them forthwith for the Barl)adoes, or the otlier Plantation island in America. And the said Marsliall Peake is hereby further ordered to bring a perfect list of the said Priests or Persons, with all speed to the Clerk of the Council, the said Captain Norris having put in security for their scfe transportation as aforesaid.

    “ Dublin Castle, the 27t}i of November, IGoo. T. H. C. C.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 187